Tunisia: Health Holiday Fitness & Cultural Travel Package
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 Your Host for part of this very special Tunisia package will be The Oaks at Ojai founder, Sheila Cluff. When traveling with me on a fitnes vacation you are traveling with like-minded people who already share a common bond. We not only workout together, we play together, as well. And as a reward for traveling with me, each participant will receive a gift certificate for a 2-night, 3-day stay (1/2 double occupency) at The Oaks Ojai. The gift certificate will be mailed to you after the completion of the trip. Please join me on this magnificient trip! |
ITINERARY Saturday, November 1st - departure form US You depart the US for your overnight flight, connecting the morning of the 2nd of November in your European gateway for your flight from Europe to Tunis. Sunday, November 2nd - arrival in Tunis Upon arrival in Tunis, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your all-suite spa hotel resort town of Hammamet, approximately 50 minutes from Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Your hotel is a member of "The Leading Hotels of the World." After having some time to relax and refresh yourslef, an evening rendezvous will take place with a wine reception, followed by a very special dinner prepared for your group, providing you a special Tunisian welcome and an oppottunity to meet some of your fellow spa travelers. Overnight in Hammamet. (D) |
Monday, November 3rd – Tunisia
Full day of enjoying the Hammamet Thalasso and Spa and all of its facilities. Following a
morning walk on the beach with Sheila and a wonderful breakfast, you will be provided with an
orientation of the facilities and hear about the many spa offerings that await you during your stay.
The remainder of the day if independent for you to enjoy the use of the spa and facilities. Overnight
in Hammamet. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, November 4th – Tunisia
This morning is free for you to enjoy the spa. Late morning departure into Tunis, where you
will have an opportunity to explore Carthage. The renown of Carthage exceeds its present remains
when compared to some of the better-preserved Roman sites of Dougga, Bulla Regia and Sbeitla.
However, the setting of Carthage helps underscore the strategic importance of the site to its inhabitants
in past centuries. From Carthage, you drive to the suburban village of Sidi Bou Said. A picturesque town, whose architecture was inspired by its many
Andalusian settlers following their expulsion from Spain in the late fifteenth century, Sidi Bou Said provides a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy the winding alleyways and ocean views. Lunch will be in a beautiful setting near the seaside. You return to your hotel late afternoon with the remainder of the afternoon at your
leisure. Evening dinner in another wonderful venue. Overnight in Hammamet. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, November 5th – Tunisia
This morning you depart on an excursion to Kairouan, which today, is a rather provincial town. The city was founded and subsequently developed
during early Islamic times, with Kairouan’s Great Mosque, dating from the 7th century, reputed to be the oldest mosque in North Africa. Kairouan’s location along
the caravan routes also provided a base for a flourishing crafts industry. The region still provides the base for much of Tunisia's craft industry, particularly rugs
and textiles. From Kairouan, you drive to El Jem. Known in Roman times as Thysdrus and noted for its amphitheater, which is similar to the coliseum of Rome,
you will have a tour through the amphitheater, as well as a visit to the very impressive mosaic collection at the El Jem Museum. From El Jem, you return to
Hammamet, where your late afternoon provides an opportunity for another spa treatment. Dinner tonight will be in another wonderful restaurant. Overnight in
Hammamet. (B, L, D)
Thursday, November 6th – Tunisia
Full day of enjoying the Hammamet Thalasso and Spa and all of its facilities. Following a morning
walk on the beach with Sheila and a wonderful breakfast, the remainder of the day is independent for you
to enjoy the use of the spa and facilities. In the evening, we will have a visit by one of Tunisia’s successful
female entrepreneurs, who will talk about the entrepreneurial opportunities and hurdles for women in
Tunisia. Overnight in Hammamet. (B, L, D)
Friday, November 7th – Tunisia
This morning, after having the morning available to enjoy more spa treatments, you have a mid-day
departure into Tunis, where you will be able to visit the Bardo Museum. Housed in a former palace of the
Ottoman Bey, the Bardo houses a world-class collection of mosaics, along with many remains found in sites
throughout Tunisia. The Bardo visit will help provide some of the historical groundwork for your subsequent
days in Tunisia. Following your visit to the Bardo and a wonderful lunch, you have a walking tour of
the medina, the heart of historic Tunis. Your walking tour will take you through the streets of this city, where
much of the architecture dates to the 7th century.
You will also be given an opportunity to shop in the many wonderful shops where jewelry, ceramics, rugs
and more abound. Breaking up into smaller groups will provide an opportunity to “shop till you drop” if you wish, with provisions being made for the shipment of
large items. Return to Hammamet in the evening for your special farewell dinner. Overnight in Hammamet. (B, L, D)
Saturday, November 8th – departure from Tunisia to Paris
Morning transfer to Tunis airport for your flights back to the U.S. For those wishing to stay in Paris on the way back to the U.S., Gil Travel will be
happy to help with these arrangements. (B)
