PORTS OF CALL - Europe
Tunis, Tunisia
This storied capital city, punctuated by a walled medina of labyrinthine alleys, covered passages and several hundred palaces, mosques, mausoleums and fountains, will instantly capture your imagination. If the walls of the medina could talk, they would tell tales of one conquest after another - Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Turkish and French -dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Modern-day Tunis is a lively melding of its culturally rich past, complete with Roman ruins, charming colonial-era architecture and a boisterous central bazaar.
Don't Miss
At the heart of the medieval medina is Zitouna or the Great Mosque, the 9th-century main mosque of Tunis, whose name means "olive tree," a tribute to its founder's favorite gathering place for studying the Koran. View the exterior of this local treasure as visitors are not allowed to visit the interior of the mosque.
Fun Things to Do
Venture beyond the medina to the Bardo Museum, a cultural gem well worth a visit. It houses one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Explore the magnificent Roman ruins of Carthage, just northeast of the city.
Shopping for Bargains
You can't miss the souk, or bazaar, in the center of Tunis -and lucky for that. This vast conglomeration of tailors, weavers, carpet sellers, gold merchants, spice shops, bakeries and olive vendors captures the city's essence, right down to its thickly intoxicating air. Start out at the Great Mosque for the best wares. While you may or may not find bargains, one thing's for sure - you're in for a dynamic day of shopping. And who knows what treasures you might unearth.
Local Flavours
For a truly authentic Tunisian experience, tuck into Café M'Rabet, an institution in the medina of Tunis for over a hundred years. Built over the tombs of three holy men, the café happens to feature one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. Most afternoons and evenings, belly-dancing and live music accompany the food.
Currency
Tunisia's official currency is the dinar (TND). Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and stores.