Tunisia, in northeastern Africa is a beautiful country to visit: a country of spices and flowers, ancient history, friendliness, wonderful hotels, restaurants and first class airports.
Tunisia has a mild and scenic coastline and a perfect climate. The Mediterranean makes up its northern, and part of its eastern border. Libya is also to the east and south, and Algeria is to the west. In the over 3000 years of its existence, this country has seen many civilizations pass through and leave their marks: the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. Todays Tunisian culture is a mosaic of all of these cultures that have gone before.
Tunisian history is displayed in Tunisias many museums and historic sites. Visit the huge National Museum of Bardo, near Tunis, to see an example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and decoration. It was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time. You will see vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. The jewel of this particular museum is its collection of mosaics. Its the finest such collection in the world. The Carthage Museum is famed for its excellent collection of Roman and Punic artifacts, including items that would have been used in everyday life. The extensive display of jewelry must not be missed. There is also an extremely distinctive display of Punic masks made of colored glass paste.
Visit the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, to see exhibits of traditional Tunisian arts and learn about the customs of the city of Tunis. It is housed on the bottom floor of the 18th century Dar Ben Abdallah Palace in the medina, or the heart of old Tunis. Most museums in Tunisia are not open on Mondays. There are many Tunisian festivals that could be the highlight of any holiday in Tunisia. Every village, no matter how small, has at least one festival and visitors are always welcome. The Saharian Festival is for those who are mesmerized by the vast Sahara. It takes place in Douz, considered to be the gateway to the Sahara. It is held during the second week in November. The International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum offers the music of world renowned orchestras and artists. It is an evening festival set in a Roman coliseum. It takes place from mid-July to mid-August.
What is the food in Tunisia like? Bread is the specialty of Tunisia. In the country you will find unleavened bread baked in special clay ovens called tabounas. Tunisians eat bread at every meal and every part of Tunisia has its own special bread. Lamb is the Tunisians meat of choice. Due to its long coastline, there is also a plethora of seafood and olive oil, salads and all sorts of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, and dried peppers enhance the flavor of Tunisian food. Tunisians love hot and spicy food but often serve their signature spicy condiment, Harissa, as a side dish for tourists who arent up to the hot food. Dont pass up dessert. Turkish Baklava, a confection made of layers of crispy pastry, ground nuts and cinnamon and soaked in honey syrup is too good to miss.
Tunisia is a world-class destination for your world-class holiday!
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