Tunis, Carthage & Dougga, Tunisia
Today was a highlight for most all of us onboard. We were given the choice between two amazing options and we broke apart to enjoy the best of what Tunisia has to offer, in regards to ruins and antiquity.
A small group headed across the northern part of the country toward the ancient city of Dougga. Dougga is without question the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman monument in North Africa. There are fantastic examples of monuments, temples, and a well-restored theatre to explore. Our group even toured the Licinian Baths and the ancient town brothel. Springtime was the center of attention here as we hiked through beautiful olive groves and waist-high wildflowers. Dougga was a prosperous city under the rule of the Romans. Due to the importance of this site and the incredible amount of remains, this city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
The remainder of our ship’s company explored the seaside towns of Tunis and Carthage. We began our day at the Bardo Museum, in the capital city of Tunis. The stunning mosaics in the museum collection are housed within the walls of an old palace, which itself is a highlight of the visit. The mosaic collection is vast and well-preserved and we enjoyed photographing many of the pieces in natural light. Scenes of Venus, Bacchus, and the abundance of the sea featured heavily in the designs of the mosaics.
Next, we made our way to the Tunis Medina. The Medina is the bustling heart of the city’s historical, commercial quarter. Our local guides led us on an exploration through the narrow alleyways, passing huge varieties of leather goods, Berber carpets, and silver jewelry. We returned to the ship for lunch and continued our journey in the early afternoon. Our first stop was the scenic town of Sidi Bou Saïd. Named after a holy man of the 13th century, the town has seen many visitors over its years of existence. It is a charming, seaside town, with a distinctive “Greek-island” feel. Whitewashed buildings with blue trim and adornment were a nice addition to a lovely walk and a scenic viewpoint. We took numerous photos of the blue Mediterranean and the Gulf of Tunis from the hill atop the town.
Perhaps the most significant stop for those of us interested in ancient history was that of Carthage. An extremely powerful city (also, incidentally, another UNESCO World Heritage Site) which brought wealth and prosperity to North Africa, Carthage was a powerhouse civilization in ancient times. Very little remains to illustrate this immense wealth and power, but there are some beautiful examples of Roman engineering. We visited the remains of the immense Antonine Baths and explored the area that would have been its basement tunnels. Next, we headed to Byrsa Hill to take in the sweeping views of the bay and the remains of a Punic quarter. Destroyed in 146 BC, the immensity of Carthage would have been impossible to imagine without the creative help of our local guides.
We set sail this evening from the port of La Goulette. We are saying farewell to our explorations of North Africa as we make our way toward the Balearic Islands of Spain.
Today was a highlight for most all of us onboard. We were given the choice between two amazing options and we broke apart to enjoy the best of what Tunisia has to offer, in regards to ruins and antiquity.
A small group headed across the northern part of the country toward the ancient city of Dougga. Dougga is without question the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman monument in North Africa. There are fantastic examples of monuments, temples, and a well-restored theatre to explore. Our group even toured the Licinian Baths and the ancient town brothel. Springtime was the center of attention here as we hiked through beautiful olive groves and waist-high wildflowers. Dougga was a prosperous city under the rule of the Romans. Due to the importance of this site and the incredible amount of remains, this city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
The remainder of our ship’s company explored the seaside towns of Tunis and Carthage. We began our day at the Bardo Museum, in the capital city of Tunis. The stunning mosaics in the museum collection are housed within the walls of an old palace, which itself is a highlight of the visit. The mosaic collection is vast and well-preserved and we enjoyed photographing many of the pieces in natural light. Scenes of Venus, Bacchus, and the abundance of the sea featured heavily in the designs of the mosaics.
Next, we made our way to the Tunis Medina. The Medina is the bustling heart of the city’s historical, commercial quarter. Our local guides led us on an exploration through the narrow alleyways, passing huge varieties of leather goods, Berber carpets, and silver jewelry. We returned to the ship for lunch and continued our journey in the early afternoon. Our first stop was the scenic town of Sidi Bou Saïd. Named after a holy man of the 13th century, the town has seen many visitors over its years of existence. It is a charming, seaside town, with a distinctive “Greek-island” feel. Whitewashed buildings with blue trim and adornment were a nice addition to a lovely walk and a scenic viewpoint. We took numerous photos of the blue Mediterranean and the Gulf of Tunis from the hill atop the town.
Perhaps the most significant stop for those of us interested in ancient history was that of Carthage. An extremely powerful city (also, incidentally, another UNESCO World Heritage Site) which brought wealth and prosperity to North Africa, Carthage was a powerhouse civilization in ancient times. Very little remains to illustrate this immense wealth and power, but there are some beautiful examples of Roman engineering. We visited the remains of the immense Antonine Baths and explored the area that would have been its basement tunnels. Next, we headed to Byrsa Hill to take in the sweeping views of the bay and the remains of a Punic quarter. Destroyed in 146 BC, the immensity of Carthage would have been impossible to imagine without the creative help of our local guides.
We set sail this evening from the port of La Goulette. We are saying farewell to our explorations of North Africa as we make our way toward the Balearic Islands of Spain.
