INFORMATION

Tourist Information: In Tunis, 1 Avenue Mohammed V. 216-1-341-077 (Office National du Tourisme Tunisien - ONTT).

By Train - Modern and comfortable trains depart from Tunis Station at Place Barcelona southwards to Gabes, via Hammamet, Sousse, (branch lines to Monasir and Mahdia), Sfax. Northwards to Bizerte, Tabarka, Dougga. For first class seats you should reserve in advance especially during peak season. For stopovers, ask for a "bulletin d'arrets"when you buy your ticket. A "blue card" may be purchased from the SNCFT at the main train stations for unlimited trips for one, two, three weeks. There is a small charge for reservations on first class.

Trains from Tunis and everywhere are run by the National Train Company (SNCFT). Its headquarters in Tunis can be reached at (216) 1- 490 - 391.

From Tunis to the north surburbs and beaches, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, La Marsa take the TGM, an electric surburban line.

By Coach/ Bus - Coach service covers all the main towns throughout Tunisia, with over 70 routes from Bus stations in Tunis at "Gare Bab el Fellah" or "Bab Alioua"for Southern Tunisia and "Gare Bab Saadoun" for Northern destinations. Again all public transportation is usually crowded during the summer and holidays - especially weekends.

Buses are run by the SNTRI out of these two locations. For Buses to northern destinations call (216 - 1 - 562 - 299). For Southern destinations call (216 -1 - 490 - 391). Times and schedules are published in local papers. Check the schedules repeatdly.

By Car - All major car rental agencies have offices in Tunis and large cities. In general Tunisian roads are good, with some 30,000 kilometers of main roads and 10,000 secondary roads. Drivers tend to be "Mediterranean". Services stations are located throughout the country, some quite modern and well equipped. Road Maps are available at rental agencies or in most bookstores and Tunisian tourist offices also offer guides and maps.

In Tunis the metro, actually a tramway, covers a great part of the capital. Taxis are also available, the metered fares inexpensive but the yellow cabs are restricted to the Tunis area. Larger Taxis can be rented for longer trips but be sure to discuss and set the fare beforehand as their return trip will be billed.

Hotels and Restaurants:

Tunisia's office of Tourism is encouraging restaurants throughout the country to expose the "Tourism Restaurant" sign which includes their classification: one, two, three or four forks. Most have the menu with the prices posted outside. Be aware that in some restaurants fish is priced "Selon Grandeur", according to size.

The Land

The Seasons

The People