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Tunisia’s Cinematic Road: on the trail of iconic film sites

Green hills and palm oases surrounded by a sea of sand; ancient medinas and troglodyte homes; Oriental bazaars and coastal scenery; Roman and Muslim relics – all add up to a fascinating variety of images. For the film director, Tunisia offers rich pickings which is why over 130 world film productions have been carried out under Tunisian skies. It was here that George Lucas shot Star Wars and Steven Spielberg filmed Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Monty Python group chose it as the location for Life of Brian, and the English Patient – winner of nine Oscars – was also shot in Tunisia.

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Departure city

Brussels, Belgium

Stay

8 Days / 7 Nights

PRIVATE GROUPS
UPON REQUEST
DEPARTURE 2024
JOIN THE GUESTLIST
 STARTING FROM

€1.785

 Per person IncL VAT

Booking is now open, submit your guestlist application to join

Inclusive :

  • 7 Overnight stays
  • Private guide and driver throughout your stay
  • All meals as mentioned in ‘daily information’
  • All excursions as mentioned in ‘daily information’
  • All necessary private transfers mentioned
  • Meet & Greet on arrival

Exclusive :

  • International flight to Tunis
  • Upgrade room type
  • Travel and/or cancellation insurance
  • Meals and excursions not mentioned
  • Personal expenses/tips
  • Contribution to calamity fund (€2.50 per booking)
  • Contribution to SGR (€5.00 per person)
  • Administration costs (€35 per booking)

Day 1 – Fly to Tunis

Upon your arrival at Tunis Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your accommodation, a charming guesthouse in the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said. After settling in and getting comfortable, you can prepare for your cinematic trip

Included:

• Private driver and transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 2 – Tunis-Monastir

On the second day of the program, you’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast at your accommodation in the charming village of Sidi Bou Said. Afterward, you’ll embark on a visit to the ancient Roman Theatre of Carthage which is not only a historic site but also a filming location for the classic movie Monty Python. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the impressive theatre and learn about its rich history before being transferred to Monastir for lunch. In Monastir, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and take in the local sights. After lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to the Ribat of Monastir, another famous filming location for Monty Python. This impressive fortress has a fascinating history and has played a crucial role in the defense of the area. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the fortress and learn about its significance before retiring to your accommodation for the evening where you will have your dinner.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including breakfast, lunch and diner.

Day 3 – Kairouan-Tozeur

After savoring a delicious breakfast at your guest house in Monastir, you’ll depart for the Medina of Kairouan, the filming location for Indiana Jones. You’ll explore the Medina and visit the impressive Mosque Okba. After lunch in Kairouan, you’ll continue on to Tozeur, where you’ll be staying at Dar Tozeur.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 4 – Tozeur

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at your guest house before embarking on an exciting adventure to explore the filming locations of Star Wars. Your first stop will be Chott Jerid, where you’ll discover the iconic Lars Homestead and immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Star Wars. You’ll also visit other memorable locations like Mos Espa and Ong Jmel, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Tunisia. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a scrumptious lunch before heading to the awe-inspiring Sidi Bouhel Canyon, which served as the filming location for famous films such as The English Patient and Indiana Jones, as well as Star Wars. Here, you’ll be able to witness the natural beauty of the canyon and capture some truly unforgettable moments. Finally, you’ll return to the hotel to unwind and enjoy a well-deserved meal.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 5 – Chott Jerid-Matmata

The program begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a departure to the famous Sidi Driss hotel, which is located in the town of Matmata and was used as a filming location for the iconic Star Wars movie. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the unique architecture and interior design of the hotel and imagine the characters and stories that were brought to life on the big screen. After this exciting visit, the tour will stop for a well-deserved lunch break before continuing to the charming village of Tamerzet. Here, guests can admire the stunning views and landscapes and immerse themselves in the local culture. The day will end with a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at l’auberge de tamerzet, where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 6 – Kasr Haddada / Mednine/ Djerba

The day will start with a delicious breakfast, and then the tour will depart to Ksar Haddada, a filming location for the Star Wars movie. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the iconic setting and imagine the scenes that were brought to life on the big screen. After this exciting visit, the tour will stop for a well-deserved lunch break before continuing to the beautiful city of Mednine for a visit to Ksar Mednine, an impressive fortified granary. Visitors can explore the winding streets and take in the unique architecture of this historic city. Later, the tour will continue towards Djerba, where guests will spend the night and dine at a charming guest house. The accommodation offers a relaxing and comfortable stay, providing visitors with a chance to unwind after an eventful day.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 7 – Djerba

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, then you will head towards the artistic district of DjerbaHood. Take in the vibrant colors and stunning artworks created by local and international artists, and immerse yourself in the creative energy of the area.

Next, visit the Ghriba, the oldest Jewish synagogue in northern Africa. Learn about its fascinating history and admire its beautiful architecture. Afterward, visit Guellala, the renowned pottery village, and explore its museum to gain insights into the local pottery-making traditions. Witness a pottery work demonstration in a workshop and discover the skill and expertise required to produce these intricate designs.

After the lunch, you will visit the Mosque Amghar and La Cantina, which were featured in the Star Wars movie. Mosque Amghar is a historic mosque that served as a backdrop for a memorable scene in the movie. Visitors can explore the intricate architecture and appreciate the cultural significance of this remarkable site. La Cantina is another filming location that is sure to delight fans of the movie. Visitors can experience the unique atmosphere and imagine the lively scenes that were shot in this location.

Included:

• Sites visit
• Private driver/guide including transfer
• Overnight stay including diner and breakfast

Day 8 – Departure From Djerba

After breakfast, check-out from the accommodation and transfer to the Djerba airport for your departure flight. As you leave, take with you memories of the captivating beauty, rich history, and diverse culture of Tunisia.

Included:

• Private transfer to the airport

Dar said – 1 Night

Dar Said Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. This beautiful hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion and features traditional Tunisian architecture, elegant décor, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the charming village of Sidi Bou Said with its narrow streets, blue and white buildings, and stunning sea views. The hotel is also a short distance from Carthage, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and impressive ruins.

Dar Benti – 1 Night

Welcome to Dar BENTI guesthouse, a peaceful oasis located in the heart of Monastir’s medina, specifically in the spice merchant district where scents, flavors, and colors mix. This ancient house has been carefully restored with taste and tradition, combining Tunisian authenticity with modern comfort.

As you enter through the multiple arches of the plaster stucco “skifa,” you’ll feel a true transition from the hustle and bustle of the outside world to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the guesthouse. The materials used throughout the guesthouse are noble, delicate, and typical of the region, ranging from solid wood carved doors to fine wrought ironwork and entirely handmade engravings.

Our guesthouse features multiple calm and warm spaces, inviting you to read, relax, and meditate. Its location in a quiet alley of the medina is ideal, just 5 minutes away from the main museums of the city and the beach, making it the perfect base to explore Monastir’s history and enjoy the stunning Tunisian coastline.

Whether you’re looking to experience the traditional charm of the region or simply relax and unwind in a comfortable and welcoming environment, Dar BENTI guesthouse is the perfect place to call home during your stay in Monastir.

Dar Tozeur – 2 Nights

Dar Tozeur is a luxurious guesthouse located in the historic city of Tozeur in southwestern Tunisia. The beautifully restored 19th-century property offers spacious and stylishly decorated rooms with modern amenities and traditional Tunisian decor. The guesthouse features a lovely central courtyard with a pool, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the surrounding area, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious Tunisian cuisine. Dar Tozeur offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty of this historic Tunisian city.

L’auberge de tamerzet – 1 Night

Auberge de Tamerzet is a charming guesthouse located in the heart of the picturesque village of Tamerzet, Tunisia. This cozy inn is nestled in the hills of the Atlas Mountains, offering guests stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The guesthouse features traditional Tunisian architecture, with white-washed walls, arched doorways, and a beautiful courtyard. The rooms are decorated in a rustic style, with handmade furnishings and local textiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, which serves traditional Tunisian cuisine made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Dar Bibine – 2 Nights

Dar Bibine is a charming guesthouse in the heart of Djerba, Tunisia. The traditional Tunisian home has comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a beautiful rooftop terrace with stunning views, and a peaceful courtyard. The owners and staff offer warm hospitality and are happy to share their knowledge of local activities and attractions. Dar Bibine is a perfect place to relax while exploring the beautiful island of Djerba.

The Roman Theatre of Carthage

Carthage, the capital of the African province during the Roman era, is filled with ruins that testify to the prestige and grandeur of the ancient city. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since October 26, 1979, and its theater is arguably the most iconic building in Carthage. Built in the 2nd century CE, the theater is of a mixed type, backed against the hill of the Odeon, while its tiers of seats are constructed on flat ground and rest on a system of vaulted galleries used for the circulation of spectators.

The theater of Carthage has always been a celebrated venue, hailed by contemporaries such as the philosopher-orator Apuleius and the theologian Tertullian. While its decline was precipitated by the Vandal invasion in the 5th century, which caused it to fall into oblivion, the excavations of Paul Gauckler, an eminent archaeologist, in 1904 resurrected it from the eight meters of soil that had covered it.

Despite the disappearance of its stage decor (frons scaenae), which was marked by several levels of marble colonnades and statues adorning its niches, the building retains the original layout of its auditorium with a semi-circular cavea and orchestra that could accommodate nearly 10,000 spectators wearing togas, the mandatory dress to access the building. One could marvel at tragedies such as Latin plays, mime and pantomime performances, as well as concerts. The monument even regained its main function and past glory during the filming of “Monty Python: The Life of Brian” in 1979. Today, it remains a splendid setting for Tunisian cultural life and hosts the annual Carthage International Festival.

The Ribat of Monastir

The Holy War against Christians, the constant skirmishes with the Berbers and the plans to carry out military forays to Europe prompted the building of ribats from the 8th century onwards. Monastir’s defensive fortress was originally known as the Ribat de Harthama and combined religious and military functions by assembling soldiers and mystics under the same roof. It is one of the oldest and best preserved in Tunisia and was used for scenes in Zeffirelli’s Life of Christ and Monty Python’s Life of Brian

The Medina of Kairouan

The Medina of Kairouan is a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a testament to the rich Islamic heritage of Tunisia. As you wander through the labyrinthine network of streets and alleys, the spiritual dimension of the city gradually unfolds, with its zaouias (mausoleums of saints and schools dispensing religious teaching) celebrating the memory of pious men and maintaining the narratives of their deeds that form the collective memory.

This effervescent and authentic atmosphere prompted Steven Spielberg to make Kairouan the backdrop for Cairo in his movie “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” It’s easy to see why Spielberg was drawn to this location, as the bustling and colorful traditional souks, such as the wool market (souk el hayek), the leather market, and the carpet market, showcase an ancestral artisanal activity that has made the city famous worldwide.

The Sidi Driss Hotel

The Sidi Driss Hotel is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Star Wars fans. It is a troglodyte dwelling located in the village of Matmata, named after the Berber tribe, in the heart of the southern Tunisian mountains. This village is a prime example of how humans have adapted to their environment. The Sidi Driss Hotel belongs to a particular troglodyte typology – houses dug into the ground. A zigzag tunnel leads to the open-air courtyard, where rooms carved into the rock and provision storage cells (ghorfas) open up around it.

This structure is environmentally friendly, as it maintains coolness during hot weather and protects against winter winds. The hotel is the iconic setting of the Lars homestead, where Luke Skywalker grew up. It bears witness to an ancestral mode of habitat that has been passed down from generation to generation as a family institution. The hotel has welcomed the film crews of “A New Hope” in 1976 and “Attack of the Clones” in 2000. The presence of relics such as vaporators, electronic doors, and fake pipes make the immersion of visitors in the world of George Lucas even more unusual.

Ksar Haddada & Ksar Mednine

The ksours are an exceptional Berber architectural, historical, and cultural heritage concentrated in the southeastern region of Tunisia. Built to withstand the semi-arid climate and its long periods of drought, they serve as storage places for food and provisions. Used by several Berber tribes at once, they bear witness to the solidarity that characterizes the locals of these regions. These spaces quickly went beyond their utilitarian function to become a place of meeting and commercial exchanges. They are still organized around a circular or rectangular central courtyard, which opens onto superimposed storage cells (ghorfas) served by rudimentary staircases and closed by wooden doors.

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La Cantina-Djerba

Ajim is not only a gateway to Djerba or its main fishing port, it is also the bearer of a millennial history. The city is the heir of a Punic trading post called Tipasa, later taken over by the Romans. Although no trace of its ancient heritage remains, Ajim still preserves a Berber architectural heritage in accordance with the prescriptions of the Ibadite rite. The strong expressiveness of the buildings, whether religious or civil, paradoxically stems from the simplicity of the forms and the absence of decorative motifs. This stripped-down aspect can be found in the old traditional Berber bakery, transformed into a Cantina (bar) for the smugglers, thugs and outlaws of Mos Eisley. It is in this den of smuggling run by Chalmun that the meeting of Ben and Luke with Han Solo and Chewbacca takes place and the departure for Alderaan is organized.

Mosque Amghar

Situated 3 kilometers away from the city of Ajim and on the way to Sidi Djemour, the Amghar Mosque sits serenely next to the glistening waters of the sea. Despite its modest dimensions, the building has relinquished its religious function and now serves as a shelter for the local fishermen. The mosque’s history remains shrouded in mystery, as there is no information available about the year it was constructed. However, its simple yet striking aesthetic, characterized by a cubic structure with discreet buttresses and mihrab, and two barrel vaults, firmly links it to the traditional Djerbian architecture. This former place of worship, which also served as a backdrop for Ben’s house in 1976, proudly showcases an Invader mosaic of Obi-Wan Kenobi on one of its exterior walls.

Chott Jerid

The Sidi Driss Hotel is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Star Wars fans. It is a troglodyte dwelling located in the village of Matmata, named after the Berber tribe, in the heart of the southern Tunisian mountains. This village is a prime example of how humans have adapted to their environment. The Sidi Driss Hotel belongs to a particular troglodyte typology – houses dug into the ground. A zigzag tunnel leads to the open-air courtyard, where rooms carved into the rock and provision storage cells (ghorfas) open up around it.

This structure is environmentally friendly, as it maintains coolness during hot weather and protects against winter winds. The hotel is the iconic setting of the Lars homestead, where Luke Skywalker grew up. It bears witness to an ancestral mode of habitat that has been passed down from generation to generation as a family institution. The hotel has welcomed the film crews of “A New Hope” in 1976 and “Attack of the Clones” in 2000. The presence of relics such as vaporators, electronic doors, and fake pipes make the immersion of visitors in the world of George Lucas even more unusual.

Mos Espa

Mos Espa is an exceptional Star Wars set that has been remarkably preserved. It is one of the best and most complete Star Wars filming locations in Tunisia. Comprising of nearly 20 domed buildings, the site  served as the Tatooine spaceport in The Phantom Menace, and is referred to as ‘the Star Wars set’ by tour guides.

It’s hard for any Star Wars fan not to feel the urge to run around with a light saber (cosplayers should come prepared). The film crew even built a road from the set to the Nefta-Tozeur highway during the five months they spent here.

Ong Jmel

A fabulous natural site close to Nefta, where intense heat and dazzling light create the perfect conditions for mirages, Ong Jamal gets its name from the surprising shape of a rock that suggests the neck of a camel. In this breathtaking landscape, where the wind and Sahara sand constantly draw lines and curves on the reliefs, the work of nature appears more bewildering than ever. In addition to the majesty of the ever-moving dunes, the few rocks that emerge on the surface catch the eye. And it’s surprising to realize that these formations are consolidated dunes sculpted by erosion over 5000 years. The panorama is perfect for representing the ambiance of the planet Tatooine. It was rightfully chosen to film several scenes from Episode I of the Star Wars saga, such as the podrace.

Sidi Bouhlel Canyon

Located near the town of Tozeur, Sidi Bouhlel canyon offers the promise of an escape and a complete change of scenery. The site, named combines rocky ridges, winding gorges, oases, and palm groves. In this almost desert landscape, the mineral and the vegetal coexist. The sedimentary rocks tell the story of the formation of the enveloping reliefs, and whether they are horizontal or inclined, the layers of the canyon reveal to visitors the tectonic forces that animate them.

This natural setting was ideal for embodying the universe of Star Wars, specifically the hostility of the Jundland desert on Tatooine. Several iconic scenes were shot there, such as the attack of the Tusken Raiders and the kidnapping of R2-D2, as well as the podrace. However, the suggestive potential of the canyon is not limited to the science fiction universe. Other directors have chosen this site for its poetic and dramatic charge, such as Anthony Minghella in “The English Patient” or Steven Spielberg in “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Limited Availability

Small group experience 8-10 guests
Private trips for groups can also be arranged.