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Travelquest Travelquest

July 25 - August 3, 2027

2027 Tunisia Total Solar Eclipse

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Welcome

  • Dates: Jul 25 - Aug 03, 2027
  • Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
  • Trip Level (1-4):3
  • Arrive: Tunis, Tunisia
  • Depart:Tunis, Tunisia
  • Priced From: $6,980

This tour departs in

DAYS

Highlights

  • Explore Tunisia’s vibrant capital, Tunis, set on a lake by the Mediterranean coast
  • Discover the ancient cities of Carthage and Kairouan, among many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Journey over the desert to Chebika and Tamerza oases and the incredible rock formations at Ong Jemal – all landmarks of Star Wars
  • Tour underground Berber dwellings and the troglodyte hotel at Sidi Driss, also featured in Star Wars
  • Visit the desert town of Douz, famed as “The Gateway to the Sahara”
  • Learn the secrets of Tunisian cuisine from one of the region’s best-known chefs
  • Enjoy lively medinas, pristine beaches, luxury accommodations – and then join your close-knit group of travelers for a breathtaking desert eclipse experience

Two suns illuminate the arid wastes of Tatooine as young Luke Skywalker gazes toward a shimmering horizon, contemplating his future. Meanwhile, on our home planet, just one Sun shines down on the Tunisian desert where those iconic scenes from Star Wars were filmed. And in August 2027, when our closest star is briefly obscured by a total eclipse, TravelQuest will be there to watch the Moon’s shadow sweep across mountains and dunes to the sea.

Setting out from Tunis, bustling capital of Africa’s northernmost country, we explore a land of stunning natural beauty, from valleys and canyons in the Atlas Mountains, to palm-shaded oases in the Sahara, to sun-drenched islands and beaches on the Mediterranean coast. We also immerse you in a rich history dating back millennia, visible today in a legacy of Roman archaeological sites, historic mosques and other monuments of past conquests. As for Tunisia’s original Berber inhabitants, their culture is thriving in medinas and souks that have drawn travelers here for centuries – and in desert and seaside villages where people welcome us along the way.

From the ruins of ancient Carthage to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, from artisans’ markets filled with jewelry and carpets to our camel trek into the dunes of Douz, Tunisia is at once readily accessible and a portal into another world. And for all these reasons and many more, it’s a spectacular place to travel with a small group of adventurers to experience the total eclipse of the Sun.

 

Tunisia – August 2027 Eclipse Weather Prospects
by TravelQuest eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson

From a metrological point of view, Tunisia may be the best spot in North Africa to view the 2027 eclipse. August temperatures are high, but not extreme, cloud cover is scarce and atmospheric dust is uncommon. At Sfax, daily August sunshine measurements show a cloud-free Sun on 88 percent of the daytime hours. Afternoon high temperatures average around 34°C (93°F) but morning lows ease to about 23°C (73°F). Dust storms are uncommon and typically put only a thin haze across the sky when present; in the 24 years since 2000, no atmospheric dust was seen in the daily satellite images for August 2. In short, Sfax and Tunisia are for the traveler who wants a laid-back eclipse experience.

This tour departs in

DAYS

Highlights

  • Explore Tunisia’s vibrant capital, Tunis, set on a lake by the Mediterranean coast
  • Discover the ancient cities of Carthage and Kairouan, among many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Journey over the desert to Chebika and Tamerza oases and the incredible rock formations at Ong Jemal – all landmarks of Star Wars
  • Tour underground Berber dwellings and the troglodyte hotel at Sidi Driss, also featured in Star Wars
  • Visit the desert town of Douz, famed as “The Gateway to the Sahara”
  • Learn the secrets of Tunisian cuisine from one of the region’s best-known chefs
  • Enjoy lively medinas, pristine beaches, luxury accommodations – and then join your close-knit group of travelers for a breathtaking desert eclipse experience

Itinerary

When you arrive at Tunis International Airport (code: TUN) according to your own flight arrangements, our TravelQuest representative meets you to assist with your entry visa and luggage, then arranges the transfer to our hotel. Join us this evening for an informal welcome gathering followed by dinner.

DATE(S): Sunday, July 25, 2027

MEALS: Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: The Residence Tunis or similar

Your first full day of exploring begins in Carthage, a key trading hub of the ancient world and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its baths, amphitheater and other architectural gems. Then we head to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said to visit the palace of Baron d'Erlanger, a remarkable retreat that blends traditional Arab-Islamic and Modernist design in its intricate carvings and exquisite furnishings. After lunch overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, we carry on to the Bardo Museum, home to the world's largest collection of mosaics. Your day ends in the medina of Tunis, another UNESCO-protected precinct filled with palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains. A final stroll up the historic Avenue Habib to the colonial Catholic cathedral – with its unusual mix of neo-Gothic, Byzantine and Moorish elements – completes your cultural immersion in Tunisia's fascinating capital.

DATE(S): Monday, July 26, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

ACCOMMODATION: The Residence Tunis or similar

Today we head south to Kairouan, Islam’s fourth holiest city and a UNESCO heritage site whose highlights include the magnificent Great Mosque, the pilgrimage Mosque of the Barber and the historic water reservoirs known as the Aghlabid Basins. In the narrow streets of Kairouan’s medina, you’ll find shops offering a wide array of pottery, embroidery and other artisanal crafts. And our carpet making workshop hosted by local women weavers will give you a new appreciation for this ancient art.

Following a traditional Tunisian lunch, featuring the renowned pastries of Kairouan, we continue our journey southwest, making frequent stops to take in the breathtaking scenery. Our trip concludes in the oasis town of Tozeur, where we'll check into our hotel and savor a leisurely dinner at the hotel restaurant, which offers an outdoor terrace with magnificent views of the desert and Chott El Jerid.

DATE(S): Tuesday, July 27, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Anantara Sahara Tozeur or similar

This morning, enjoy a relaxed cooking class with a well-known Tunisian chef, who shows you how to prepare a classic regional dish. Then see how dates are cultivated before sampling various types over lunch in the serene Eden Palm oasis. Next, we set out by four-wheel-drive to explore the mountainous desert that represented the planet Tatooine in several of the Star Wars films. Highlights include Chebika oasis, with its natural springs and village ruins; the waterfalls of Tamerza oasis, where you can take a refreshing swim; stunning Mides canyon, a deep gorge sculpted out of stratified rock; and “The Neck of the Camel” and other rock formations at Ong Jemal.

DATE(S): Wednesday July 28, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Anantara Sahara Tozeur or similar

Begin your day with a stroll through Tozeur’s lively medina, including a visit to the Souk Erbaa market and a quaint Berber café. Alternatively, enjoy a carriage ride through the picturesque Tozeur oasis. After savoring local specialties for lunch in the medina, we’ll travel southeast across Chott El Jerid, north Africa's largest salt flat, where you can capture stunning photos of the salt pans and unique geological formations. Upon reaching the southern town of Douz, known as “The Gateway to the Sahara,” choose your adventure: a camel ride with Berber guides or an optional quad biking experience, both offering fantastic ways to explore the dramatic desert landscape. As evening falls, immerse yourself in Berber culture and hospitality with traditional music and dancing, followed by a feast prepared on outdoor grills and served in a tent beneath the expansive, starlit desert sky.

DATE(S): Thursday, July 29, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

ACCOMMODATION: The Residence Douz or similar

Today we journey via the hilltop Berber village of Tamezret to remote Matmata, another Star Wars filming location famed for its underground dwellings – where our local hosts invite you to enjoy handmade pastries and mint tea. We also visit the legendary Sidi Driss troglodyte hotel, which became the Skywalker family homestead in the original 1977 Star Wars film (now known as Episode IV: A New Hope). Next stop on our Tatooine tour is Ksar Hadada, which fans will recognize as the slave quarters from Episode I: The Phantom Menace. After lunch, we head east and north to Djerba, a UNESCO-protected island off the Mediterranean coast with spectacular beaches and whitewashed towns where Berber, Arab, Jewish and African cultures converge.

DATE(S): Friday, July 30, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

ACCOMMODATION: Hasdrubal Prestige or similar

Your island discoveries begin at El Ghriba, perhaps the oldest synagogue in Africa, whose founding is linked by many to the high priests who fled Jerusalem after Solomon's Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. We explore the historic Jewish district, Hara Sghira, as well as Djerbahood, where talented artists from around the world have adorned the walls with extraordinary murals. After lunch in the old town, browse the craft markets of Houmt Souk and explore the old fishing port with its 16th-century fortress. Then it’s back to our hotel for dinner and maybe an evening stroll on the beach, soaking in the serenity of this fascinating island.

DATE(S): Saturday, July 31, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Hasdrubal Prestige or similar

After breakfast, we travel to the wonderfully preserved amphitheater of El Jem, built in the 3rd century AD and admired today as the largest surviving monument from the Romans’ conquests in Africa. Enjoy an expert-guided tour of our final UNESCO World Heritage Site, then relax and take in beautiful scenery and various cultural diversions as we drive south to the coastal city of Sfax. After settling into our hotel, join us for dinner followed by a briefing from our TravelQuest astronomer on tomorrow’s eclipse.

DATE(S): Sunday, August 1, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Radisson Sfax or similar

This morning we head out to our carefully chosen viewing site to experience the spectacle of the Moon’s shadow passing across desert landscapes and along the Mediterranean coast. Then we journey on to Hammamet on the “Tunisian Riviera,” renowned for its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. It's the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the eclipse and your entire TravelQuest adventure, sharing favorite memories with our small group of travelers at a farewell dinner.

 

Tunisia – August 2027 Eclipse Weather Prospects
by TravelQuest eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson

From a metrological point of view, Tunisia may be the best spot in North Africa to view the 2027 eclipse. August temperatures are high, but not extreme, cloud cover is scarce and atmospheric dust is uncommon. At Sfax, daily August sunshine measurements show a cloud-free Sun on 88 percent of the daytime hours. Afternoon high temperatures average around 34°C (93°F) but morning lows ease to about 23°C (73°F). Dust storms are uncommon and typically put only a thin haze across the sky when present; in the 24 years since 2000, no atmospheric dust was seen in the daily satellite images for August 2. In short, Sfax and Tunisia are for the traveler who wants a laid-back eclipse experience.

DATE(S): Monday, August 2, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: La Badira (adults only hotel) or similar

After breakfast and checkout, we arrange the easy transfer to Tunis International Airport (code: TUN) for your journey homeward or on to further adventures.

DATE(S): Tuesday, August 3, 2027

MEALS: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION: N/A

Optional Add-ons

If you'd like to arrive in the capital before your Tunisia eclipse adventure, TravelQuest is pleased to offer a one-night pre-tour package. This includes an airport transfer, overnight accommodations at the Residence Tunis on July 24, and breakfast.

Pricing

Cost: $275 per person, based on double occupancy; $550 for single occupancy.

TRIP LEVEL

Moderate: TravelQuest guests must be able to get on and off buses, keep up with the pace of the trip and occasionally carry their own luggage. Expect easy to rugged travel conditions with short and medium walks over sometimes hilly terrain.

Important weather advisory: Midday heat during this tour could be an issue for some travelers, as daytime temperatures in August can reach over 100°F (38°C). We will modify activities as much as possible to take advantage of cooler temperatures in the morning and late afternoon.

At TravelQuest we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Please email or call if you have any questions regarding the itinerary.

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Pricing & Terms

Prices are per person in US Dollars based on the number of people in a room. Prices are based on projected rates and will not be finalized until 2026. TravelQuest reserves the right to increase or decrease published prices at that time. All cancellation penalties, terms and conditions as listed below will remain in effect from the time of the initial deposit.

Double

$6,980

Single

$8,935

IMPORTANT:

  • TravelQuest creates and markets tours many months or years in advance of departure. Tour prices, taxes and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs and US dollar exchange rates that were in effect at the time of publication. However, due to fluctuations in global oil prices, and other services associated with this tour, a surcharge may be applied to your final invoice.
  • TravelQuest, working with our partners, makes every effort to follow the published itinerary. However, please keep in mind that it is subject to change depending on weather and other local conditions.
  • It is important to acknowledge that seeing the total solar eclipse is weather dependent, and TravelQuest can make no guarantees that the weather will cooperate.

Room Sharing Program

If you are traveling solo, you can realize significant savings by taking advantage of TravelQuest’s Room Sharing Program, in which travelers of the same gender can share twin-bedded accommodations. Contact us for details.

Includes

  • 9 nights’ accommodation at carefully selected luxury hotels
  • Arrival/departure transfers per the dates of the tour
  • All ground transportation by air-conditioned coach
  • Services of your TravelQuest trip leader/astronomer
  • Local English-speaking guides throughout your journey
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary, including coffee, tea and water
  • All visits and programs mentioned in the program including all entrance fees

Not Included

  • Air transportation to and from Tunis International airport (code: TUN)
  • Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Beverages with meals (other than coffee, tea and water)
  • Tips for our guides and drivers
  • Expenses of a personal nature, including spa services, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
  • Passport and visa fees if applicable, along with any required immunizations
  • Highly recommended travel cancellation insurance

Payments & Terms

  • An advance payment of $1,200 USD per person, along with the completed reservation form, are required to secure your reservation
  • A second advance payment of $1,600 USD per person, is due by November 11, 2025
  • A third advance payment of $1,800 USD per person, is due by July 20, 2026
  • Final payment is due by February 1, 2027
  • Payments can be made by check, bank wire transfer or credit card (with an additional 3.5% processing fee)
  • All TravelQuest participants on this tour must be 18+ by the start date of the tour

Cancellation Terms

  • Cancellations must be made in writing via email, fax or mail
  • All advance payments, less a $500 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable until November 10, 2025
  • Cancellations made between November 11, 2025 and July 19, 2026 will incur a $1,400 per person fee
  • Cancellations made between July 20, 2026 and January 31, 2027 will incur a $3,800 per person fee
  • All payments become non-refundable after February 1, 2027
  • Airline cancellation terms & conditions are the responsibility of the traveler

TRAVELER HEALTH

At TravelQuest we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Prior to making a booking, it is the responsibility of each traveler to thoroughly read the itinerary, and to acquire and understand all pertinent medical advice to determine whether they are in an appropriate state of physical health to undertake the trip. At a minimum, participants must be able to climb into and out of buses, vans and trains without assistance, to carry their own luggage, and to generally keep up with the pace of the trip. If you have any questions about your trip’s itinerary or its level of difficulty, please contact us prior to booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected “what ifs”: What if your bags go missing? What if you must cancel? What if you need medical assistance? TravelQuest highly recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help secure you and your trip investment against the unexpected. You can purchase this insurance on your own or contact our friends at Travelex, who are familiar with our trips and offer a selection of coverage options to suit your needs. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, Travelex plans must be purchased within 15 days from the time you make your initial deposit to TravelQuest. ALL Travelex policies must be purchased at least 14 days prior to your departure date.

For more information on these plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services directly at 1-800-228-9792 and reference location number 03-6043.

TravelEx Insurance

 

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