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Destinations : Tunisia
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Things to do |
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Star
Wars Film Set
If you have seen the Star Wars films even once you’ll recognise
this place. This is Luke Skywalker’s house. Before it was a
movie set it was a hotel and a restaurant and still is. There are
still some of the original features from the movie. The troglodyte
style of hotel, which doubled as a Star Wars set was based on a traditional
Tunisian dwelling. They were dug into the ground by North Africa’s
earliest inhabitants, the Berbers around the eleventh century and
they were used initially as a defence mechanism. As they are cool
in the summer and warm in winter means they are still used today as
dwellings all around Matmata.
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Sahara
Desert
As we leave Matmata behind the landscape begins to change dramatically
until you finally get to the edge of the Sahara and climb the sand
dunes. It covers over four million square kilometres
of sand. It stretches all the way down to Algeria, Morocco, Malawi
and Egypt. The Sahara desert may be a bit of
a trek but for Joe's money it’s an un-missable treat. After
Six hours on the road you only hit the start of the great desert.
Price includes all meals, transfers, accommodation and even a camel
ride. These excursions can be booked through your travel agent, rep
or hotel. A 2 Day Sahara Excursion costs around £70. The best
time to experience a camel ride is at dusk when the effect of the
changing light on the desert sands and the sunset is spectacular.
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Dougga
Dougga is about a two and a half hour drive from Hammamet and it's
the largest and most impressive Roman site in North Africa. The huge
temple is exceptionally well preserved making it one of Dougga’s
most important attractions, set impressively on the hill overlooking
the rest of the site. Dougga attracts thousands of visitors every
year so arrive early to avoid the crowds. After mid-day it gets very
hot here so don’t underestimate the need for sun-cream, hats
and water.
Excursions to Dougga are available through your tour operator and
it’s best to book with your rep. The price includes lunch, transfers,
entrance fees and visits to two main archaeological sites, Dougga
and Tuburbo Majus. An Excursion to Dougga costs around £23.
If you fancy doing the excursion independently you can book a taxi
through your hotel.
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Bedouin
Feast
No package holiday would be complete without the obligatory evening
banquet excursion. We went to a Bedouin feast. We were served bric,
a traditional Tunisian starter and it's basically pastry deep fried
with an egg inside and you squeeze some lemon on it. A Bedouin Feast
costs around £15. A traditional Tunisian night of dancing, snake-charming
and music. Dinner, drinks and transfers are included in the price.
Ask your rep for more details.
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Golfing
in Tunisia
There are two courses at Hammamet and the lads played the Olive
course at Golf Citrus about fifteen minutes from the hotel.
There are winter and summer schedules, so prices tend to vary according
to season.
It’s best to check with your travel agent when booking your
holiday, or else book the golf separately when you arrive.
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Hamman
or Turkish baths
Hamman or Turkish baths are found all over Tunisia and they are quite
cheap. For three and a half dinar you get acces to the bath, the steam
room and get a top massage. Joe’s luxury cost him less than
two pounds.
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Royal
Azur Thalassotherapy Spa
At Royal Azur Thalassotherapy Spa you can have all kinds of treatments
like Bubbling baths, Algae applications, steam showers all the massages
you could ask for and lots of beauty treatments. The
aqua-tonic heated pool at the hotel is filled with seawater and includes
a Jacuzzi, water-jets and airbeds plus the setting is wonderful.
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Eating
Out
Most packages from Northern Ireland are on a half board basis so with
your evening meal catered for you just need to buy lunch. In every
town in Tunisia there are places called restaurant popular and they
are identified by the roasting spits at the front. You can eat a quarter
of a chicken, a big plate of chips and lots of salad for £1.50.
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Shopping
If it’s bargains you’re looking for you can’t miss
out on the local market. At the market in Nabeul haggling is the name
of the game. Haggling is half the fun and it is well worth it because
you can get the prices down. There’s a great variety, lovely
choices of handbags, brief cases and much cheaper than at home. The
leather is very good quality too so we'd recommend that the girls
stock up on those bags! |
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