Cruises from Tunis - Tunisia

With a population of around 1.2 million people, Tunis is the capital of Tunisia. It is located on the continent of Africa along the Mediterranean Sea. Tunis is divided into two main parts. The old city which is called the Medina and the new city which is sometimes called the Ville Nouvelle.

It is fairly easy to travel to Tunis with an airport and train station located in the city. A port known as La Goulette is close by that provides a harbour for visiting cruise ships. Once in Tunis, travel around the city is quite easy as well. A light rail system runs through the city and offers four different lines to choose from. To travel farther, a suburban train system is also available that can provide transportation from Tunis to La Goulette where the cruise port and numerous ferry terminals are located.

The climate in Tunis is fairly mild with yearly highs ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and yearly lows ranging between 46 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are December and January and they average around 2.4 inches.

Those visiting Tunis should plan a trip to the Bardo Museum. The museum is home to numerous Roman mosaics which contribute to the museums fame. There are also exhibits from Carthage and several periods that make up the history of Rome.

Not far from Tunis are the ruins of Carthage which visitors should definitely make the effort to see during their visit. Carthage is the home of Hannibal, one of history’s best known generals for his crossing of the Alps to fight the Romans. In Carthage, visitors can see the Antonin Baths and the Acropolium. There is also a museum in Carthage which displays many treasures found during excavations of the area.

Zitouna Mosque is located in Tunis and happens to be the largest in Tunisia. It was built during the 9th century and ten centuries later a minaret was added to the Mosque. Those wishing to visit this landmark should wear appropriate dress.

The Roman Catholic cathedral known as the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul is located in Tunis as well. The cathedral is quite beautiful and unusual in its design. A trip to visit this cathedral which was built by Saint Vincent de Paul in 1882 is a worthy stop. Saint Vincent de Paul decided to build the cathedral after he was freed from slavery in Tunis and chose to spend his time helping other Christian slaves.

Those looking to shop during their visit to Tunis should head to the souq which is located in Medina. There are several shops that line the area and offer a variety of goods. Leather products are readily available in Tunis and are frequently found to be inexpensive. Haggling for products is considered common place in the souq.

For those looking to taste some of the local cuisine a food market called the Halfaouine is also nearby.

Exercise caution when visiting Tunis for local people that seem too friendly or offer to show you the wonders of the city, as they will likely want to be rewarded for their efforts either by money or merchandise, such as a pack of cigarettes. Visitors will want to avoid this type of situation whenever possible.