Memo Tunisia. A new look at the formation of tours to Tunisia
Hello, dear friends, my dear travelers, present and future!
I want to tell you about my intelligence in the country of Tunisia, October 2009.
The sending party is the tour operator "Oasis", Kyiv, the receiving party is "Express Tour".
Let's start with the fact that Tunisia has a good rest from April to October. At this time, the Kiev tour operator launches a plane to Tunisia, on about. Djerba and Monastir.
The hottest time in this country is July and August, respectively, during this period the highest prices and the largest number of tourists. Therefore, as a supporter of a quiet holiday, I would advise choosing May-June and September-first half of October. At this time, the weather is beautiful, the sea is warm, there are enough sunbeds on the beach and by the pool for everyone :)
When we arrived in Tunisia, it was already evening time, we were met by a representative of the host country with a sign in hand, seated on the bus and off we went. Then we were accepted by the old airport, and now they have a new one, capable of accepting much more.
We traveled to several resorts so that we could see as much as possible in the country.
Hammamet resort, in my opinion, is suitable for a relaxing family vacation, for couples who want to spend a quiet holiday, and for women who want to relax and become even more beautiful. This resort has many SPA - centers of various prices. You can find a small “spa center” where they offer a minimum set of services: a hammam, some kind of body wraps, a bath complex and, in principle, everything. Such procedures can cost approximately $25 to $40 each, or less if combined. Or you can buy whole programs designed for the entire duration of your stay at the hotel, the cost is from 600-700 dollars. for the complex, there are of course prices and higher.
It is believed that in Tunisia the most upscale SPA centers after France, while the price level is much lower than in France. Well, I want to tell our ladies the following: maybe, of course, lower than in France, but clearly more than we can afford it. Although every woman can still afford several procedures, because you get great pleasure from this, you relax full program, just go to the hammam with a seaweed wrap or get a massage.
The resort of Sousse is suitable for those who want to hang out: for young people, for active and cheerful people. Lots of bars, restaurants, nightclubs. Port El Kantaoui, a small marina with a huge number of yachts, is considered the most crowded with all sorts of establishments. There you can also go to sea on a rented yacht.
The resort of Mahdia is located near Monastir, where planes arrive. Convenient for those who come with small children, because it is very close to the hotel. In Hammamet and Sousse, the transfer to the hotel takes about 1-2 hours. Plus, Monastir is considered the cleanest beaches. This resort is ideal for very leisurely people :).
I want to talk about the specifics of hotels. There are many chain hotels here, and this implies good service. What I liked about Tunisia is that if there are 3 stars, 4 or 5 on hotels, then this is true. Not like in Egypt, where the number of 5-star hotels exceeds all acceptable concepts.
Unfortunately, I found that our people rest almost all in 3 stars. In fact, you need to understand what 3 stars are when you go there. Yes, almost all hotels are located right next to the sea, on the very first coastline. This is a huge plus for Tunisian three-ruble notes, but ... Nobody has canceled old renovations, small pools and not the most plentiful breakfasts. And then tourists complain where we send them!
I want to explain once and for all: 3 stars only for those who want to relax, even if they have little money; only for those who are going to the hotel only to sleep; only for those who are going to powerfully wander around the country on excursions !!!
And it should also be noted that almost all treshki, in order to somehow attract tourists, arrange good animation: contests, competitions, sports - everything that attracts young people!
Hotels 4 and 5 stars, of course, are also different, but for the most part, these are good hotels, with good large area, with multiple pools. I want to draw your attention to the fact that there are not very many Russians in such hotels (I mean not only Russia, but also Ukraine, and in general, the CIS countries). For the most part rest the French, Germans, British well, and all the rest little by little.
Therefore, do not be surprised that the staff does not know Russian. It's even good! ;)
Although the Arabs are great in this regard, they still know a minimum. And you can always communicate with them in sign language.
Moment: Tunisian Arabs are much more well-mannered than Egyptians. Tunisia is a former French colony. I'm not saying that they are wonderful and walk around in tuxedos and don't make you any unflattering offers)))).
Firstly, they are still Arabs, and secondly, only hotel staff and shop assistants behave decently in this country.
If you go for a walk, and especially if you are a woman without a man, then hold on, ladies ... You will rake off compliments and all sorts of decent and not very offers more than in your entire life)))
I would like to recommend some hotels. The LTI network is very good - the German network, this speaks for itself. The Carribean chain is great animation for young people, great food and there is always a water park. Riu is a Spanish chain. If we are not talking about chain hotels, then I VERY LIKE the hotels: AZUR, Marhaba, Magic Life.
Azura has a very good spa center, a huge territory with three hotels, 3,4, and 5 stars. Spa they have compared to other centers is quite cheap!
I liked Magic hotels because of the large territory, the original design of the hotels and the staff.
The Marhaba complex impressed with its beautiful territory with several hotel complexes and a small cheap spa!
Of the 3-star hotels, I liked only one - Tapsus, located right on the sea, has its own small zoo, good area rooms, territory of 5 hectares.
Well, hotels that end with the word Palace are generally chic, really palaces.
And I can not say about the hotel Miramar Hammamet. I have never seen a hotel with such a chic, green area in Tunisia. There, everything is just buried in greenery, huge trees, green flower beds. Well, the main thing for many tourists is good rooms.
And now a little about the kitchen! Tunisian cuisine impressed me. If you rest in 4-5 stars, you will also like it. They give both meat and fruits! And what are the desserts! I don’t know about our other tourists, but personally I gained a couple of kilos there, that’s for sure! And I don’t even really regret it!))) After this trip, I fell in love with dates and grapefruits. But we don't have any! What they sell here in Ukraine is just disgusting, some kind of fodder varieties!
By the way, at the expense of what to bring with you from Tunisia. It seems to me that it is necessary to bring dates and grapefruits in the first place, even though it is difficult to bring them home in good condition))) Then I liked various scarves, very colorful and very silky, and compared to our prices, very inexpensive . Well, leather, belts and bags at ridiculous prices!!! I really liked the local date liqueur - Tibarin, which can only be bought in Tunisia and nowhere else. At least I haven't seen it elsewhere! The main thing is to bargain for everything, otherwise it will be very disappointing later for wasted hard-earned dinars.
Separately, I want to say about the excursion! There is something to see in Tunisia, that's for sure! And you won't be able to see it all at once!
Excursion to the Sahara Desert, although expensive (in the summer of 2009 it cost $ 205 for 2 days with accommodation, meals on the trip and driving in jeeps), this is really the place to go. Unforgettable experience from the rise at 3 am, from the hotel on the edge of the desert, when the sands begin right under your windows, and of course, from the town from Star Wars.
Carthage impresses with its history. To be honest, I was not very impressed with what I saw. But when they begin to tell what and how, you begin to imagine it all in colors. The place is beautiful and interesting from a historical point of view.
We also saw the preserved coliseum with the group. The spectacle is incredible. After listening to the stories of the guide, we went to wander there ourselves! It's something. Especially when you go underground, to where the animals were kept.
I was impressed by the town called Sidi-bou-Sadi with its very original look, everything is blue and white, there are many sellers of all sorts of beautiful things, which is especially interesting for women).
We had a simply divine tour guide who accompanied us everywhere throughout Tunisia. It was thanks to him that we understood all the charm of the country, and delicious olive oil, and the life of the Berbers, and much more. A great tour guide creates 80% of the impression of the country!
In general, I want to say the following: holidays in Tunisia are simpler than in Turkey, but definitely better than in Egypt. Since every 10th person rests there, the attitude towards our people has not yet been spoiled.
In my opinion, in this country you can find everything that everyone wants: the sea, and excursions, and holidays with loved ones, and holidays with children, and relaxation and good mood!
Thank you for your attention, Sevastopol
Before leaving for the airport
Your Tour begins at the airport three hours before the departure time indicated on your ticket!!!Before leaving for the airport, make sure that you have taken the entire package of documents:
Foreign passports of all travelers
Flights
Travel vouchers (vouchers)
Certificates from the bank for the export of currency (if more than $ 10,000 per person is exported)
Driving license (if you plan to rent a car)
Power of attorney from both parents (for children traveling without parents)
You should know exactly the name of the city and the hotel you are going to (if the tour is not a sightseeing tour).
For Russian citizens visa-free entry to the country, a stamp in the passport is put free of charge in the presence of a tourist voucher.
The duration of the flight from Moscow to the airport. Monastir is 4 hours 15 minutes.
Rules for crossing the border of the Russian Federation
You need to arrive at the airport 2.5 - 3 hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket.
To board a flight you need:
Pass customs inspection, for which you need to fill out a customs declaration. Customs declaration forms are located in front of the customs line on tables or special racks.
If you export foreign currency equivalent:
Up to 3,000 US dollars per person, the amount is exported freely.
Up to USD 10,000 per person, the amount must be declared and the passage is through the red corridor.
Over USD 10,000 per person, bank documents are required.
Passage of customs control is carried out in the wing where the check-in for the flight is carried out;
Check in for your flight at the check-in desk and receive your boarding pass. The check-in desk number is indicated on the central board opposite your flight number;
Pass the border control.
Then board the aircraft through the entrance, the number of which is indicated in the boarding pass.
Rules for arriving in Tunisia
Entry into the territory of Tunisia for citizens of Russia and the CIS countries is visa-free and is carried out on the basis of a tourist voucher.
In the country of arrival, you will be met by a representative with a sign of the host country indicated in the voucher in the "SUPPLIER" column!
All vacationers are advised to stay close to their group and wait for the rest of the group to pass the passport and customs control. After all members of the group have gathered and marked on the list with the guide, the group goes to the bus.
During the transfer from the airport to the hotel, the guide will answer all your questions, as well as inform you of the time and place of the meeting at which you will receive full information regarding the order of stay in the country.
In case of any problem related to your stay (transfer, hotel accommodation, lack of service at the hotel, excursion service etc.), please contact the representatives of the tour operator immediately.
You should know exactly the name of the city and the hotel you are going to (if you are not on a sightseeing tour).
Departure rules from Tunisia
Departure from the hotel / transfer to the airport:
Checkout time at the hotel is 12:00. You can leave your luggage in the hotel's storage room. You need to pay for Additional services before the arrival of the bus. Please pay all additional services (use of mini-bar, telephone, etc.) in advance.
Upon arrival at the airport, baggage is checked through customs immediately at the entrance. Then you go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated, check in your luggage and get a boarding pass, after which you go through passport control, where you fill out the departure registration card. Next, follow to the departure hall, where you are waiting for the announcement of the landing of your flight.
Customs regulations
It is allowed to import alcoholic beverages up to 25 degrees - 2 liters, over 25 degrees - 1 liter, cigarettes - 20 packs. Things and items imported in commercial quantities are subject to seizure. It is strictly forbidden to import weapons and drugs, as well as counterfeit money. When leaving the plane, the flight attendants hand out a registration card to everyone, which must be filled out to go through customs control.
You can freely export everything that was purchased in Tunisia: carpets, ceramics, leather goods, souvenirs, etc. The export of antiques purchased from the hands, and not in an antique store - is prohibited.
General information
The Republic of Tunisia is rightfully considered the most Europeanized African country. This is manifested in everything: in architecture, the level of service, the goodwill of people. The combination of elements of Arab culture, oases of pristine African nature and the latest achievements of world civilization is undoubtedly an attractive moment for tourists. Seventy years of French patronage brought Tunisia into the ranks of the most highly developed Arab countries. In cities, the intricate streets of the old districts are intertwined with wide avenues and boulevards of modern centers. Tunisia - absolutely safe country here they practically do not know what crime is.
The capital city is Tunisia. A beautiful modern city with old quarters and wide avenues, about 2 million people. Other big cities: Sfax is the industrial center of the country, Sousse is a resort and port, Hammamet is a resort. The population of the republic is about 10 million people (Arabs and Berbers).
Transport
The best mode of transport is the usual - yellow taxis, they can be found everywhere - the cost of taxi rides is very reasonable (5km approximately 2TD landing cost 250 millimeters), payment by meter (recommended to be careful). In the evening and at night (from 20.00 to 7.00 in the morning the tariff is 2 times higher). In taxis not equipped with meters, it is better to agree on the price in advance. Public transport buses are yellow-green in color and equipped with air conditioning (they run according to the principle of our minibuses). Communication between cities - louge taxis, yellow with a red stripe. You can also travel from city to city by train. To rent a car, you need a driving license issued at least 1 year ago. The minimum age to drive a machine is 21 years old. Car rental, Renault, Peugeot from $70 per day. You can arrange a rental at the hotel or at the “Rent a car” office with the obligatory execution of the contract. Gasoline is paid separately.
Money
Currency unit- dinar, which consists of 1.000 millimeters. Old and new banknotes in denominations of 30, 20, 10 and 5 dinars, as well as coins of 1 dinar, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 millimeters are in circulation in the country. Import and export of dinars are prohibited. 1 dollar = 1.3 dinars. You can import any currency, any checks, credit cards. You can exchange hard currency for local currency without any problems in the hotel lobby, at the rate of the day, or at a bank branch. The exchange rate is set daily by the Central Bank of Tunisia and is subject to minor fluctuations. Keep the exchange receipt issued to you, this will give you the opportunity at the airport, before departure, to exchange dinars for dollars, but not more than 100 dinars, provided that the total amount of the currency exchange receipt is not less than 300 dinars. Foreign currency is not accepted for payment.
Time
Behind Moscow by 2 hours from October to March, and by 3 hours from March to September.
Climate
Subtropical, average summer temperature 30-35C, water 25-27C, winter air temperature 18-25C, water 16-18C.
Language
The official language is Arabic, French is the second official language country, and almost all Tunisians know it. IN tourist areas They also speak English and German.
Religion
The majority of the population of Tunisia is Muslim. Being near mosques, it is necessary to respect the feelings of believers: you can’t make noise, laugh, etc. It is recommended to visit mosques at a time when services are not taking place there. The holy month of RAMADAN is the month of fasting during which it is not recommended to eat or smoke in public places (from sunrise to sunset) (this rule does not apply to hotels and tourist areas). But unlike other Arab countries, you will not see women with closed faces. In Tunisia, they have a very democratic attitude towards religion. You can take pictures of local residents only with their permission. Don't take pictures government agencies and structures of local government.
Tips
It is customary to tip a hotel porter who brings your things from 500 millimeters to 1 dinars. The maid can be left for 500m.-1d. In the restaurant, it is welcome to leave a tip to the waiter who serves you the whole rest at parting or in the process of 5 dinars. The bus driver after the tour 1-1.5 dinars. Tipping the guide is also welcome after a successful tour or assistance with shopping, etc.
Electricity
220 volt, European sockets (plugs with two large thick pins) it is recommended to take an adapter.
Features of staying in the country
Safety.
Tunisia is a very calm and hospitable country, you will see for yourself after visiting it. But we want to remind you to follow the basic safety rules: do not carry large amounts of money and documents with you, use the safes that are available in hotels (the cost of this service is from $ 1 to $ 3 per day, plus a key deposit of max $ 30). Don't take to the beach dear photo and video equipment, if you are not sure that someone will be able to look after them. Keep your wallets away from the markets. The crowd is a favorite place for pickpockets, which, unfortunately, are in any city in the world.
