The Original Tunis Walk + Masterpieces of the Bardo Museum

Culture and History tour in Tunis

Tour Price : $115-444 Duration : 7-8 hours Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Arabic

SP3: The Original Tunis Walk + Masterpieces of the Bardo National Museum

Small groups, Informative, Educational and Entertaining.

For enthusiasts of History, Culture & Architecture (and walking), this is part of a Special series of tours that do not follow the classic route, and also takes us to places that are otherwise inaccessible or difficult to find for the first-time visitor. Discover the hidden gems and secrets of the medina. Tour the Bardo Museum, learn about life in Roman North Africa, the stories behind the mosaics, and discover the museum’s prize exhibits dating from Punic, Roman, Christian, Vandal, Byzantine and Islamic times. 

Duration:    approx. 7 to 8 hours, Full Day Tour

Available every day in the morning except Sundays & Mondays

Maximum number of participants: 12 persons

Join us on this special walking tour – the most complete Historic Walking tour of the Tunis Medina & Ville Nouvelle. Walk through 13 centuries of history and architecture, from the 8th century to modern times. Learn about the society, architecture and politics – and colourful characters of the times (famous & infamous) spanning the eras of the Pirates of Barbary, and the ruling dynasties of the Hafsids, Ottomans, the last beys of the Huseynids. Walk through the narrow lanes to admire the fascinating architecture from these times: the palaces, medieval inns, mosques, royal mausoleums, the kasbah, city gates, hammams, private homes & Christian churches. We make our way through the various souks and workshops – some of them still producing traditional crafts since medieval times - such as the Souk de la Chechia. Outside the walls, we walk the “New City” to learn about the various European communities who lived in Tunis during the French Colonial period – French, Maltese, Italians & Greeks – to just name a few. We will see a number of outstanding examples of colonial architecture – some of the finest in North Africa from the turn of the century: fondouks, embassies, churches, theaters, and with a stop in the central food market – with its colourful array of fresh produce.

After some free time for a lunch break, we meet again and take the Metro to the Bardo National Museum, recently re-opened after extensive renovations. The Bardo houses the largest and finest collection of ancient mosaics in the world. These mosaics were discovered in the wealthiest of Roman villas in the many ancient cities found in Tunisia. Rich patrons commissioned a vast array of subjects and themes, from scenes of gods & goddesses, daily life (hunting, fishing, harvesting), the zodiac, seasons, amphitheatre games. We learn the stories behind the images – and make history come to life. From their exquisite details, we can understand why the North African school of mosaicists was the finest in the ancient world, and whose masterpieces can be found throughout the Mediterranean. As well, there are also fine sculpture galleries, exhibits of Punic, early Christian & Islamic treasures, and an exhibition of magnificent bronzes from the 1st BC Mahdia shipwreck.

Some free time before we return by metro to Tunis center.

Meeting Point: In front of the St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral, Tunis center

Price Includes: Full day fully guided walking tour, all entrance fees, metro tickets

Price Does Not Include: museum photography fees, food or beverages

Additional information