dutyfree

I am starting to help plan my college daughter's spring break trip to Tunisia as she is doing a semester abroad in Sicily and her internet time is very limited there.She is hoping to go to Tunisia in March over their spring break with 3 other friends(male and female). Questions: since she lives south of Catania is her only way of getting to Tunis by way of Rome or Milan? The Hotel Carleton that you stayed at Twit cho-would you recommend safe for young girls and somewhat close to sites? The four of them are very history orientated and are not really into doing the beach thing.Other hotels or areas you would recommend staying at that would be easy for picking up public transport to Carthage and surrounding areas?Would you use Tunis as a base and then just do daytrips out of there? Is the 1 hour camel ride really worth going down to Dous for?They had wanted to do some touristy things but do you think that they should be using a guide? Thanks for all you help!

dutyfree

Sorry that I did not spell you name correctly-Thit cho!

thit_cho

I think Alitalia only flies to Tunis from Milan and Rome, so she would have to fly from Catania to either of those two cities and then connect to Tunis. I was flying from NY so I knew I'd connect in either Milan or Rome, so I didn't check for flights to Tunis from Catania or Palermo, but you can probably find that out on the Alitalia website.

The Hotel Carlton is right in the city center, and is within walking distance of the Tunis medina, the train station (for trains south to Sousse and El Jem, for example), tram stops (for visits to the Bardo Museum) and the TGM (the suburban line to Carthage). I found it very safe, and easy to deal with via email (very prompt response).

I used Tunis as a base, and it worked out well. No idea about the camel ride, but I've ridden lots of camels and they are not the most comfortable animals to ride.

I'm certainly not an expert on Tunisia, having only visited once last month. I learned everything from the Lonely Planet, which gives info on hotels, trains, louages (private taxis), etc.

If you haven't done so, I would recommend picking up Lonely Planet -- Tunisia, which is what I used to plan my itinerary and learn about Tunisia.

I made a few posts before I left on Fodors and Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree, but I didn't get many responses, and I found the LP invaluable.

I'm surfing on my Treo while waiting for friend to get back to table, so let me know if you have any specific questions.

Michael

dutyfree

Thanks for your prompt response Michael. I picked up the Lonely guide to Tunisia and Eyewitness so will look over and if I come up with any more questions I will get back to you. I am leaving for Paris tomorrow till Tuesday so will catch you when I get back. I appreciate your help!

thit_cho

I had the Eyewitness Guide, too, but it doesn't offer the same practical advice as the Lonely Planet. I brought both guides with me, and I think I only read the Eyewitness on the plane flight for background, and I checked the LP for more detail.

One other thought. From Sicily, you may be able to fly to Tunis via Valleta, Malta on Air Malta. I flew to Malta from Catania, so that leg is possible, and I think you can also fly to Tunis from Malta. But, I have no idea if the connections work w/o overnighting in Malta or having to spend a day in Malta.

Feel free to ask questions, but you may be reaching the limits of my knowledge on Tunisia.

Have fun in Paris -- I was there a year ago this weekend.

Michael