Description
An Invitation to the 2026 “Taste of Tunisia” Workshop, Tour & Holiday
Dear Friends,
We are Kala Jarda and Dianne Chikhaoui, the creators of the D&H Technique and the founders of the boutique ‘Taste of Tunisia’ tours. Following the outstanding success of our inaugural 2024 AND 2025 tours, we are thrilled to warmly invite you to our third annual journey: ‘Taste of Tunisia in 2027’.
This unique trip is a 10-day immersive workshop, tour, and holiday, running from May 18th until May 28th 2027.
Why Tunisia?
Tunisia is one of Africa’s most visited countries, a land where tradition, history, light, and harmony converge. From labyrinthine souks (markets) and golden beaches to ancient monuments and fabulous cuisine, it offers a truly exotic experience. The country is famed for its beautiful pottery, ceramics, ironwork, rugs and mosaics.
As Kala’s birthplace, we have an intimate, local knowledge of the language, traditions, culture, and hidden gems. We spend three months there annually and are passionate about sharing its special towns and villages with you. While Tunisia has preserved incredible treasures from its rich and turbulent history, we also travel with respectful awareness that there is ongoing development to improve local living standards.
Renowned for their conviviality and easygoing nature, Tunisians extend legendary hospitality. Combined with stunning beaches and delicious cuisine, this makes Tunisia a wonderfully welcoming and particularly safe destination for travellers. Around eleven million international visitors travelled to Tunisia in 2025, mainly from European countries. Around 40,000 travellers were from the US, and 20,000 from Canada. This follows an increasing interest in desert and cultural experiences around the world. Tunisia is still considered a ‘hidden gem’ for Americans and Canadians!
Our Home Base: A 4-Star Hotel in Hammamet
We have chosen the central coastal town of Hammamet as our base, providing perfect access to key sites. Your stay is included in the trip price at a beautiful, all-inclusive 4-star hotel featuring:
Bright, modern rooms with a Tunisian touch, air conditioning, and comfortable beds. We have reserved rooms that have direct access to a pool right outside your room, an area that is not open to the general public.
The hotel has direct beach access and other pools for the public.
The hotel has friendly, helpful staff and an excellent (and tireless!) entertainment team.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinks are included at the hotel. (Note: Lunch on some excursion days are at your own expense at very affordable local prices.)
The Itinerary & Masterclass Experience
Part 1: The Mosaic Masterclass
We begin with a private, immersive masterclass in our unique D&H Technique for creating realism in mosaic. On our last tour we did 3 consecutive workshop days. This year, we want to mix workshop and cultural days.
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Mornings (9 AM – 1 PM): Focus on the D&H Technique for Realism, a unique technique created by Kala.
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Afternoons (2 PM – 5 PM): A class in classical Roman mosaics using provided marble.
You will receive individual coaching from both of us on cutting, movement, color use, and detail observation to elevate your technique.
Preparation: We will host pre-tour Zoom meetings to organise materials, outline what to bring, and help you connect with fellow travellers. You will find that connecting with other members of the group is a highlight of these trips.
Part 2: Cultural Explorations
Between workshops, we will embark on guided explorations of Tunisia’s history, architecture, and culture with a professional guide. Travelling with us will be Kala’s brother Hamza (a local mayor) and his wife Marwa, ensuring seamless communication in English, French, and Arabic and an authentic local perspective. Hamza and Marwa both demonstrate the warmth and hospitality of Tunisians, and many of our past guests remain in contact with them!
A Note for Travelers
Tunisia is an enchanting destination. Sellers in markets can be enthusiastic but are rarely persistent—a polite “no” is always sufficient. We invite you to visit with an open heart and mind for an unforgettable experience.
We are excited to share the magic of Tunisia with you.
Tour Package Inclusions – $4,980 USD (per participant, based on double occupancy)
The comprehensive package includes:
- Airport transfer to Hotel Phenicia and from the hotel to airport
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Accommodation for the duration of the tour. (10 nights)
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the hotel
- One dinner in the Chinese restaurant ‘Le Dragon’ at the hotel
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Beverages and drinks at the hotel
- Nightly shows/entertainment at the hotel, as well as organised daytime activities
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All admittance fees to scheduled sites
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Services of a professional guide throughout the tour
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All transportation, including site transfers
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The D&H Technique Workshop
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The Roman Mosaic Workshop
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All applicable Tunisian government taxes (including the 2026 nightly hotel tax)
- Two cooking workshops at the hotel
Important Notes:
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Single Occupancy: Accommodation is based on double occupancy. Single rooms are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Exclusions: This package does not include:
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International airfares and travel insurance.
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Airport transfers.
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Meals, drinks, or snacks consumed outside the hotel.
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Gratuities (tips) for guides or drivers.
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An optional Rug-Making Workshop.
- Horse or camel rides (available on the beach at the hotel). Note that the animals here are healthy and well-treated.
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Optional Room Upgrades (for the 10-night stay):
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Sea View Room Upgrade: +$100 USD per person.
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Single Occupancy Sea View Room Supplement: +$400 USD.
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Single Occupancy Luxury Swim-Up Room (with pool access): +$600 USD per person.
- Itinerary-Please note: Minor changes may be made to the times and itinerary as necessary.
IDETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1, May 18:
Arrive at Tunis-Carthage Airport, then transfer to the Phenicia Hotel, Hammamet. We will give you more information on transfers later. Ideally try and time your flight to arrive from midday. Upon settling in, this will be a leisurely day connecting with Dianne, Kala and other participants. The pools and beach are right there for you to enjoy, with refreshing drinks. Dinner is included and the animation team at the hotel provide many activities.
Day 2, May 19:
7.30am-8.30am: Buffet breakfast
9am-1pm: Workshop (D&H Technique)
1pm-2pm: Buffet lunch
2pm-5pm: Workshop (Roman mosaics)
Snacks and drinks are available all day. The entertainment team provides various activities each day for those not participating in the workshops, or there are the pools and beach to enjoy.
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner
Evening entertainment.
Day 3, May 20:
7.30am-8.30am: Buffet breakfast
Free time at the pool or beach
12pm-12:45 pm: Buffet lunch
1pm -2pm: Travel by coach to Visit the archaeological site at Carthage, a swanky suburb of Tunis. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It was once a cosmopolitan trading hub and a key Mediterranean maritime power. Carthage was one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world. and it inspired poetry, mythology and the envy of the Roman empire. Carthage existed for more than 500 years before the Romans eventually brutally destroyed and torched it in 146BC. They rebuilt it to their own specifications, and enslaved the local population. We will visit the Antonine Baths, the largest baths outside Rome in ancient times, and the most impressive ruin in Carthage, where you can imagine the luxuries enjoyed by the ancient community. We will also start a climb up to Byrsa Hill to get a vantage point of the land and views to the Gulf of Tunis and the circular-shaped Punic Ports, whose ingenious designs meant that the Carthaginian navy could see out to sea but were hidden from approaching enemy ships. Also at the top of Byrsa Hill is the Carthage Museum, which is worth a visit for its mosaics, sarcophagi (coffins) and archaeological fragments.
Visit Sidi Bou Said, the hugely picturesque ‘blue and white town’ with its rustic doors and magenta bougainvillea everywhere. The views in this town are just amazing, overlooking the sea, and it’s worth exploring the main street and some of the surrounding streets to discover its special charm. It is said to be equivalent to Greece’s Santorini.
Visit Dar el Annabi in Sidi Bou Said. Originally an elegant house built near the end of the 18th century, it was redeveloped as a summer resort for Taib el Annabi. It is now a fascinating museum showing the typical Islamic architecture on the outside, and the atmosphere and lifestyle of a traditional Tunisian family on the inside. You will explore the private library, prayer hall, lounges, bedrooms, the Andalusian gardens, and the terraces that offer amazing views of the surrounding landscape and villas.
Visit Palais du Baron d’Erlanger. This palace was built on a hill overlookingthe sea in Sidi Bou Said. Built between 1912 and 1922, the palace is notable for for its interesting architecture, inspired by Tunisian traditions with elements of Andalusian, Venetian and Arabic ornamentation. Baron d’Erlanger dedicated his life to preserve Tunisia’s architectural, cultural and musical heritage.
Evening walk through the main street of Sidi Bou Said and taste its famous ‘Bambalouni’ (Tunisian donuts). Drinks at the most well known and iconic cafe in the Mediterranean, Cafe des Delices. Enjoy the stunning views!
Coach return to the hotel
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner.
Evening entertainment
Day 4, May 21 :
- 7.30am-8.30am: Buffet breakfast
- 1pm: Workshop (D&H Technique)
- 1pm-2pm: Buffet lunch
- 2pm-5pm: Workshop (Roman mosaics)
Evening entertainment (dress in white for ‘White Night’)
Day 5, May 22:
7.45am-8.45: Buffet breakfast
9am-10am: We will take the coach to Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, today.
10am-12 noon: Visit the Bardo Museum, which is a jewel of Tunisian heritage. This is the largest Roman mosaic museum in the world and is a paradise for mosaic nerds and connoisseurs! It only reopened at the end of 2023, after being closed for a few years, and it is even bigger and better. We may also have access to the private restoration workshop within the museum, which is not normally open to the public. The opulent interior retraces, through its collections, a big part of Tunisia’s history (from Prehistory to the contemporary epoch) and contains the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world including the famous mosaic representing Virgil, the poet. There an abundant collection of Punic jewels as well as a gallery of Roman sarcophaguses and Christian baptisteries. One of the high points of the visit to Bardo is a Roman ship’s cargo wrecked off the coast of Cape Africa, facing the town of Mahdia, with its Hellenistic Greek art master pieces: bronze pieces, marble sculptures, and furniture. This was the result of underwater excavations undertaken during the first part of the 20th Century with the participation of Commander Jacques Cousteau. This grand museum is not to be missed!
9am-10am: Travel by coach to Sousse. Tunisia’s third-biggest city has three major drawcards: long sandy beaches, the UNESCO-protected 9th century medina and the small but superb Sousse Archaeological Museum, which houses incredible mosaics. Sousse is also known for its restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
10am-11am: Visit the Sousse Museum, with its stunning mosaics.
11.15-12.15: Visit the medina and souk in Sousse.
12.30pm-1.30pm: Lunch at a local restaurant in Sousse.
1.45pm-4.30pm: Travel to El Jem and check out the stunning mosaics in the El Jem museum. Then visit the incredible Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, another UNESCO World Heritage site from the 3rd century, and the third largest colosseum in the world. It is a rare monument, slightly smaller than the colosseum in Rome, but much better preserved. Its capacity was said to be 35,000 people. The film ‘Gladiator’ was filmed here, as well as episodes of the reality TV show ‘The Amazing Race’.
4.30pm-5.30pm: Return by coach to the hotel
Rest, swim, relax and cocktails at the hotel.
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner at the hotel (or choose the 6.30pm sitting if you need an early night!)
Day 8, May 25:
7.45am-8.45am: Buffet breakfast.
9am-9.20am: Coach to Nabeul. Formerly a Phoenician settlement, it was destroyed by the Romans in 146BC and later rebuilt as a Roman colony called Neapolis. It is a traditional craft centre which dates back to Neolithic man. When Islam came to Tunisia in the 6th century AD, the craft of ceramics evolved. After the 17th century, the arrival of skilled earthenware craftsmen brought with them the distinctive swirling designs which are now integral to the craft. Then around the late 1980’s, a number of French ceramists opened factories in Nabeul using a fusion of European techniques with the expertise of the potters in Nabeul. It has now become a famous pottery and ceramics handicraft centre, with the most eye-watering handpainted ceramics you have ever seen. It may be a good idea to pack some bubble wrap, because we can assure you, you will want to buy!
9.30am-11.30am: Explore the largest ceramics shop in Nabeul. We may have the opportunity to watch artisans hand painting pottery, and even paint a piece of pottery of our own! This is a great opportunity to buy uniquely Tunisian pottery, and the choices are enormous! We will also explore the souk in Nabeul, where there will be more beautiful souvenirs to entice you!
12noon-1.15pm: Lunch in Hammamet.
1.15pm-2.15pm: Coach trip to Tunis.
2.15pm-4pm: Visit the Zitouna Mosque (bring a scarf, or buy at the market). Located in the heart of Tunis’ medina, this important mosque was founded in 734 and built on a site once occupied by a church. It was totally rebuilt in the 9th century and restored many times over the centuries, and its huge prayer hall incorporates more than 200 columns scrounged from Roman Carthage. We can visit the incredible souk in Tunis if there is time and interest.
4.15pm-6.15pm: Visit the palace Ksar Ezzahraa Tunis Lemdina. This is a strange, unique and bewitching palace that was closed for many years for renovations. It has now been completely restored into the original Tunisian architectural style and has been converted into a cafe/restaurant, and venue for various functions.
6.30pm-7.30pm: Return to the hotel by coach.
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner at the hotel (or if everyone agrees, we can have dinner at Ksar Ezzahraa Tunis Lemdina in the Guru Restaurant for a special Tunisian culinary experience!)
Day 9, May 26:
7.30am-8.30am: Buffet breakfast.
8.45am-10.15am: Travel by coach to Kairouan.
10.15am-12.15pm: Visit Kairouan. Kairouan is one of the most celebrated cities of the Islamic world. It also is a popular place to buy beautifully crafted Tunisian rugs of all sizes. We can organise to have a rug-making workshop there as an option (Cost is $100USD for the 2 hour workshop at your own expense). Or, if people prefer, we can visit the charming medina and the Great Mosque, which is a universal architectural masterpiece. If there is time, we will visit the Zawiya of Sidi Sahib, or Mosque of the Barber. According to tradition, Sidi Sahib, a barber and companion of the prophet Muhammad, was buried here with 3 hairs from Muhammad’s beard after dying in battle in 654. It has been restored, expanded and rebuilt over the years, and covers a range of styles and has beautiful tiles. Another visit may possibly be made to Bir Barouta, where a camel walks in a circle, drawing water up from a 20metre deep 17th century holy well that legend says is connected to the Zamzam spring in Mecca.
12.30pm-2pm Return by coach to Yasmine Hammamet.
2pm-5pm Visit Yasmine Hammamet, and have a coffee/lunch at one of the classy cafes or restaurants. Check out the expensive yachts and boats, and the fresh Mediterranean atmosphere. Move on to Hammamet itself and explore the Medina. Wander around the neighboorhood and laneways and check out the variety of quaint and rustic doors on white houses in the old town that are quintessentially Tunisian. Have a rereshing tea or coffee at the famous Sidi Bouhadid Cafe.
Rest, swim, relax and cocktails at the hotel.
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner at the hotel.
Day 10, May 27:
8am-9am: Buffet breakfast.
As we have had a very full tour, this will be rest day at the hotel, or you can choose to take a taxi and do your own excursion.
9am-12noon: Free time to spend at the pool or beach. Take a camel ride or check out the equestrian centre next to the hotel.
12noon-1.30pm: Buffet lunch
1.30pm-3.00pm: Free time to spend at the pool or beach.
3.00pm-4.30pm: Cooking demonstrations of Tunisian specialties, ‘bambalouni’ and ‘brik’ for our group at the hotel (with your participation!)
Rest, swim, relax and cocktails at the hotel.
8pm-9pm: Buffet dinner
NOTE: One dinner at the hotel can be in the Chinese restaurant, which is normally an extra cost for hotel guests, but for you is included in the price of the tour.
Day 11, May 28:
8.30am-9.30am: Buffet breakfast.
Goodbyes, and transfers to the airport.
Some participants may want to join us on a tour to the desert in south of Tunisia, which is a totally different experience! Talk to us about it ASAP if you think you might be interested.
Why visit the desert south of Tunisia?
While the north offers lush greenery and Mediterranean history, the South is where you find the ‘soul’ of the Sahara, a landscape of dramatic contrasts, from salt lakes to mountain oases and ancient Berber strongholds. “We aren’t just going to the desert; we are visiting the recognized heart of Arab Desert Tourism.” We will personalise an itinerary for the group, depending on the type of accommodation required. Some ideas we have are:
- Cinematic Landscapes: You aren’t just seeing desert, you are walking through the real-life “Planet Tatooine.” Even for non-fans, the preserved Star Wars sets like Mos Espa are architecturally stunning and surreal.
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Berber Heritage: Unlike the Arab-influenced north, the South is the heart of Berber (Amazigh) culture. Visiting Matmata to see underground troglodyte homes or the hilltop village of Chenini offers a unique look at ancient survival.
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The “Grand Erg Oriental”: This is the ‘classic’ Sahara – massive, rolling golden dunes. Sleeping in a tented camp here, far from light pollution, offers world-class stargazing and a silence that is almost spiritual.
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Natural Wonders: You’ll cross Chott el Djerid, a massive salt lake that creates shimmering mirages, and visit mountain oases like Chebika, where waterfalls burst out of dry, jagged canyons.
PLEASE NOTE: We require a minimum of 4 people in order to take a tour to the south of Tunisia. Cost would be approximately $1500 to $2500 depending on the type of accommodation preferred, which could be basic and comfortable, or ultra luxurious. Alternatively, you could remain in a hotel in Hammamet for a few more days to shop and explore further if you choose!
We are hoping that you will join us and enjoy a ‘Taste of Tunisia’!
More information will be sent to you as a PDF once you have paid your deposit.
Terms & Conditions: Payment & Cancellation
1. Payment Schedule
To provide the high level of service and boutique accommodations planned for this itinerary, we adhere to the following payment schedule:
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Initial Deposit: $980 plus 3% bank or card fee (about $30) per person due by November 30, 2026 to secure your reservation.
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Mid-Payment: $2,000 plus 3% bank or card fee (about $60) per person due by January 31, 2027
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Final Balance: $2,000 plus 3% bank or card fee (about $60) per person due by March 15, 2027
2. Cancellation & Refund Policy
We understand that life happens. However, because we must prepay our Tunisian partners and luxury hotel months in advance, we must strictly enforce the following refund schedule:
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Cancellations on or before December 31, 2026: Full refund of deposit.
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Cancellations between January 1 and February 28, 2027: The $980 deposit is non-refundable.
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Cancellations between March 1 and April 15: 50% of the total tour cost ($2,500) is non-refundable.
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Cancellations after April 15: 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable.
3. Travel Insurance Requirement
Because of our strict refund policy, we require all participants to purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. We strongly recommend a policy that includes “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage. This ensures that should you need to cancel at the last minute for medical or personal reasons, you can recover your costs through your insurance provider.
4. Transfer of Spot
If you are unable to travel, you may transfer your spot to another person (friend or family) up to 28 days before departure, provided they meet the tour requirements. Any administrative fees or name-change costs incurred from hotels or local airlines will be the responsibility of the traveller.
About D&H Fine Art Mosaics
Kala and Dianne established D&H Fine Art Mosaics in January, 2021 as a team. Kala has spent his whole adult life (27 years) studying mosaics at university, making mosaics, exhibiting mosaics all over Europe, creating mosaic commissions and teaching mosaics while running his own mosaic business in Tunisia, overseeing 11 employees. Kala is an expert in creating Roman mosaics, and is highly experienced in working with marble and smalti, and only changed to glass after meeting Dianne. Until the end of 2022, Dianne worked full time as a teacher, and has since retired to focus on making and teaching mosaics, which is her passion. She has sold her work both in Australia and overseas, and has successfully exhibited and received prizes, including in art shows where she has been the only participant exhibiting mosaics (alongside paintings and sculptures.) Both Kala and Dianne have made a name for themselves creating beautiful mosaics with the highest possible level of realism, by using a technique that Kala spent many months developing and perfecting. They have been teaching their unique technique online and their participants have achieved remarkable success.
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