We have experienced many tours over many years of travel, however this private tour with our guide Fahmi and driver Seight surpassed our expectations. It was worth every penny. They picked us up in Hammamet, and the full day tour of tuna and surrounds went very smoothly. Fahmi was a very knowledgeable and passionate about his country, and well versed in historical content. They were flexible with what we wanted to do and see providing us with a tailored program suited to our requests. Unlike other tours/guides, he did not funnel us into buying/shopping in tourist traps, and chose an authentic restaurant for lunch. All in all an extremely satisfying day.
Our private tour of Tunis offered a truly memorable experience with both highlights and areas for improvement. One of the standout aspects was the opportunity to enjoy delicious, authentic Tunisian food at a local restaurant. There was plenty to eat, and it was a lovely introduction to the country’s cuisine. The tour guide was engaging and personable, with a good general knowledge of Tunisia and each area we visited. It was a real bonus that all entry fees to the historical and cultural sites were included, which made the day flow smoothly without the need to worry about tickets or queues.
Having both a private driver and a guide added a sense of comfort and flexibility to the day. Both were polite and respectful throughout, and we felt confident leaving our belongings in the car. Our visit to Sidi Bou Said was especially beautiful — the village is visually stunning and full of excellent photo opportunities. The guide’s local knowledge meant we were able to discover lesser-known spots, which added a special touch to our visit. The Medina of Tunis was another highlight, offering a rich and unique cultural experience. An unexpected situation occurred when we were pulled over at a checkpoint for taking a photo near the president’s residence. However, this was handled calmly and professionally by both the driver and the guide, which reassured us. We also appreciated being picked up on time from our hotel, and found the guide’s level of English to be very good, making communication easy.
However, there were several drawbacks to the experience. While the guide was friendly and generally informative, this tour isn’t ideal for those seeking a deep dive into Tunisian history — the commentary stayed fairly surface-level. Additionally, we were made uncomfortable when the guide attempted to direct us into specific shops in Sidi Bou Said. It felt awkward and overly commercial, as though we were being funneled into tourist traps. The guide also didn’t make any effort to shield us from persistent street vendors, which would have been appreciated.
Another downside was our drop-off point in Sidi Bou Said, which was right in the middle of the busy shopping district, making it feel a bit chaotic. We also learned the hard way that you should not accept anything handed to you — even if the guide says it’s okay — as you may be asked for money afterward. Practical concerns also arose during the tour. It was a very hot day with lots of walking uphill, and no water was provided, which made things quite uncomfortable. The driving on the highway felt unsafe at times; the driver was erratic, straddled lanes, and narrowly avoided two potential accidents.
There were further disappointments: the guide left us alone in the middle of the Medina, which could be disorienting for less confident travelers, and at one point conducted a personal errand during the tour. On the return journey, the guide fell asleep in the car — something that felt a bit unprofessional. The car was advertised as air-conditioned, but we had to specifically ask for it to be turned on. Finally, the restaurant's toilets were in very poor condition, which detracted from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
For anyone planning a similar tour, we recommend bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. It’s also helpful to learn a few useful phrases in Arabic — “la shukran” (no, thank you) is one you’ll use often in both the Medina and Sidi Bou Said. Women may find that wearing a headscarf while walking through the Medina helps reduce unwanted attention from vendors.
Overall, this tour had some real highlights and offered a good introduction to Tunisian culture and scenery. However, a few professional lapses and logistical issues meant the experience didn’t quite meet its full potential.