More than meets the eye

TUNISIA is truly a land of contrasts, from its diverse culture and history to the dramatic landscapes of forest and desert. You may think that northern Africa is only a place to go for extended holidays and luxurious trips, but the nation’s capital, Tunis, is also a great destination for a city break.

With flights from London inside the three-hour mark, it opens up plenty of time for a long weekend soaking up the historical riches of a city that has a vibrant mix of Roman, French, Spanish Turkish, Islamic, Christian, Arabic and Jewish influences.
It has everything a city break should thrive on, with a great blend of old-meets-new that is reflected in its streets, buildings, art galleries, museums and modern shopping centres.

The Medina of Tunis is possibly its most famous landmark, crammed full of Souks (market stalls) selling everything from intricate rugs to sparkling jewellery, and exotic spices to beautiful pottery. You can haggle for a real bargain and immerse yourself in the chaotic but exciting atmosphere.

But for calmer pastimes, a visit to the Bardo Museum, home to Roman mosaics and other historical treasures, and the Great Mosque or Mosque of the Olive Tree, are a must. Built in the eighth century, the Mosque has been added to over hundreds of years including 184 Roman columns said to have been taken from the ruins at Carthage. The latter is also a draw for culture
seekers and history buffs thanks to its former Roman occupation. The amphitheatre rivals the famous Colosseum in Rome and the ruins give only a small idea of the size of a city that was once the third largest in the Roman Empire.

Here you will also find the National Museum before exploring the ruins of the Antonine baths, amphitheatre and the site of the Punic naval port. The beautiful blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said is worth a visit or why not venture to the Carthage coast, where you will find azure seas, golden beaches and luxurious accommodation.

The five-star Residence hotel is the newest resort here and has 170 luxurious suites, three restaurants including a fabulous Dar restaurant serving authentic Tunisian cuisine, a world-class Thalassotherapy spa centre and a private beach. It also boasts what is set to become a spectacular golf course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr and set between the
sea and a salt lake. Nine holes have already been opened up to the public with a further nine to open in June 2008.

Carthage is one of Africa’s oldest courses having been founded in 1927, with fairways that meander among 100-year-old eucalyptus trees and open up to reveal panoramic views. These are just two of the 10 courses that are dotted throughout Tunisia, which offers history, beauty and charm.