Hannibal & Carthage

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Tunis and transfer to the Tunisian 5-star El Mouradi Gammarth Hotel near Tunis for two nights.

Day 2 Morning visit to the ancient Roman city of Dougga followed by the remains of the city of Carthage, founded in 800 BC.

Day 3 Visit the Bardo Museum in Tunis, home to extensive Numidian, Punic and Roman exhibits with time to explore the medina and the old town. Depart for Sousse, for a visit to the medina and the 8th-century fortified monastery known as ‘the Ribat’ for a lecture on Tunisia's history. Overnight at the 5-star Royal Thalassa Monastir.

Day 4 Continue south to the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of El Djem. Return inland to the troglodyte village of Matmata, whose cave dwellings have been inhabited for more than two thousand years. Continue to Douz – gateway to the Sahara – for overnight at the Tunisian 4-star Hotel Mouradi Douz.

Day 5 Optional camel ride in the desert before a departure to Tozeur via the salt lake Chott el Jerid. Visit the Dar Cherait Museum. Two nights at the Tunisian 4-star Hotel Mouradi Tozeur. Tozeur is renowned for its mineral springs, ancient irrigation system and Mesopotamian architecture.

Day 6 An optional visit by 4x4 vehicle towards the Algerian border to the oases of Tamerza, a carefully preserved old mud-brick village, and Chebika with dramatic views of the palmery and gurgling springs, and an afternoon optional 4x4 drive through the Saharan dunes (bookable locally).

Day 7 Visit the Roman sites, temples, triumphal arch of Diocletian, baths, theatre and basilicas at the ancient city of Sufetula (3 hrs). Continue to Kairouan and visit the Great Mosque of Sidi Oqba, the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi and the medina with its picturesque shops. Overnight at the 5-star Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa in Sousse.

Day 8 Return flight to Gatwick.