Tunisia
Tunisia is inspiration!
Let your imagination fly from the cork-coated mountain ranges of Kroumirie to the flame-red dunes of the Sahara. Be dazzled by the mirages Chott el-Jerid summons from its salty surface and be teleported to 'a galaxy far, far away' by the alien rock desert of Matmata.
Anywhere in Tunisia, you are never far from the 1400km coastline, white sand beaches and emerald green Mediterranean. Floating offshore, the islands of Kerkennah and Jerba vie for the title of paradise.
Tunis is a cultured capital with a stylish French colonial dressing. Hop on a metro and head out to Sidi Bou Saïd for astounding views over the Med. Pick up an Italian ice-cream and hit the beach or sniff out the party crowd in La Marsa and enjoy a spin around the dancefloor.
Elsewhere, forget the home comforts of the 'Zones Turistiques' and get lost in labyrinthine medinas from the golden ages of Islam and buried bedouin desert villages. Feel the buzz of the souq, the mystique of the mosque and the spa-steam of the hammam.
Walk with legend in the ruins of war-like Carthage, follow the footsteps of Hannibal, Dido and Aeneas, recreate The Gladiator in the great coliseum of El Djem and take your toga underground in the sunken villas of Bulla Regia.
Dig in to mountains of fresh baguette and mechouia salad with its liberal kick of the ubiquitous harissa. Gorge on pain au chocolat, pizza and pastries, grab a chapatti omelette or an ojja stew all washed down with a fresh blood orange juice.
The locals love travellers and bedouin hospitality is legendary: swap travellers' tales with a haj in the back of a louage, sing along to the latest Raï smash hit with your taxi driver, or just kick back with a sheesha pipe and catch a game of soccer in a noisy café.
From the world's finest Roman mosaics of the Bardo Museum to the international jazz festival of Tabarka; from the fourth Holiest city in Islam to the sifting sands of the Sahara - be inspired!