Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. It excites with its beautiful countryside that looks as if it has been painted with the brightest colors of green, yellow, red and blue, and its historical towns that are lively places where one can sit in the town square and enjoy their espresso coffee [...]
When it comes to good hotels there are different things to consider. For example, if you are looking for something romantic you can go for San Anthony Hotel that is going to give you the time of your life. If you want to be in the midst of things then a big city hotel will [...]
Make your way to the Maison de la Cascade (marked by a cluster of cypress trees), the most interesting of the villas. This large and obviously luxurious house (AD69-96) takes its name from the pool gracing its central courtyard. Off to the side of the courtyard, notice the triclinium (dining-room), distinguished by its handsome marble [...]
The Roman ruins at Utica, the old pirate lair of Ghar el Melh and the beach at Rass Sidi Ali el Mekhi. Overnight stay at the Petit Mousse in Bizerte. A car is essential. Pack your swimming costume. This trip is not designed as a circular tour, but if you prefer to go back to [...]
Afterwards set off for Ain Draham (Spring of Money), along the Babouch/Ain Draham road (signposted). The road runs straight as a die for the first 12km (7 miles), then spirals into the hills, nudging the Algerian border at Babouch. Watch out for kamikaze vendors of wooden bowls, ornamental hatstands and pine nuts/walnuts/strawberries (depending on season). [...]
A leisurely morning in the seaside resort of Tabarka, followed by a seafood lunch and an afternoon drive through the Khroumiria mountains to the Roman site of Bulla Regia. A car is essential. Pack a bathing costume for the morning in Tabarka. The wealth of early Christian mosaics from Thrabaca, the Roman forerunner of Tabarka, [...]
A day covering the best of ancient Carthage (map overleaf) followed by an evening in the cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Said. The ruins of Ancient Carthage (Tuesday to Sunday, winter 8.30am-5.30pm, summer 8am-7pm, closed Monday), the great maritime city founded in 814bc, are scattered along the coast to the northeast of Tunis. They lie [...]
Also off the courtyard is a room dedicated to Carthaginian Sousse, primarily to stelae recovered during excavation of the tophet (the place of sacrifice). The oldest stelae marked the ashes of children, but those of a later date are from animal cremations. Through the museum’s garden of pomegranates and vines is a row of galleries [...]
The focal point of Sousse is the walled medina that rises behind the coastal strip. Whatever delights the hotels and beach-clubs devise, it is to the medina that people naturally gravitate when the sun and sand begin to pall. Begin the morning on Place des Martyrs, next to Place Farhat Hached, the busy square where [...]
The best cooking is found in the home and, apart from in a few upmarket establishments in Tunis, most menus include only a small repertoire of Tunisian/North African specialities. As well as couscous (a meat or poultry and vegetable stew served on a bed of steamed semolina grains), look out for the specifically Tunisian brik [...]
