TUNISIA , A GREAT WINTERSUN TRAVEL DESTINATION

Tunisia combines miles of sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches with the mysterious atmosphere of North Africa and is a fascinating mix of the ancient and modern.
The Tunisian landscape is full of contrasts. On the one hand there's the startling barren beauty of the Sahara Desert, and on the other there are fertile citrus groves, fragrant with oranges and lemons and ancient olive trees. And then there's the coastline of long white beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
Choose Tunisia if you're looking for something a little more exotic. It bears evidence of a mix of cultures from the Phoenicians and Romans to Arabs, Turks and French. There's a wealth of fascinating monuments, the ruins of ancient Carthage, stunning mosaics, monasteries and fortresses. A Day trip to Dougga is a must

Discover the hustle and bustle of the bazaars in Hammamet, Sousse and Monastir. In the time honored fashion you'll be expected to haggle for carpets and jewelry, pottery and brightly colored kaftans. As you explore the narrow streets, little changed by the passage of time, you'll become used to the regular call of the muezzin from the minarets of the mosque, calling the faithful to prayer.
Families and couples alike will appreciate the wonderful beaches, excellent facilities and unique atmosphere of Tunisia. One big advantage not shared by most other Mediterranean Countries, is that most Tunisian Hotels have large Indoor Swimming pools as well as outdoor pools.

Tunisia is a favourite Winter sun destination and less than 3 hours flying time from the UK.


Ideal for a 2/3/4 night break Tunis capital city of Tunisia is a place where old and new live in perfect harmony. Domes and minarets, broad boulevards lined with cafes and flower stalls and elegant shops mix together in this cosmopolitan city. In the old town with its seven mosques, old palaces, artistic and cultural centres you'll find life unchanged and where traders in the souks go about their business as they have done over hundreds of years. You can barter for silver filigree jewellery, hand-woven carpets, perfume, spices and leather goods.

HAMMAMET

Tunisia's most popular resort has grown in stature over many years and famous visitors have included the likes of Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde and Sophia Lloren. Today, Hammamet with its fortress dating back to the 15th century and old Medina, has developed into a fine resort which still retains a great deal of its cultural background. Modern spacious hotels surround the beautiful bay stretching north and south of the town's centre.


What to see: A must see is the former house and gardens of one of Hammamet's most famous residents Georges Sebastian. Between 1932 and 1962 the Sebastian's house welcomed the most talented creators, the most famous intellectuals and some of the most important personalities of this century including Field Marshall Rommel and Sir Winston Churchill. Now the theatre of International Cultural Centre of Hammamet, you can make a tour of the house and gardens, enjoy refreshments around the sumptuous pool and during the balmy summer months enjoy the Arts in the delightful open-air amphitheatre. Do visit the old Medina, but take a tip and go in via the back entrance, that way you can take in the style of the place then surprise the keepers of the souks.Where to go: Hammamet is ideally placed for visiting the Cap Bon region, often described at the 'Garden of Tunisia'. Close by is the region's capital Nabeul, recognised as the leading town for Tunisian craftsmanship, where you'll find pottery (an activity which dates back to the Roman times), embroidery and the distillation of perfumes using orange blossom, jasmine and geranium etc. A colourful market is held every week on a Friday. You can take a full day excursion which visits all the important sites.

Golf: Just outside the town and on the main route to Tunis are two Golf Clubs of international standard. The Citrus Golf Course has two 18-hole championship courses "La Foret" the forest and "Les Oliviers" the olive trees, both par 72. Guests of the Aziza, Aziza Residence and the Mediterranee can enjoy reduced green fees. Yasmine Golf Course is an 18-hole par 72 course of 6115 metres by architect Ronald Fream which has a 9 hole school course. Green fees in Tunisia are amongst the most reasonable in Europe and tee-off times and fees can be pre-booked and prepaid in the UK before you travel.

PORT EL KANTAOUI

Tunisia's first purpose built tourist town has now established itself as the country's most popular holiday resort. With its own beautifully appointed 300-yacht international marina, Port El Kantaoui has just about everything one would expect for a family holiday - fine beach, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants and just enough evening entertainment to keep the tourist visitor happy. From April to November you can enjoy watersports on the beach including sailing, windsurfing, jet-ski and water-skiing. From the marina you can take sea trips in glass-bottomed boats, motorised sailing vessels and catamarans and Scuba diving. Other activities available within the resort include quad biking, horse riding, tennis and golf and if you fancy a flutter, then just five minutes away is the Casino Caraibe, complete with gaming machines, tables, restaurant and show.

What to see: Just 15 minutes away from Port El Kantaoui by tourist Noddy train or taxi is the nearby resort of Sousse, Tunisia's third largest city after Tunis and Sfax. Here you will find a working town and resort where you can haggle for tourist souvenirs in the old Medina or shop in modern fixed price stores like the Soula Centre. For something different during the evening take in a Bedouin Feast.Where to go: You can take a full day sightseeing tour to discover the Roman Ruins of Dougga, make a visit to Friguia Park, Tunisia's first wild-life animal park or travel south on a two day desert safari taking in El Djem and Kairouan. Port El Kantaoui is approximatly a 2 hour journey from Tunis and Carthage or the pretty village of Sidi Bou Said.
GOLF. The 36-hole El Kantaoui's Golf course is now home to the end of season Seniors tour. Built in 1973 on 103 hectares of hillside, El Kantaoui's golf course with holes alongside the famous beach dominates the resort and provides a useful challenge from novice to experienced golfers. Tee-off times and green fees can be arranged in the UK prior to your departure.

For More Details on Tunisia and other Resorts including Yasmine Hammamet, Sousse, Jerba, Zarzis, and Safaris in the Sahara Desert contact Select World Travel on 01684 577007 or e-mail to enquiries@selectworldtravel.co.uk