Bicycle Africa
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Bicycle Africa |
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Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
If you would enjoy the efficiency of Europe, the cultural richness of the Middle East, the uniqueness of Africa, and a mix of simulating activities, the International Bicycle Fund's two-week, people-to-people, Tunisia bike programs may be right for you. First and foremost, through discussion and activities, Tunisia will help you understand that the Islamic faith and Islamic extremism are NOT synonymous -- in fact, close to opposites. Tunisia is a complex mélange of a modern infrastructure and traditional culture and values. This program provides a good look at how mainstream communities practice Islam. But far beyond that, Tunisia has layer upon layer of cultural heritage and history (as demonstrated by its World Heritage Sites from Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Turkish periods), the people are friendly, well educated and good natured, the architecture reflect a millennium of traditions from around the Mediterranean, the markets are colorful and filled with wonderful produce, spices and goods, the crafts, decorative arts and carpets are stunning, the accommodations are comfortable and unique, the environmental and geographical diversity awes participants, the food is delicious, the April climate is delightful and the countryside is beautiful. These program is satisfying intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually. Did we remember to say Tunisia is a wonderful venue for a bike tour?
Each itinerary is unique -- do them individually or combined. Each new day in this captivating country offers new insights, surprises and experiences. You will have the opportunity to meet rural villagers, skilled craftsmen, educators and officials; to learn about the day-to-day life and the changing role of women; to shop in local markets; to visit synagogues and mosques: and to wander in Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine archeological sites dating back to the 2nd century BC. Everywhere you will enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the land. Charming, enchanting, delightful, irresistible, attractive, and fascinating are some on the words that are frequently used to describe Tunisia. Rural Tunisia is a virtually undiscovered treasure for Westerners. Give it a look!
Schedule: April or November (see full
schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):US$2090
(less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $200 plus or minus $100.
Description: Day 1: Tunis. Day 2-4: Explore the lush island of Djerba. Day
5-7:
Cycle through the Tataouine-Matmata district (several locations of "Star Wars"
filming) with its zsours and ghorfas built by Berber and the area of the
troglodyte culture, with its unique architecture. Day 8-11: Skirt the edge of the
Sahara desert, stop in date palm covered oases and meet desert Bedouins. Day 12-13:
Explore verdant Cap Bon. Visit artisans centers, medicinal hot springs, a Spanish
castle and 2nd century BC Phoenician site (a
World Heritage Site). Day 14-15: Tunis.
Features: Small group, visits to the people of the diverse cultures and lifestyles
of southern and central Tunisia; beautiful landscapes of the tropical, desert &
Mediterranean zones. Home visits and unique accommodations.
Starting/Ending Point: Djerba / Tunis, Tunisia. Note: The
program starts in Djerba. There are international flights from Europe to
Djerba. But, because the program ends in Tunis, most people find it
logistically better to fly to Tunis at least the day before the tour, store
extra stuff in the hotel there, and then fly or take the train/bus from Tunis to Djerba on the morning
of the first day of the tour. We will help work through these options, if
you want to go by this route.
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Beginner/Intermediate/Expert
Mileage Daily / Total: 30-60 miles per day, starts with lower mileage
/ 700km, 440 miles total
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads, mostly flat and rolling, a couple of
long hills.
Accommodations: Small hotels and pensions, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally plentiful when it needs
to be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (traditional
food, couscous, soups,
salad, potato, bread, beans, lamb, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, fruit).
Other Activities: Walking
Bike: Mountain bike or touring bike suitable.
Bike Rental: not available
Registration Information
Schedule: April or November (see full
schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more):US$2090
(less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-2: Explore fascinating Tunis (a
World Heritage Site). Day 3-6: Enjoy the north coast and
the Atlas Mountain's picturesque villages and cork forests. Day 7-9: Cycle through the
Tell region, explore renown archeological sites and museums in Bulla Regia, Dougga
(a World Heritage
Site) and le
Kef. Day 10-11: Wander in fascinating
cultural, religious and artisans center of Kairouan (a
World Heritage Site). Day 12-13: El Jem
Amphitheatre (a World
Heritage Site) and return
to Tunis.
Features: Small group, visits with a variety of citizens and an extraordinary
concentration of archeological, cultural and religious sites, development projects,
life-styles ranging from fascinatingly traditional to ultra modern and magnificently
scenic countryside.
Starting/Ending Point: Tunis, Tunisia
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Beginners/Intermediate/Experts
Mileage Daily / Total: 25-50 miles per day, starts with lower mileage
/ 450km, 280 miles total
Cycling Conditions: Paved roads, mostly flat and rolling, a couple of long hills
Accommodations: Small hotels and pensions, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport is generally plentiful when it needs to
be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day generally breakfast and dinner (traditional
food, couscous, soups,
salad, potato, bread, beans, lamb, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, fruit).
Other Activities: Walking
Bike: Mountain bike or touring bike suitable.
Bike Rental: not available
Registration Information
Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!
Please
write if you have questions, suggestions and comments about our program or want to be
added to Bicycle Africa's mailing list. (Also let us know how you found this site.)
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