Pick up your hire car in Tunis and head for a colourful and authentic taste of North Africa.
"With our ancient medina and exotic allure, we're the greatest city in North Africa. There's so much to see and do in our city, we make Marrakech look like Margate!"
The medina in Tunis isn't quite as big and impressive as the one in Marrakech, but on the other hand it's much less hassly, less-overun with tourists and gives you a real flavour of North Africa.
The city's medina quarter is fragrant, colourful and wonderfully chaotic, while outside of it you'll find a modern city - though one that is pretty relaxed in itself.
The locals are a friendly bunch, and while stall-holders in the medina will certainly try to haggle with you over price, they'll do it with a smile on their faces.
Tunis tends to be sweltering in summer months and cool and damp in winter. Be prepared for occasional storms and high winds.
Tagine-cooked lamb and cous-cous are to Tunisians what pie, mash and eels, are to cockneys - part of their staple diet.
Actor Ewan McGregor and, erm, that other bloke began their Long Way Down motorcycle trip through Africa in Tunis.
The English Patient and Star Wars are among the films to be shot in nearby towns.
"As you enter the narrow streets, centuries slip away and, like Alice, step into the looking glass to another world." - www.tourismtunisia.com
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1. Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul
The spectacular Catholic cathedral was built by French colonials in 1882 and is a mish-mash of Moorish, Gothic and Byzantine styles.
The closest parking is within walking distance of the Cathedral, an underground multi-storey car park, situated on Rue de Grece.
2. Bab el Bahr
The 'Gate to the Sea' is basically a massive door in the middle of the medina built by the French in the mid-1800s.
The underground car park situated on Rue de Grece is the closest parking location, although it is a tidy step from Bab el Bahr.
3. Bardo Museum
If you're a big fan of ancient artefacts, check out this museum. The building itself is worth a visit - it was originally a 13th century palace.
The closest car park is situated just north of the museum, in Khaldoun, which is under two miles away.
4. Ez-Zitouna
This 9th century building is the biggest in all of Tunisia, and although non-Muslims can only venture as far as the courtyard, it's still worth a trip to marvel at the fine architecture.
The underground car park on Rue de Grece is a short walk away.
5. Dar Ben Abdallah
Ever wondered how a rich merchant of the Ottoman Empire went about his everyday life? No? Well, after a visit to this fascinating 18th century palace-cum-museum in the medina, you'll wonder why this never crossed your mind.
It is possible to find parking a short walk away on L'avenue Ouled Hafouzz.
1. Carthage
Not far outside Tunis lies the ancient city of Carthage. It's mostly ruins there today - the Carthaginians, and their famous general, Hannibal, had a few scrapes with the Romans over the years and they did their best to destroy the place.
Carthage lies in the outskirts of Tunis, so head out of the capital along the coastal Avenue Habib Bourguiba and along the excellent paved roads for about 10 miles until you reach the city of Carthage, which is located on the eastern side of Lake Tunis.
2. Tataouine
This town was the inspiration behind Luke and Anakin Skywalkers's home planet in Star Wars and many of the films' scenes were shot in nearby Matmata. Don't expect to see too many Hutts or Tusken Raiders knocking about though.
Head south east out of Tunis in the direction of Zarzis along the Roman road. After Zarzis head in the direction of Medenine and follow on towards Tataouine.
3. Hammamet
This lively beach town is about half an hour outside Tunis and boasts some excellent beaches.
Hammamet, is situated about 40 miles south of Tunis. Head out along the motorway towards Sebala du Mornag.
4. Sousse
One of the largest cities in Tunisia, Sousse has a large old fort, massive city walls and a more relaxed medina than Tunis. It also has some spectacular beaches.
Sousse is 90 miles south of Tunis. Follow the motorway out of Tunis heading towards Hammamet, then continue south for a further 50 miles in the direction of Reville until you reach Sousse.
" Don't get caught out as the speed limits are 50mph in built-up areas and 90mph on the open road. The only exception is on the A1 Expressway, where the toll road is 110mph. Be careful when travelling in the more rural and desert roads as they are not sufficiently sign-posted and you might get caught in a sand storm. If you do decide to venture off the beaten track, ensure your vehicle is appropriate for off-road driving conditions, and equipped with appropriate spares and supplies - including water and food! "
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