The Tunisia Itinerary (Updated 2007 – Subject to Change)

Educational goals

• Explore the rich history and archaeology of Tunisia, dated to the Phonic and Roman periods.
• Get to know one of the world's ancient Jewish Communities.
• Understand the political relationship between Tunisia and Israel.
• Learn about a Muslim Mediterranean state, struggling between East and West.

Monday, Day 1
Theme: Welcome to North Africa!
Sites: The trip will begin in the picturesque artistic village Sidi Bou Said, overlooking the Mediterranean cliff and chanichim will adjust to the North African rhythm. Then drive into the capitol Tunis, walk through the Souk of the Medina, and get the feel of the Habib Bourgiba Boulevard, also know as the Tunisian Champs Elysees.   
Overnight: Tunis

Tuesday, Day 3
Theme: Judaism and Islam
Sites: Visit the remains of ancient Karthage, today part of the capitol Tunis, and learn about the human sacrifice traditions back in the Phoenician time. Drive to Kairouan, Tunisia's holiest city, an ancient Jewish learning centre to become the fourth most importance site to Muslims and the home of the first Mosque to be built in Africa. Walking through the old city of Kairouan, talk about the early Islam in North Africa the way it has developed. Then drive to Sousse, a coastal resort city, see the charms of the town and enjoy an afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean.
Overnight: Sousse

Wednesday, Day 4
Theme: The Roman Empire
Sites: Leaving Sousse to coastal town of Monastir, tour the city Kasbah (fortress), as well as the Mausoleum of Habib Bourgiba, the first president of independent Tunisia. Drive to El Jem, see the huge Roman Coliseum, second world biggest (after Rome), however better preserved! Visit other Roman sites and discussing the Roman period in its North African context.
Overnight: Gabes
 
Thursday, Day 5
Theme: Jeeps Into the Desert!
Sites: Leave at sunrise to Matmata and Tatouine, Berber villages curved into the desert rock. Learn about the interesting troglodyte strategy of underground building in order to avoid the desert heat. This unique scenery meant that Matmata became a key filming location for the Star Wars films. Take a ferry to the Isle of Djerba.
Overnight: Djerba

Friday, Day 6
Theme: First Temple Descendents
Sites:  A tour of the island including the famous pottery village of Gallalla.
Visit the Jewish neighbourhoods and the unique and most ancient synagogue in Africa, El Ghriba Synagogue, which according to tradition has an original stone from the first temple and a Torah dated to the eighth century. Attend services with the local Jewish community.
Overnight: Djerba

Shabbat, Day 7
Theme: How Come There is Not Even One Levi Family in Djerba?
Sites: Spend Shabbat with the oldest Jewish community in Africa, thought to be established by a group of Kohanim who immigrated after the destruction of the first temple, 586 BCE. Close to 1000 Jews still live in Djerba today. We will be hosted by members of the community and hear a panel discussion of their life in Tunisia today.
Overnight: Djerba

Sunday, Day 8
Theme: Farewell Tunisia
Sites: Flight from Djerba back to Tunis. Visit the Bardo Museum, with its incredible collection of Roman mosaics, in a house that used to be a Turkish Palace. We will end our trip paying respects in the old Jewish cemetery of the city.

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