Tunisia, the northeastern most country in Africa for the past 3000 years, is a colorful and exciting holiday destination. It is a land of spice, flowers, ancient history, and modern hospitality. You will arrive at first class airports, eat in intriguing restaurants and stay at picture perfect hotels.
Tunisia has a mild and scenic coastline and a perfect climate. The Mediterranean makes up its northern, and part of its eastern border. Libya is also to the east and south, and Algeria is to the west. In the over 3000 years of its existence, this country has seen many civilizations pass through and leave their marks: the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. Todays Tunisian culture is a mosaic of all of these cultures that have gone before.
Tunisian history is displayed in Tunisias many museums and historic sites. Visit the huge National Museum of Bardo, near Tunis, to see an example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and decoration. It was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time. You will see vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. The jewel of this particular museum is its collection of mosaics. Its the finest such collection in the world. The Carthage Museum houses a fine collection of Punic and Roman artifacts including everyday items. Dont pass the lovely jewelry display by or the distinctive Punic masks made of colored glass paste. The main ruins of Punic Carthage are also in this area. Suffice to say that the area surrounding the Carthage Museum is ripe with historical significance and is a history buffs dream.
Visit the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, to see exhibits of traditional Tunisian arts and learn about the customs of the city of Tunis. It is housed on the bottom floor of the 18th century Dar Ben Abdallah Palace in the medina, or the heart of old Tunis. Most museums in Tunisia are not open on Mondays. There are many Tunisian festivals that could be the highlight of any holiday in Tunisia. Every village, no matter how small, has at least one festival and visitors are always welcome. The Saharian Festival is for those who are mesmerized by the vast Sahara. It takes place in Douz, considered to be the gateway to the Sahara. It is held during the second week in November. All classical music fans would love to see the International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum from mid-July through mid-August. It features world renowned arts and orchestras. All performances take place on soft Tunisian evenings under the starts in a Roman Coliseum!
Tunisians depend on bread, the staff of life, at every meal. In the city you will find breads from all over the world. In country villages bread is most often unleavened and baked in clay ovens called Tabounas. Every place you visit in Tunisia will offer its own bread specialties. Other than bread, lamb is the meat that is often most eaten at family meals. Tunisians eat a lot of seafood, olive oil and salads and flavor them with all manner of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, dried peppers and other savory delights! Tunisians are fans of hot and spicy food and often harissa, a hot condiment, is served on the side in consideration of visitors tastes. And for dessert Turkish baklava, layers of crispy pastry nuts and cinnamon, all soaked in honey syrup, is a treat not to be missed.
Visit Tunisia for its arts, culture, history, food and for a fabulous holiday!
Continue : Tunisia Holidays
