From the souks of Tunis and ancient ruins of Carthage to the beaches of Hammamet and cave dwellings of the Sahara, Tunisia is a land of vibrant contrasts. Many visitors to the country don't venture much further than the beaches and markets, and though these have much to recommend them, you would be missing out if you didn't try to see at least some of the other myriad attractions Tunisia has to offer.

Tunisia has been invaded by the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French, who have all left their mark on the land, creating a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The most famous vestige of these ancient invasions is the city of Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians, under whom it soon became the most powerful city in the Mediterranean. It was conquered and rebuilt by the Romans, and it is their handiwork that is still in evidence today. Roman remains still litter the entire country from the enormous auditorium in El Jem, almost the size of the Colosseum of Rome, to the well-preserved remains of the ancient city of Thugga (known as Dougga) and the beautiful mosaics at the Bardo Museum in Tunis.