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Lonely Planet Tunisia
Abigail Hole , Daniel Robinson , and Michael Grosberg Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1740599209 |
Book Description
Squint in awe at the glinting-gold El-Jem Colosseum and imagine the bloodthirsty roar as Roman gladiators entertain the crowd, p. 208. Float in startlingly clear seas at El-Mansourah Beach, p. 115. Wear your fragrant jasmine flower with confidence you're sending the right message, p. 193. Sway gracefully on camelback through the endless Sahara, willing your steed not to break into a trot, p. 248.Four authors, 73 days of in-country research, 70 detailed maps, 102 plates of salade mechouia, one rented camel.
New Arts & Architecture chapter.
Top Tunisian chef Rafik Tlatli gives an expert take on the local cuisine.
Content updated daily: visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates and traveller suggestions.
Customer Reviews:
Tunisia Travel Preparations.......2007-06-15
Pretty good.......2005-12-22
Nicely Laid Out and Easy to Use. Useful Maps.......2004-09-27
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The Rough Guide to Tunisia 7 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
Daniel Jacobs , and Peter Morris Manufacturer: Rough Guides ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1843533960 |
Book Description
INTRODUCTIONTunisia, the Arab world's most liberal nation, is recognizably Mediterranean in character and, in the north at least, predominantly European in style. Indeed, its popular image seems, at times, to verge on blandness, dominated as it is by the package holiday clichs of reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches and just a touch of the exotic. If this seems predictable, however, be assured that it forms only one side of the picture. Beyond the white sands of Jerba and Hammamet, there is a great deal to encourage more independent-minded travel: sub-Saharan oases and fortresses, medieval Islamic cities, and some of the finest of the world's surviving Roman sites.
Being such a compact country, especially when compared to its North African neighbours, Tunisia is also very easy to get around. Even with a fortnight's holiday, it is quite feasible to take in something of each of the country's aspects of coast, mountains and desert. The journey from Tunis, the capital on the north coast, to Tataouine, in the heart of the desert, can be made in a little over ten hours by bus or shared taxi and, while most trips are considerably shorter, the majority of journeys in Tunisia leave an impression of real travel in the transformation from one type of landscape and culture to another. This immediacy makes the country very satisfying to explore - an accessible introduction to the Arab world and to the African continent.
The country, sited strategically at a bottleneck in the Mediterranean, has long played an important role in North Africa's history. In antiquity it was the centre of Carthaginian civilization - the ruins of Carthage lie just outside modern Tunis - and, as that empire folded, it became the heartland of Roman Africa. Later, as Islam spread west, it was invaded and settled by Arabs, providing, in the cities of Kairouan, Tunis, Sousse and Sfax, vital power bases for North Africa's successive medieval dynasties. By the fifteenth century, the Europeans and Turks were also turning their attentions to Tunisia - a process that ultimately resulted in French colonization in the nineteenth century. Today, in its fourth decade of independence, Tunisia is a fully established modern nation and, by regional standards, relatively prosperous.
Where to go
If the diversity of Tunisia's past cultures and their legacy of monuments comes as a surprise to most first-time visitors, the range of scenery can be even more unexpected. In the north you find shady oak forests reminiscent of the south of France; in southern Tunisia, the beginning of the Sahara Desert, with colossal dunes, oases and rippling mirages. Between the extremes are lush citrus plantations, bare steppes with table-top mountains, and rolling hills as green and colourful (in spring) as any English county. Just offshore lie the sandy, palm-scattered islands of Jerba and Kerkennah.
In terms of monuments, the Roman sites of the north are the best-known, and, even if your interest is very casual, many are quite spectacular. At El Jem, in the Sahel, an amphitheatre which rivals Rome's Colosseum towers above the plain; at Dougga you can wander around a marvellously preserved Roman city, complete with all the accoutrements and buildings of second- and third-century prosperity; and there are sites, scarcely less grand, at Utica, Bulla Regia, Maktar and Sbetla, as well as the legendary, extensive and much-battered Carthage. They're all atmospheric places to visit and at the smaller sites off the excursion routes, you'll find yourself, as often as not, enjoying them alone.
Islamic Tunisia has a varied architectural legacy, taking in early Arab mosques - most outstandingly at Kairouan, the first Arab capital of North Africa - and the sophisticated Turkish buildings of Tunis, as well as the strange Berber fortresses of the south. The latter are accompanied by equally weird structures known as ghorfas, honeycombed storage and living quarters, and, at Matmata, by underground houses. All reward the small effort it takes to get off the more beaten tracks.
For more hedonistic pleasures, the coast is at its most beautiful - and most commercialized - around Hammamet, Sousse-Monastir and the island of Jerba (connected by causeway to the mainland). Hammamet is a genuinely international resort and its satellites are spreading; but, by Spanish or Greek island standards, developments remain relatively small-scale and unusually well planned. Escaping them entirely is not hard either: even within sight of Hammamet, on Cap Bon, there is still wild coastline; Bizerte, on the north coast, has good sands and more character; whilst the Kerkennah islands still retain genuine fishing villages. Your time should ideally include a spell in the desert and mountains as well as on the coast. The oases at Nefta and Tozeur are classically luxuriant, while further south, the ksour (extraordinary, fortified granaries) around Tataouine and dunes around Remada give the region an almost expeditionary feel (indeed, many people choose to go on organized "safaris", easily arranged locally). In the mountains of the northwest, Le Kef is an ideal place to rest up for a few days.
All of this ignores one of Tunisia's best facets - its people. While the hassle of some tourist areas (particularly for women) shouldn't be underestimated, visitors are often startled - and exhilarated - by the hospitality which they're shown when away from the major resorts. Few independent travellers leave Tunisia without having been invited, quite spontaneously, to stay with a family. Even during the 1991 Gulf War, when the government did not support the US and allied forces, and there was a certain amount of anti-Western rhetoric on the street, the slogans were usually transcended by Tunisians' extraordinary pleasure in meeting visitors. The politics of the wider world rarely hinder personal contact.
Customer Reviews:
Most useful and highly recommended.......2007-01-11
Leave it at home.......2004-02-20
Must-Have Book for Travellers to Tunisia.......2000-09-30
It is much, much more comprehensive than any other guide. The Blue Guide (my other choice for Tunisian visits), Lonely Planet Guide (also excellent though with less background), and others literally do not have 1/2 the content of the Rough Guide.
By supplementing this book with one other one (the Blue Guide for in-depth history & cultural information, or the Lonely Planet Guide for a smaller, hipper subset of travel tips) you'll have a great Tunisian stay. Whichever "other" guide you choose, you'll want this one for the COMPLETE story of any destination in any corner of Tunisia.
Whether you're basking on the corniche at Hammamet, Bizerte, or la Marsa; travelling to tourist meccas like the Tunis Medina, Carthage, Sfax, Jerba, el Djem, Matmata and the Sahara palmeries; or taking jaunts to more out-of-the-way spots like Kerkouane or Tabarka... Take this book.
Must-Have Book for Travellers to Tunisia.......2000-09-30
It is much, much more comprehensive than any other guide. The Blue Guide (my other choice for Tunisian visits), Lonely Planet Guide (also excellent though with less background), and others literally do not have 1/2 the content of the Rough Guide.
By supplementing this book with one other one (the Blue Guide for in-depth history & cultural information, or the Lonely Planet Guide for a smaller, hipper subset of travel tips) you'll have a great Tunisian stay. Whichever "other" guide you choose, you'll want this one for the COMPLETE story of any destination in any corner of Tunisia.
Whether you're basking on the corniche at Hammamet, Bizerte, or la Marsa; travelling to tourist meccas like the Tunis Medina, Carthage, Sfax, Jerba, el Djem, Matmata and the Sahara palmeries; or taking jaunts to more out-of-the-way spots like Kerkouane or Tabarka... Take this book.
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Tunisia (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
DK Publishing Manufacturer: DK Travel ProductGroup: Book Binding: Turtleback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0756609127 |
Book Description
Recognized the world over by frequent flyers and armchair travelers alike, Eyewitness Travel Guides are the most colorful and comprehensive guides on the market. With beautifully commissioned photographs and spectacular 3-D aerial views revealing the charm of each destination, these amazing travel guides show what others only tell.Customer Reviews:
In need of update.......2006-03-28
Best Travel Book on the Market.......2005-09-23
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Lonely Planet Tunisia
David Willett Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 1864501855 |
Book Description
Whether you're on a package tour or going it alone, experience all Tunisia has to offer with this essential new guide. Check out the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics, laze on sandy beaches fringed by olive and citrus groves, haggle in the media of Kairouan and Tunis or get away from it all on a camel safari in the Sahara.
Customer Reviews:
Would have been lost without it.......2004-02-20
Terrible, Don't buy this book!.......2003-01-14
Sadly below the Lonely Planet standard.......2002-09-23
Tunisia is a lonely planet!.......2000-09-25
Great book if you'll want to take your stomach out of a tour.......2000-07-31
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Michelin NEOS Guide Tunisia, 1e (NEOS Guide)
Manufacturer: Michelin Travel Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 2068555018 |
Book Description
Explore the magnificent sand dunes of the Sahara, stroll along the palm-lined beaches of the mythical island of Jerba, barter in the labyrinthine souks of Tunis, wander through the temples of the Roman ghost town of Carthage. Enjoy nature's gifts in the coastal resorts of Hammamet and Sousse: soak up the sun, bathe in the sea and relax in the warm evening air, fragrant with the smell of jasmine and honeysuckle. Let our clear itineraries, maps and plans guide you to mountain oases, cave dwellings and medina. Following our recommendtaions, stay in anything from a cave house in Techine to a palace straight out of the Arabian Nights, try the best couscous on offer, go camel trekking in the desert or sample the wonders of the Mediterranean with a scuba-diving expedition off the coast of Tabarka.
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Footprint Tunisia Handbook
Justin McGuinness Manufacturer: Footprint Handbooks ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1903471281 |
Book Description
Arguably the Arab world's most forward-looking state, Tunisia is the subject of a high-spending publicity campaign as its Tourist Board seeks to attract more foreign visitors to this lesser-known Mediterranean destination. Thoroughly revised and updated, Footprint Tunisia Handbook is packed with essential tips for enjoying a trip to the "sun, sea, and sand" capital of North Africa, along with stunning full-color photographs showing the country's key features. A new-and-improved table of contents and a new front map highlighting the best sights combine with over 80 full-color maps cross-referenced with the text to help travelers decide where to stay, eat, and take in the local culture. From the remote beaches of the northern coast to the dunes and oases of the deep south, the book suggests itineraries for finding hidden spots most tourists don't know about. It gives the complete lowdown on desert adventure excursions, from climatic conditions to transportation options. It also explores attractions beyond the beaches and dunes, from vibrant souks to spectacular Roman ruins.Customer Reviews:
Footprint Tunisia Handbook-Fantastic Book.......2002-11-18
Footprint Tunisia.......2000-06-20
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Sahara Overland: A Route and Planning Guide
Chris Scott Manufacturer: Trailblazer Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1873756267 |
Book Description
Sahara Overland is the first new guidebook to fully cover off-road travel in the Sahara for nearly 20 years. Information includes: where and when to go; documentation and route options; selecting, preparing and equipping the most suitable 4WDs, trucks and motorcycles - and even bicycles! Maintaining and repairing these vehicles in the field; desert driving and riding techniques are also covered. There are chapters on health, survival and navigation including the critical use of GPS; hiring of guides, climate, landforms, pre-historic art sites, peoples and languages. Sahara Overland also details, kilometre by kilometre, 30 off-road itineraries with hundreds of GPS waypoints in Mauritania, Morocco, Mali, Libya, Tunisia as well as outlining desert routes in less accessible or dangerous areas like the Western Desert of Egypt, Algeria, Niger and northern Chad. This book will also be the first to address undertaking organised tours in the Sahara: choosing a reliable operator, where is the best place for cameling in the dunes, trekking in the mountains, experiencing nomadic lifestyles, organising your own a la carte itineraries, what it costs and what to ask for. Visit the www.sahara-overland.com website from June 1999 for regularly updated Sahara travel information and further details of the book.Customer Reviews:
Every traveler should read.......2007-01-11
A Great Guide Book, But Not Always Entirely Accurate.......2006-09-14
A thoroughly excellent, traveler friendly guidebook........2000-08-03
The best guide to real adventure travel I've read.......2000-07-27
Chris's approach is always engaging, but exhaustive where necessary. He isn't afraid to be honest in equipment choices. For example, since he is from the U.K. I expected the vehicle selection chapter to be a Tom Sheppard-esque sermon about the perfection of the Land Rover. Instead, while pointing out the strengths of Land Rovers, he quite bluntly states that anyone needing the utmost in reliability should buy a Toyota Land Cruiser instead. The section on vehicle preparation is full of good, practical advice.
The route descriptions are excellent (and you can visit the author's web site for updates). However, I would recommend this book strongly to anyone considering traveling by vehicle in any desert in the world--there's that much information in it.
Super Saharah Guide!.......2000-06-13
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Tunisia (Countries of the World)
Paolo Rinaldi Manufacturer: White Star Editions ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 8880958216 |
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Berlitz Tunisia (Berlitz Pocket Guides)
Berlitz Guides Manufacturer: Berlitz Guides ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 2831573327 |
Book Description
Packed with stunning photographs, easy-to-use maps, and all the information you really need to get the most from your visit! In this compact guide, our writers help you plan itineraries for short and longer stays. Complete with must-see sights on and off the beaten track as well as current hotel and restaurant recommendations. And the convenient size of the guide allows you to take it along in your pocket or handbag. Take the world in your pocket next time and travel with this handy Berlitz guide.
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Insight Guide Tunisia (Insight Guides Tunisia)
Manufacturer: Langenscheidt Publishers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1585730327 |
Book Description
Insight Guide: Tunisia provides everything you'll ever need in a guidebook. It is an inspiring background read, an invaluable on-the-spot companion and a superb souvenir of your visit. Evocative photography: Insight Guides are renowned for their great pictures, which vividly convey a sense of everyday life. Illuminating text: Expert writers bring to life Tuniisa's history, culture, politics, arts and, above all, the people. Incisive evaluations: From vibrant souks to spectacular Roman ruins, from the sandcastle architecture of the southern ksour to the long blond beaches of the east coast, it's all here. Detailed, cross-referenced maps: All sites are clearly highlighted in specially drawn maps. Full listings: All the travel details, hotels, restaurants and phone numbers you'll need.Books:
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