Tunis

The capital city Tunis is today a bustling modern metropolis. At its heart is the medina, one of the best preserved Islamic cities in the world. It dates from the end of the 7th century with the founding of the Zitouna Mosque and the complex of schools and souks which grew up around it.

Islamic architecture unfolds as you view the octagonal Hanifite minarets of Youssef Dey and Hamouda Pasha Mosques, zawiyas such as Sidi Ben Arous, where Sufi teachings took root in the 15th century, the dozens of mausoleums, including the royal Tourbet Bey, and the distinctive Ottoman domes of Sidi Mehrez Mosque.

Visit the Souk El Attarine to sample the traditional scents produced by the city's parfumers, the Souk el Birka to see antique and contemporary silverwork, and the Souk des Chéchias, where Tunisia's distinctive red felt hats have been produced for centuries. Nearby, Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Heritage is housed in one of the city's fine 19th century Turkish palaces.

Beyond the walls of the medina lies the Bardo National Museum, a former royal palace of the Beys with the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics. The collection also includes impressive statue from Tunisia's Roman cities and masterpieces of Punic, Byzantine and Islamic art Tunis also boasts a charming Municipal Theater, the impressive 19th century nglican Church and graveyard, and the recently renovated Synagogue on Avenue de la Liberté.