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North Africa Excursion: Utique, Bizerte, and Ichkeul Park UNESCO Circuit
4.6
16 Ratings
Bizerte
Embark on a captivating North Africa excursion through Utique, Bizerte, and Ichkeul Park. Explore stunning landscapes, immerse in the charm of Bizerte, and experience a peaceful day trip in a different environment.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Utica - Utica is one of the very first Phoenician trading posts established on African soil, probably around 1100 BC. The oldest of Carthage, Utique played the role of capital for a long time before being overshadowed by its neighbor, founded at the end of the 9th century BC, but rapidly gaining momentum. Associated with the fate of its neighbor, the city experienced good times and dark hours. But, at the decisive turning point of the confrontation between Carthage and Rome, it knew how to side on the right side, which, in 146 BC. J-C., Earned him the privilege of once again becoming the capital of Africa for 130 years. The archaeological site of Utica, which covers a very modest area, is today located 12 km from the sea as a result of the deltaic embankment of the mouth of the Medjerda River. It has a few buildings on the surface, in particular, this superb “waterfall house”, but also other houses, temples, a forum, thermal baths, traces of theaters, circuses, amphitheaters. - Ghar El Melh - Founded at the beginning of the installation of the Phoenicians in Tunisia (1101 BC), like the Utica, the ancient Rusucmona is quickly becoming a renowned counter to be the Utica’s port. It later became an important base for Barbarian privateers. Since ancient times, the population of Ghar El Melh has worked, almost exclusively, in agriculture and fisheries. Designated a Wetland of International Importance, Ghar el Melh was the first North African and Middle Eastern city to receive Ramsar’s Wetland City Accreditation Award, in recognition of its formal commitment in efforts towards wetland protection and sustainability. Ghar el Melh actively promotes the ecological importance of its wetlands, and it also recognizes their sociocultural value and their place in the region’s rich historical heritage. A drive surrounding the lake to the wetlands with a stop for street food of the local flavor - Qsiba - The Qsiba is in the heart of BIZERTE, joins the old port and the historic fort of the old Medina. BIZERTE medina! A great resemblance to the city of Venice but with a typical Muslim Arabo style! To visit day and night without regrets! - Ichkeul National Park - The Ichkeul lake and wetland are a major stopover point for millions of millions of migrating birds, such as ducks, geese, storks and pink flamingoes, which come to feed and nest there. Ichkeul is the last remaining lake in a chain that once extended across North Africa. The site is Unesco listed for its rich fauna and flora. For the lover of nature and birds, we offer a special guided tour of the park, accompanied with a professional born in situ guide to the best views of the birds and the natural life. (Climbing for a 30 minutes up)
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What's Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
An itinerary that unveils the allure of North Africa, it is a simple route filled with stunning vistas to uncover. Bizerte, a major tourist destination in Tunisia, should be at the top of your list when you pay a visit to this country. Here you can enjoy a tranquil day excursion and immerse yourself in an entirely different atmosphere. You’re bound to be captivated by this city.
Location
Utica
north-west of Carthage,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(16 Ratings)
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Beth_b
Jul 5, 2024
A perfect seamless day - The tour guide/driver arrived promptly at my hotel. He was considerate and courteous. All aspects of the day trip were well coordinated, fascinating to learn about and the information helped me appreciate Tunisian’s unique history. The guide at Ichkeul was extremely kind and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Curiosity417957
Apr 27, 2024
Northern Tunisia - We had a wonderful day touring with Ghassen. We had a free day in Tunisia before joining our main tour. He took us to places north of Tunisia that we would not have had time to see otherwise. My favorite part was strolling through the old medina in Bizerte.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_e
Jun 3, 2023
Beautiful Drive and Amazing sites - This was a great tour. Went to places I would have never had a chance to find. Driving through the countryside was amazing and beautiful!
Review provided by Viator
Susan
Apr 25, 2023
Wondering tour of north Tunisia - Spectacular tour! I cannot recommend Ghassen and this tour enough. This was our first day in Tunisia and it was a perfect introductory mixture of history, scenery, and culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sorinaf537
Mar 26, 2023
North Tunisie tour - Imcredible trip to northern Tunisia, visiting the beutiful city of Bizerte. The guide was providing a lot of details during the day both historical and about natural landscape.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_b
Mar 12, 2023
Great Variety - Had a wonderful day with Ghassan, who was extremely knowledgeable about all the sites we explored. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Boj
Dec 29, 2022
Experience Africa's northernmost point - Plan ahead if you wish to enter the Ichkeul National Park. Due to new regulations, we were not allowed to enter the main areas/lakeside of the park, but we managed to visit the opposite side of the Jebel Ichkeul (Mt. Ichkeul).
The real favorites of this trip are the visit to the lovely town of Bizerte, and to Cap Engela - the northernmost point of the African continent.
Thanks to Mr. Ghassen Nasri for the three lovely days in Tunisia!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne_g
Apr 12, 2024
Great trip… but check number of travellers - Really good selection of sites combining archeology, medina/harbour, northernmost point of Africa and (my personal highlight!) Ichkeul National Park. Knowledgable and friendly guide, with excellent English. Good and safe driver. Fab day! Reason for 4 stars not 5 - this was booked as a private tour and paid for as such (1 person being double the cost of 2, which makes sense as the main expenses are the guide, car/driver, and fuel). However, when I arrived there was another person booked on the trip. She ultimately opted to pull out due to an issue with her accommodation but the guide said they often combine “private” bookings. I’d have no issue with a small group tour but that was not what I booked - I wanted to have time to take photographs and reduce time spent at Bizerte to add extra time at Ichkeul without going over the advertised total tour length - and I paid to do the tour privately to accommodate that. Worth future customers checking “private” actually means “private” not “private with random other people you’ve never met”.
Review provided by Viator
Ahcene_f
Sep 27, 2023
Very nice tour - Very Nice trip. The guide was excellent. All the family enjoyed the tour, especially unique and Ichkeul.
Review provided by Viator
Hailsk2411
Dec 5, 2023
Meh average tour. Overpriced. - I thought this tour was overpriced and not advertised correctly. The photos show the northern most point of Africa as part of the tour but in order to do this I was told I had to miss something else. We drove into the national park and did nothing there. On top of this the guide was late. Overall I enjoyed seeing bizerte but it really wasn’t worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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