Tour Details and Registration
1. What is the Tunisia Ziyarat Tour?
This is a guided journey through Tunisia’s Fatimid heritage, Islamic history and important cultural sites. The programme combines ziyarat, historical learning, guided visits and evening Bayan sessions.
2. What is the theme of the tour?
Tunisia: Where the legacy of the Fatimids live on.
The tour follows the historical development of the Fatimid period while visiting the locations connected to that history.
3. When is the tour expected to depart?
The tentative departure date is 10 November 2026.
The final departure date and flight schedule will be confirmed once the travel arrangements are completed.
4. How long is the Tunisia programme?
The main Tunisia programme will be approximately seven days.
5. How many seats are available?
Only 10 seats are currently available for participants travelling from Colombo. Early registration is recommended.
6. Is there an optional programme after Tunisia?
Yes. Participants may choose an optional one-night programme in Misr, covering important masjids, jawame and ziyarat locations.
With the optional Misr programme, the complete journey will be approximately nine days.
7. What is the approximate cost of the Tunisia programme?
The preliminary estimate for the Tunisia land package is approximately USD 1,000 per person, based on twin sharing.
The final amount may be around USD 100 higher or lower, depending on the confirmed arrangements, group size, hotel rates and local costs.
This is a working estimate and should not be treated as the final package price.
8. What is expected to be included in the Tunisia land package?
The Tunisia land package is expected to include:
- Five-star accommodation on twin sharing
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Guided ziyarat and historical visits
- Visa arrangements for Tunisia
- Museum and all attraction entry fees
- Ilm and Bayan sessions
- Local coordination and logistical support
Final inclusions will be confirmed before payment.
9. Is airfare included?
No. Airfare is not included in the preliminary Tunisia land-package estimate.
The preferred flight option being considered is EgyptAir, travelling via Cairo and proceeding to Tunis. The final airline, route and airfare will be confirmed separately.
10. Is the optional Misr programme included in the Tunisia package?
No. The optional Misr programme is separate from the Tunisia land package.
An earlier working estimate placed the Misr portion at up to approximately USD 140 per person, excluding any applicable visa charges. The final amount for the revised one-night programme will need to be confirmed.
11. What type of accommodation will be provided?
Accommodation in Tunisia is expected to be in five-star hotels, based on twin sharing.
The itinerary currently includes planned accommodation in Mahdia and Tunis.
12. What meals will be provided?
Breakfast and dinner are generally expected to be provided at the hotel.
Lunch will normally be arranged outside, allowing participants to experience local Tunisian cuisine.
13. What are the visa arrangements for Tunisia?
A passport copy should be submitted at least one month before departure.
Prior arrangements will be made to obtain the necessary permission or supporting letter. This documentation can be used for boarding from Colombo, while a local representative is expected to assist with the remaining formalities upon arrival in Tunis.
Visa requirements remain subject to the relevant authorities.
14. Will a separate visa be required for Misr?
A separate Egypt visa may be required for participants joining the optional Misr programme.
If visa on arrival is applicable, the earlier working estimate was approximately USD 25. Eligibility and the final visa process must be confirmed before travel.
15. Are there special rates for children?
A large reduction for children may not be possible because accommodation, transportation, meals and other programme costs remain similar.
The preliminary estimate suggested that the reduction may be approximately USD 100, but the final child rate will need to be confirmed.
16. Will guidance and travel support be available?
Yes. The group is expected to be supported by:
- A person responsible for historical and religious explanations
- A person responsible for logistics and coordination
- A local guide familiar with Tunisia and the locations being visited
17. Will historical explanations be provided?
Yes. Participants will receive explanations about the religious and historical significance of the places visited.
Small Bayan sessions are also expected to be held after Maghrib. These sessions will provide historical context and help participants understand the connection between the different locations.
18. What languages are commonly used in Tunisia?
French and Arabic are widely spoken in Tunisia. English is also used within the tourism sector.
A local guide will assist the group with communication throughout the programme.
19. Is the itinerary final?
No. The departure date, flight schedule, hotels, daily programme, package price and optional Misr arrangements remain tentative until the bookings and registrations are finalised.
20. How can I register or request more information?
To register your interest or receive further details, contact:
Abdulqadir bhai Kaizar
+94 77 910 4198
As only 10 seats are available, interested participants are encouraged to register early.
Proposed Tunisia Programme and Places
Mahdia
Mahdia was the first capital of the Fatimid Caliphate and will be one of the most important parts of the journey.
The Mahdia programme is expected to include:
- Bab al-Futuh
- Jame of Imam al-Mahdi AS
- Sites associated with Imam al-Mahdi AS
- Sites associated with Imam al-Qa’im AS
- The historic port
- Bab al-Bahr
- Remains of the ancient city walls
Some leisure time is also expected to be included in Mahdia before the group travels onwards to Tunis.
Kairouan
The visit to Kairouan is expected to include:
- The historic Great Jame of Kairouan
- The Aghlabid Basins
- Raqqada Museum
Kairouan is one of Tunisia’s most important centres of Islamic history and heritage.
El Jem
The group will visit El Jem and its exceptionally well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
The site offers an opportunity to explore another important period of Tunisia’s long history.
Monastir
The Monastir programme is expected to include:
- The historic Ribat of Monastir
- The Bourguiba Mausoleum
The Ribat is one of the oldest fortresses in North Africa.
Sousse
The programme in Sousse is expected to include the Great Mosque of Sousse, an important example of early Islamic architecture.
Tunis
The group will travel onwards to Tunis for the final part of the Tunisia programme.
The current working itinerary indicates accommodation at the Regency Gammarth Hotel. Final hotel arrangements remain subject to confirmation.
Carthage
The group will visit the archaeological sites of Carthage, representing one of the great civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean.
Sidi Bou Said
Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque coastal village known for its distinctive blue-and-white architecture and Mediterranean views.
The area is expected to provide participants with time to experience another side of Tunisia’s cultural heritage.
Jame Zaituna
Jame Zaituna, also known as the Zitouna Mosque, is located in the heart of Tunis.
It is an important centre of Islamic learning and heritage and is connected with the tazyeen remembered from Houston Ashara.
Ilm and Bayan Sessions
The journey is intended to be more than a sightseeing programme.
After Maghrib, small Bayan sessions are expected to be held at the hotel. These sessions will explain the historical progression from Rasulullah SAW through the period leading towards the Misr Dawat.
The sessions will provide context to the locations visited during the day and help participants understand their historical and religious connections.
Optional Misr Programme
After completing the Tunisia programme, participants may choose to continue to Misr for one night.
The optional programme is expected to cover important masjids, jawame and ziyarat locations.
Participants joining the Misr programme should allow approximately nine days for the complete journey, including Tunisia and Misr.