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, founded in Phoenician times, for overnight at the Tunisian 5-star Hotel Mouradi Palace in El Kantaoui. Afternoon visit to the medina in the old walled town and the 8th-century fortified monastery known as ‘the Ribat’.

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 oasis of Kebili, one of the centres for the Nefzaoua Berbers. 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 (bookable locally) by 4x4 vehicle through the desert 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. Alternatively, explore with a local guide the old medina at Tozeur and visit the Dar Cherait museum.

Day 7 Visit the Roman sites, temples, triumphal arch of Diocletian, baths, theatre and basilicas at the ancient city of Sufetula. 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 Hotel Mouradi Palace in El Kantaoui.

Day 8 Early morning transfer for the return flight to Gatwick.