Tunis Medina, Sidi Bou Said & Carthage: Private Day Tour Pickup

Summary

Wander blue streets in Sidi Bou Said, get lost in Tunis medina, stand above Carthage’s ruins

You’ll wander Sidi Bou Said’s blue-and-white lanes with sea air on your face, lose yourself among spices and shouts in Tunis’ old medina, then stand above ancient Carthage looking out over the bay. Your local host handles pickup anywhere in Tunisia, helps with lunch choices, and lets you set your own pace—so you can just soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that almost-too-bright blue on every door and window in Sidi Bou Said. We’d just been picked up at our hotel (right on time, which surprised me because I’m used to waiting) and our guide, Sami, was already joking about how even locals can’t agree on the best café for mint tea. The breeze from the sea carried a salty smell mixed with something sweet — maybe pastries from one of those tiny bakeries? I tried to order coffee in French and got a smile and a gentle correction. It’s little things like that that make you feel you’re really somewhere else.

We wandered through those winding streets, stopping whenever we wanted — Sami never rushed us. He pointed out a house where some famous painter once lived (I forgot the name; sorry Sami), then let us linger by the cliffs for photos. After that it was off to the Medina of Tunis. The shift hit me: suddenly it was noise, color, people calling out prices, the scent of spices and leather mixing together. I’m not much of a haggler but Sami offered to help if we wanted to buy something — he laughed when my friend tried out her rusty Arabic. I still think about that narrow alley where sunlight barely reached the ground and everything felt older than anything back home.

Carthage came last. The ruins are scattered along the bay — not all in one place like I expected. We climbed Byrsa Hill (I was out of breath but pretended otherwise) and looked out over the water where ships would’ve sailed centuries ago. There’s this weird feeling standing there: history feels close but also sort of impossible to grasp. Sami told stories about Rome and Carthage fighting for control here; it made me want to read more when I got back. Lunch was easy — he suggested a spot based on what we liked and helped us order without fussing over tourist menus.

I didn’t expect Tunisia to feel so layered — every stop felt different, even though they’re all close together. If you want a day trip from Tunis that lets you see Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, and the medina at your own pace (with someone who actually knows shortcuts), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sidi Bou Said, Tunis, and Carthage

• Visit Sidi Bou Said village
• Explore cafes and art galleries
• Take photos from cliff-top
• Choose to visit Tunis Medina or Bardo Museum
• Tour Medina markets and local life
• Drive to Carthage and learn history
• Visit Baths of Antoninus and museum
• Climb Byrsa Hill for sea views

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Tunis day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from anywhere in Tunisia—even cruise ports for an extra fee.

How long does it take to visit Sidi Bou Said, Medina of Tunis & Carthage?

The tour covers all three locations comfortably within a day; exact timing depends on your pace.

Can I choose between visiting Bardo Museum or Medina?

Yes, you can pick either the Medina of Tunis or Bardo Museum as part of your itinerary.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

Lunch isn’t included but your host will help you choose a restaurant based on your preferences.

Are entry fees covered for Carthage or other sites?

No entry fees are mentioned as included; check with your host if needed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and sites are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes—infant seats are available and strollers are welcome.

Will my guide speak English?

Your driver-host speaks multiple languages including English—just let them know your preference.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or port pickup anywhere in Tunisia (with licensed port access available for cruise travelers), flexible itinerary between Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, and either Bardo Museum or Medina of Tunis at your own pace with a multilingual local host-driver who’ll share stories along the way—and help you choose lunch spots according to what you’re craving before dropping you off wherever suits you best.