With only a few days in Tunisia (4 nights), the plan was to make the most of that time. So we were up early the next day to begin touring at 8:00 a.m. A driver picked us up, and we then proceeded to drive an hour to pick up our guide, noting that both the driver and guide were exceptional.
Our first stop was Kairouan, the home of The Great Mosque. The mosque is “the most ancient Arabo-Muslim” base of the Maghreb (607 AD) and one of the principal holy cities.”
Following our mosque visit, we had to stop at a carpet store for the obligatory show of carpets and mint tea. The carpet store was located in one of the buildings surrounding the mosque. It was huge with 17 rooms and absolutely beautiful, so much so that I did not mind looking at the carpets. If we had any need for a carpet, there was one that I would gladly have purchased.
From Kairouan it was on to El Jem. Following a quick lunch stop noting neither of our lunches either day were comment worthy, but we were exposed to “everyday meals” and they were inexpensive. El Jem is the location of the third largest Roman amphitheater believed to have been built between AD 230 and 238, and it was truly spectacular.
One more stop before returning to Tunis, and that was in Monastir to visit the Rebat, which is a fortress. The climb to the top had a narrow harrowing stairway that would challenge even the adventurous! Even though it was a short set of steps, I wondered about the wisdom of making the climb. At the top was a wonderful panoramic view. Needles to say, Steve wisely opted out of that climb.
Arriving back at the hotel after 7:00 p.m., we thought we earned a day of rest. Actually, it had been planned as I knew that after two days of travel and two very full days of touring, we would need a break. So we lounged about enjoying this fabulous hotel. For our last evening here, we had dinner at The Creek Bistro Chic overlooking the hotel grounds and the sea.
And to conclude, a final few pictures at the hotel.
Tomorrow it is off to one of my most favorite cities, Paris!
Donna,
Thank you so much – what a fascinating country! Looking forward to Paris.
😊 Gabi
There is such history in Tunisia that makes it a very interesting country to visit. A bit more on Tunisia to come.
I love the narrative, combined with the pictures it makes a beautiful story ! Thank you ,Donna!
Thank you Eva! I always love hearing from you!
Always love seeing these great photos!
Good job, Donna.
What is the economy based upon?
The economy is based on tourism and agriculture. Tunisia produces huge amounts of olive oil. They also have fig trees and grow almonds.
Wonderful commentary with beautiful photos!
Thanks for sharing all this Donna.
Cannot wait for your Paris arrival.
Safe travels.
Thank you! Paris coming up!
Quelle belle et interessante visite a Tunis. Photos splendides. A bientot a Paris que j’aime.
Daniele
Merci beaucoup! Maintenant j’ai l’occasions de parler en français. Nous restons dans un hôtel près le L’ouvre.