Tunisia and Rome Itinerary

El Djem Colosseum, Photo by Alexandre Moreau — Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

Deluxe Kosher Tours is proud to offer you a chance to embark upon a journey of discovery and adventure, an opportunity to visit the historically and culturally rich sites of the Mediterranean, where Classical history and Jewish history intertwine. Visit the city of Tunis — near the site of the proud ancient city of Carthage — where the mystique of North African exoticism is tinged with the elegance of the city’s French influences. We’ll also explore the island of Djerba, where Jews have lived for over 2500 years. The island houses two spectacular synagogues — one of which, according to legend, has housed one of the gates of the Second Temple since the 70 CE destruction of Jerusalem. Our adventure through history ends in the vibrant capital of the ancient world, Rome, “the city of the seven hills.”

Sunday, November 14, 2010 In Transit
Depart today on our flight to Tunisia.

Monday, November 15, 2010 Tunis
Upon arrival in Tunis we will be met at the airport by our Deluxe Kosher Tours representative and transferred to our first class hotel. The remainder of the morning is free to relax after the long flight.

Tunis, the mythical city Cartago of antiquity, was the ancient Roman capital of the region of “Ifriquia” for which the entire continent of Africa is now named. This incredible city has been home to Jews for millennia and has been a melting pot of cultures, traditions and races since the early days of the Roman Empire. At once mindful of its ancient past, with old quarters retaining exotic traditions, and cosmopolitan with trendy boulevards and elegant streets, Tunis is a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation.

After lunch our expert guides will meet us at the hotel and we’ll spend the afternoon in the Old Medina, exploring the souks and marveling at the architecture of its extraordinary mosques. In the early evening, we’ll visit the Beth Jacob Synagogue followed by introductions to members of the small but still-thriving Jewish community of Tunisia. We’ll celebrate our arrival with a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Tunis – Hammamet
In the morning we’ll be met at the hotel and escorted from the fabled city of Tunis to the sophisticated resort town of Hammamet. Located roughly 40 miles south of Tunis between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, Hammemet has been the most popular destination in the Tunisian Riviera since it was first “discovered” by American and European bohemians in the 1920’s.

The town is most famous for its long stretch of palm-fringed beach but is also home to baths that have been drawing visitors since Roman times. The center of town is dominated by a 15th Century medina and souk offering wares ranging from jewelry to carpets and donkeys to traditional kaftans and is the perfect place to practice the unique (and sometimes aggressive) brand of Tunisian haggling.

We’ll return to our hotel in the early evening.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Hammamet – Kairouan – Tozeur
This morning after breakfast we’ll depart from the resort town of Hammamet on the coast for the western steppes and the city of Kairouan, Islam’s fourth holy city (after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem) and the chief Islamic center of North Africa. Kairouan is the location of the first mosque in Africa and was home to a scholarly Jewish community during medieval times. We’ll visit the Great Mosque, established by the Arab general Okba Ibn Nefaa when he brought Islam into the Maghreb, as well as Zaouia Sidi Sahbi, known as the Barber’s Mausoleum, which contains the tomb of a companion of the prophet Mohammed. We’ll finish our tour with the basins of Aghlabides, two stone pools that stored water for the palace of Aghlabides. In addition to its rich history, Kairouan is a center for unique and authentic crafts including Kairouan carpets, famous throughout the world for their quality and the complexity of their Arab and Ottoman designs.

After lunch in a local restaurant we’ll continue on to Tozeur for the night.

Thursday, November 18, 2010 Tozeur – Nefta – Tozeur
Today our expert guides will lead us on an adventure into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains by four wheel drive jeep. Leaving Tozeur behind we’ll head to the small oasis villages of Tamerza & Chebika, small Berber communities near the foothills of the mighty Atlas Mountains overlooking a magnificent palm-fringed oasis. After exploring the towns we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Tozeur.

This afternoon we’ll take a tour of both the city and oasis of Tozeur including visits to the medina and the Dar Cheraït museum of traditional Tunisian folk art. The oasis of Tozeur has been an important stopping point for caravans journeying from the desert to the steppes since Roman times and is still known for the delicious dates that are cultivated here. After exploring the city we’ll journey off-road to the small village of Nefta, known for the quality of its handicrafts and vast garden-like oasis.

We’ll return to Tozeur and our hotel in the early evening. Tonight we’ll rejoin the group for a traditional Tunisian dinner accompanied by folk music and dancing.

Friday, November 19, 2010 Tozeur – Doez – Djerba
This morning we’ll depart Tozeur and head southeast to the city of Doez, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, home to a daily camel market and the annual Festival of the Sahara. En Route we’ll pass through the dry salt lake of Chott el Jerid, which at over 5000 square meters is the largest lake in Tunisia. This area is well known as the location of frequent mirages as the daily temperatures rise and the lake bed heats up.

We’ll stop briefly in Doez before continuing on to the Berber town of Matmata. This fascinating village is home to the “troglodyte” houses, structures that have been built underground to protect the villagers from the searing heat of the intense summer sun. We’ll explore some of these unique dwellings before having lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we’ll continue our journey to the incredible island of Djerba, largest in North Africa and a welcome and refreshing change of climate after the harsh desert landscapes. Upon arrival in the town of Mareth we’ll transfer to the ferry for the three mile trip to the island and our hotel.

Saturday, November 20, 2010 Djerba
We’ll spend Shabbat relaxing on the island or spending some time on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches of the island.

Sunday, November 21, 2010 Djerba
The idyllic island of Djerba has been associated with the legendary “Land of the Lotus Eaters” mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, cultivators of a fruit so delicious it made all those who ate it forget their past lives. Djerba hosts a fascinating array of sights and this morning’s tour will visit the Houmt-Souk, the main market of Djerba, and the famous synagogue Ghriba, which may date back to the sixth century. This important synagogue is the site of several ancient Torah scrolls that attract pilgrims from throughout North Africa. In the afternoon we’ll also visit two villages, Hara Kebira and Hara Sohira, which were once entirely Jewish, and marvel at the latter’s ornate medieval synagogue, one of the most exquisite in the world.

In the late afternoon we’ll return to the hotel for the night.

Monday, November 22, 2010 Djerba – El Djem – Sousse
This morning we’ll be met at our hotel and transferred to the mainland and back to the capital city of Tunis. Today’s drive will take us back in history as our first stop is the town of El Djem, home to the most impressive Roman remains on the African continent. El Djem was originally an important trading and political outpost for the Roman Empire as well as the home of one of the largest amphitheaters in the world, second only to Rome. We’ll have ample time to explore the ruins, visit the small historical museum and view the incredible mosaics.

After lunch in a local restaurant we’ll continue on to the small city of Sousse for the evening.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Sousse
Although Sousse is a small city and only two hours south of Tunis it has a rich history and its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean climate and welcoming hospitality have drawn visitors for centuries. The history of the city and its successive conquering cultures: Phoenicians, Byzantines, Romans and finally Arabs, can be seen in the blend of design styles throughout its narrow streets and white-washed buildings.

Today is free to explore the city, relax on the beach or do some last minute shopping before our departure for Rome. You may opt to spend the day sailing along the Mediterranean on a mini-cruise visiting beautiful beaches, swimming in the warm water and trying your hand at fishing.

We’ll spend our last night in Sousse at the hotel.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Sousse – Tunis – Rome
This morning we’ll be met at the hotel and transferred to the Tunis airport for out flight to Rome. Our Deluxe Kosher Tours representative will meet our flight and escort us to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and wander the charming narrow streets and sunny piazzas of Rome. After dinner at the hotel, we’ll take a moonlit walk among the Renaissance and Baroque architectural treasures of the city, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona: at once serenely beautiful and bustling with life.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 Rome
Today’s goal is to experience some of Rome’s ancient glory with visits to the major historical sites of the city. We’ll visit the ancient Coliseum, where gladiators once fought to the death, the Forum, center of Rome’s political and religious life, and the Arch of Hadrian, where you can reflect upon this monument to Hadrian’s destruction of the Second Temple. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring this storied city — perhaps a trip to the Vatican, with its beautiful and unparalleled collection of artwork, is in order?

Friday November 26, 2010 Rome
Today, Deluxe Kosher Tours will give you the chance to see the beautiful Great Synagogue of Rome, where we’ll be given a briefing on the Jewish experience in Italy. We’ll explore the ancient neighborhood of Trastevere, which combines its Jewish roots with a modern bohemian community, and marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of the horned Moses in the Church of St. Peter. We’ll also visit the cavernous Jewish Catacombs, their subterranean graves marking centuries of Jewish presence in Rome.

In the late afternoon we’ll return to the hotel to relive our adventures with newfound friends over a farewell dinner.

Saturday, November 27, 2010 Rome
Spend your Shabbat at leisure in Rome.

Sunday, November 28, 2010 Rome – Onward
After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Rome and transfer to the airport for our departing flights.

HOTELS (sometimes similar or better hotels may be substituted)
TO BE ANNOUNCED – ALL 5-STAR HOTELS

COST PER PERSON
$6,295 based on double occupancy (two to a room) for basic program
Rome Extension – $1,595 (in double occupancy including airfare to Rome)
Includes air fare from: New York
LAND ONLY (no transpacific air fare included — airfare within Tunisia would be included — not to Rome unless taking extension) – $5,295

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Visa fees as required.
• Snacks or items of a personal nature
• Single Supplement – $1,295 (ROME EXTENSION additional $795)

ITINERARY & HOTELS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IF THERE’S A FLUCTUATION IN CURRENCY OF MORE THAN 4% FROM MARCH 1, 2010
RATES MAY BE ADJUSTED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCREASE IN AIRLINE FUEL CHARGES
RATES LISTED ARE FOR PAYMENT VIA CHECK. PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARDS RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL 4% PROCESSING FEE

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