Discovery Tour: Between Heritage, Nature and Adventure

🌅 Traditional Breakfast & Departure to Le Kef Start your day with a typical Tunisian breakfast featuring fresh bread, local honey, olive oil, and mint tea… Enjoy the authentic flavors of the region before embarking on an immersive journey through northwestern Tunisia, a land rich in history and breathtaking natural landscapes. 🚗 Journey to Le Kef – A Scenic Escape Through Northwestern Tunisia The road to Le Kef offers breathtaking scenery: rolling hills, vast agricultural fields, and endless olive groves. This region, known for its mild climate and rich heritage, is a perfect blend of nature and history, revealing the authentic soul of Tunisia. 🌊 Visit to the Mellegue Dam – A Natural Gem Upon arriving at the Mellegue Dam, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the site. Nestled between rocky cliffs, this massive water reservoir offers a stunning panorama. Built on the Mellegue River, it plays a vital role in irrigating agricultural lands and supplying water to the region. This peaceful spot is perfect for a contemplative break, a walk along the water’s edge, or capturing memorable photos in nature. 🏛️ Exploring the Medina of Le Kef – A Journey Through History The medina of Le Kef is a true historical treasure, where every alleyway tells a story of a bygone era. Here, you will discover: • Traditional Ottoman houses with whitewashed facades and intricately carved doors. • The Great Mosque of Le Kef, built during the Hafsid dynasty, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. • The Kasbah of Le Kef, a perched fortress offering an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the surrounding valley. • Traditional souks, where the enchanting scents of spices and leather mingle, showcasing a thriving local craft industry. Once known as Sicca Veneria in Roman times, Le Kef was an important military and religious center. Later, under the Ottoman Empire, it became a strategic stronghold, which explains its rich architectural heritage. 🍽️ Lunch Break – A Taste of Local Gastronomy Enjoy a delicious lunch highlighting the specialties of northwestern Tunisia. ⛰️ Afternoon at Table of Jugurtha – A Unique Historical and Natural Site The afternoon will be dedicated to discovering the Table of Jugurtha, a spectacular rock formation rising over 1,200 meters above sea level. Located near the Algerian border, this site is of great historical significance. 🔹 Historical Significance: • Named after Jugurtha, the famous Numidian king who resisted the Romans, this site served as an impregnable stronghold during the Punic and Roman wars. • Due to its strategic position, it was used as a military refuge and observation post. • Ancient remains, such as rock-carved cisterns and fortifications, still bear witness to its long-standing occupation. From its summit, the Table of Jugurtha offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the surrounding plains—an unforgettable sight for nature and history enthusiasts. 🏨 Journey to Kasserine – Check-in at Hotel Sufetula In the late afternoon, depart for Kasserine, a city known for its proximity to the Roman ruins of Sufetula and its mountainous landscapes. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel Sufetula (or similar accommodation), where you can unwind and relax. 🍽️ Dinner & Free Evening End the day with a delightful dinner featuring local flavors.

- Morning: Immersion in History and Archaeology After breakfast, depart for the archaeological site of Thelepte, an ancient Roman city founded during the Roman Empire. Once a significant religious and military center, Thelepte is located in the present-day region of Fériana. The site features the ruins of a 4th-century Christian basilica, a theater, and Roman baths. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this city, which served as a strategic crossroads in antiquity and a prominent center of early Christianity in North Africa. A guided tour will provide deeper insight into the site's historical evolution and its connection to the Roman province of Africa. - Discovering Majel Ben Abbès: A Natural and Cultural Treasure Continue to Majel Ben Abbès, one of Tunisia’s five most biologically diverse areas. This remarkable region is known for: • Centuries-old olive trees and pistachio groves, reflecting the area's rich agricultural heritage and adaptation to an arid climate. • Traditional craftsmanship, particularly the art of weaving with esparto and alfa grass, a skill passed down through generations. • Equestrian traditions, with the opportunity to witness spectacular Fantasia performances—an equestrian art where riders, dressed in traditional attire, perform choreographed races and synchronized rifle firing. • Interactive workshops, where you can participate in the extraction and weaving of alfa grass, a plant traditionally used to craft rugs and baskets. - Afternoon: Relaxation and Wellness at Boulaâba Thermal Baths In the afternoon, head to the Boulaâba thermal station, a haven of relaxation nestled in lush surroundings. Renowned for its hot springs rich in minerals, Boulaâba is famous for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating rheumatic and dermatological conditions. Enjoy a moment of well-being by soaking in the healing waters or indulging in a traditional thermal treatment, featuring bubbling baths and soothing massages with locally sourced essential oils. - Evening: Arrival and Leisure in Sbeïtla At the end of the day, depart for Sbeïtla, a city renowned for its extraordinary archaeological site. Check in at the hotel, followed by a dinner featuring local flavors that highlight the region’s rich gastronomy.

Morning: Discovering Tunisia’s Archaeological Heritage - Departure for the Aïn Dhab cave, passing through three of Tunisia's most remarkable archaeological sites: Sbeïtla, Mactar, and Kesra. - Sbeïtla: Once a Roman colony, Sbeïtla (formerly Sufetula) is one of North Africa’s best-preserved archaeological sites. The city was an important military and administrative center between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Discover its majestic Capitolium, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, its imposing triumphal arch, and its Roman baths, all testaments to the grandeur of Roman engineering. The city also played a key role in early Christianity, visible through its Byzantine churches and baptismal fonts. - Mactar: Founded by the Numidians before becoming a Roman municipium, Mactar (Makthar) thrived due to its fertile lands and strategic location along trade routes. The ruins of the Schola des Juvenes, a training center for young Roman citizens, highlight the city’s importance in shaping Roman elites. You will also find the triumphal arch of Trajan, Roman baths, and remnants of domestic villas adorned with beautiful mosaics. - Kesra: Located over 1,100 meters above sea level, Kesra is the highest village in Tunisia, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Once a Berber stronghold before the Roman conquest, Kesra later became an integral part of the Byzantine defense system. The remains of the Berber fortress, the troglodyte dwellings, and traditional stone houses testify to the village's deep historical and cultural roots. The Kesra Museum displays artifacts from the region, providing insight into its Amazigh (Berber) heritage and Roman influences. - Arrival at Aïn Dhab: A Natural Wonder Shaped by Time Upon arrival at Aïn Dhab, enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local specialties inspired by the region’s rich culinary heritage. Then, begin your adventure in this geological masterpiece, a cave renowned for its spectacular rock formations and fascinating underground landscapes. - Geography & Geology: Nestled in a rugged limestone plateau, the cave formed millions of years ago through the erosion of water, sculpting impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers. The mineral-rich waters that flow through the cave have left behind limestone deposits that form stunning natural sculptures. - History & Legends: Aïn Dhab is surrounded by myths and legends. It is said to have been a sanctuary for Berber tribes, a refuge for travelers and nomads, and even a hiding place for treasures in times of war. Some believe the cave was used as a ritual site, where ancient civilizations sought a spiritual connection with nature. - Activities & Exploration: Equipped with headlamps, explore the depths of the cave and uncover its hidden chambers, mysterious passages, and underground springs. For the more adventurous, the site offers spelunking experiences, allowing you to marvel at the dazzling interplay of light and shadow on the rock formations. Let yourself be transported by the history and magic of this exceptional place. Evening: Return to Tunis, Filled with Memories At the end of the day, begin your return to Tunis, your mind filled with unforgettable memories. This immersion in ancient history, untamed nature, and ancestral traditions makes this journey both enriching and memorable, marked by the timeless beauty of the sites discovered and the magic of the Aïn Dhab cave.