Tunis: Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said Private Tour with Lunch

Summary

Medina alleys, Carthage ruins and blue Sidi Bou Said on a private day out

You’ll wind through Tunis’ maze-like medina with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, then taste fresh seafood in La Goulette before exploring Carthage’s ancient ruins and ending your day among Sidi Bou Said’s blue-and-white houses above the sea—a day full of color, history, and little surprises.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping into the Medina of Tunis was the smell—spices, leather, something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Sami, grinned when he caught me staring at a mountain of dates. “Try one,” he said, and honestly, I still think about that sticky sweetness. The alleys twisted in ways that made my phone’s map useless (not that I minded). We ducked past old men sipping coffee and women haggling over scarves. Sami pointed out doors painted in every shade of blue—he explained each color meant something different once, but now it’s mostly for beauty. He seemed to know everyone; people waved or called out to him as we wandered.

La Goulette felt like a different world—louder somehow, with the sound of clinking glasses from the cafés near the water. We stopped for lunch at a place where the owner greeted Sami like family. The fish was so fresh it almost tasted salty from the sea breeze coming through open windows. I tried to thank our waiter in French but probably butchered it; he just laughed and brought more bread. After lunch we drove along the coast toward Carthage—the ruins just sort of appear between houses and trees, which is wild if you’re used to ancient sites being fenced off and quiet.

Carthage itself is scattered—columns poking up behind gardens or next to apartment blocks. Standing there with the Mediterranean glittering in the distance, Sami told us stories about Phoenicians and Romans fighting over this spot. It’s hard not to feel small in a place like that. Then we headed up to Sidi Bou Said—the village really is as blue-and-white as everyone says. Kids played soccer in an alley while an old man painted tiny boats on tiles outside his shop. The light there feels softer somehow, maybe because of all that white paint reflecting off cobblestones. I bought a mint tea from a café overlooking the sea and just sat for a while watching everything slow down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tunis and nearby historic sites

• Visit Medina of Tunis
• Explore La Goulette neighborhood
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Tour archaeological site of Carthage
• Visit village of Sidi Bou Said

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, pickup is offered from all hotels around Tunis.

How long does the day trip from Tunis to Carthage take?

The tour covers multiple stops including Carthage; expect a full-day experience.

Is lunch provided during this private tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour.

Are entrance fees for Carthage included?

Entry to the Ruins of Carthage is included in your booking.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; prams or strollers can be used.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

The tour includes a certified professional tourist guide who speaks English.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If weather conditions are poor, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Is public transportation nearby if needed?

Yes, public transport options are available near tour stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, pickup from your hotel anywhere in Tunis, entry fees for Carthage’s archaeological site, guidance from a certified professional guide throughout all four locations—Medina of Tunis, La Goulette, Carthage ruins and Sidi Bou Said—and a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before returning comfortably to your hotel.