Camels And Coliseums In Tunisia

Belinda Jessup, who works at our Woodbridge travel agents, took a short trip to Tunisia. Here are the highlights from her travels…

Destination: Tunisia

Operator/Host: Cyplon

Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name):Movenpick Hotel Sousse – 2 nights, Radisson Blu Hammamet – 2 nights

Airline: Tunisair

Duration: 4 nights

Flights

Tunisair is the national airline of Tunisia and departed Gatwick airport on time .We travelled economy but the seat pitch was very good and there were in-flight meals and drinks provided. The airline crew were very efficient and the flight time was only two hours and forty minutes to Tunis International Airport.

Accommodation

The Movenpick Hotel Sousse is very luxurious, offering five-star accommodation that lives up to the description. The group is Swiss owned and very smart. It was quite large but spread out over beautiful grounds that led down to the beach front. My room had a balcony and sea view which I can highly recommend.

The second hotel, the Radisson Blu in Hammamet, has only just been upgraded to a 5 star and I think perhaps is still closer a 4 star. It was very modern and contemporary but this detracted from any regional charm and meant we could have been anywhere in the world. The beach front was very nice although the surrounding streets left a lot to be desired.

Most of the hotels we visited had fantastic Spa and Thalassotherapy centres, with various treatments at really good prices.

Excursions

We had lots of visits to different hotel and resorts. We had a look around Port el Kantaoui, Yasmin Hammamet, Monastir and Gammarth.

Places of interest included the Coliseum at El Jem; a 2000-year-old attraction which was about an hour and a half’s coach journey from Hammamet. We also visited the beautiful hilltop village of Sidi Bou Said; another one and half hour coach journey and situated just north of Tunis City.

Trip Highlights

I really enjoyed visiting the hotels as I was surprised at the high standard.

Possible Improvements

The time of year to visit is the only thing as we travelled during the winter season and therefore perhaps didn’t see it in the best light. The weather was rather dull and there was hardly anyone around, hence the lack of atmosphere.

Recommendations

Tunisia would appeal to two different types of holidaymaker. Firstly, it would be a good value holiday to an all-inclusive resort/hotel in the summer or winter.

Secondly, it would appeal to those that really want to relax in a 5-star deluxe hotel with Spa and various treatment packages.

Additional Comments

It is a much greener country than I imagined with a lot more industry and commerce. Although it is mainly a Muslim country, they also produce their own wine from the abundant vineyards. Tunisia is also home to many olive trees; making olives and their oil another large export.

Must see? The El Jem Colosseum

Must do? Ride a camel

Must try? The lovely ‘Rose’ wine!

If you would like to visit Tunisia, or any other country in North Africa, we can put together the perfect package for you. Whether you’re looking for a luxury holiday for two or a fun-filled family break; our team can bring your ideas to life.