Tunisia Photo Tour

April 25 - May 3, 2028

Join Jim for this photo tour to exotic Tunisia. This north African country is the crossroads to thousands of years of history, and each empire, each conquest left an indelible mark on the land. Great civilizations were built here and great civilizations were destroyed; for a photographer, this is a fabulously rich environment to capture past glories and, to be sure, past tragedies.

A journey through Tunisia is also a journey through living heritage. In local markets, artisans continue traditions passed down through generations. The camera captures more than objects; it records expressions, craftsmanship, and moments of human connection that bring historical narratives to life.

What makes a Tunisian photo tour especially rewarding is the remarkable coexistence of civilizations. Roman amphitheaters like the one at El Jem, Islamic architecture, Berber heritage, and modern Tunisian life all exist within reach of one another. Few destinations offer such a rich visual tapestry where thousands of years of history can be explored in a single journey.

What you will learn on this photo tour:

1. Focus stacking

2. How to make the best of midday light

3. Using dominant foregrounds for perceived depth

4. Using the sun itself as a component in a composition

5. When HDR is necessary

6. How to expose for bright white architecture at midday

7. Jim's formula for maximum depth of field with a close foreground element

8. How to shoot the Milky Way

Itinerary

Day 1, April 25, Tuesday

Depart from your home country and arrive in Tunis, Tunisia (airport code TUN) on this day. Jim recommends arriving one day early, however, at your own expense to rest and recover from jet lag. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative with your name on a plaque and driven to our hotel. We meet for the first time as a group in the lobby of the hotel at 6pm for dinner and to discuss the upcoming photo tour. Overnight Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center.

Day 2, April 26, Wednesday

After an early breakfast we visit the ancient ruins of Carthage, once the largest ancient city in northern Africa. It was destroyed by Rome in the third Punic war and all of the inhabitants were killed or enslaved in 146 B.C. The site holds ruins from many years of history; the Punics, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines all made claim to this area.

We continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. This blue and white village is beautiful and very photogenic. In the afternoon we'll explore the historic Tunis Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The narrow streets are full of color, texture, and graphic designs that make powerful images. You'll see local artisans of copper, leather, and wool. Nearby the impressive Zitouna Mosque is a wonderful photographic subject, both the exterior and the interior. Overnight at Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center.

Day 3, April 27, Thursday

After breakfast we drive to Bulla Regia. Here we will find some of the best-preserved underground Roman villages. The homes were built this way to escape the intense heat during the months of summer. We will also photograph a 6th century Christian basilica and a well-preserved 2nd century A.D. amphitheater in low-angled late afternoon light. Overnight Hotel Thugga.

Day 4, April 28, Friday

We spend the day exploring and photographing the incredible ruins of Dougga (also spelled Thugga). This is the best preserved ancient Roman city in Tunisia and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It covers 185 acres. You'll want to use every lens in your arsenal -- a wide angle to elongate perspective and a telephoto to compress elements in the ruins. Before the Romans conquered Dougga, it was first a Berber settlement and then a Carthaginian city flourished here. With the art and architecture here, you'll be able to identify the different cultures.

We then drive to Kairouan and overnight in La Kasbah Hotel.

Day 5, April 29, Saturday

After breakfast we will visit the grand mosque Okba Ibn Nafaa which was established in 670 A.D. This is a photographic exercise in symmetry, graphic design, and framing elements in the scene. The interior of the mosque is dimly lit, but with a long exposure the colors and textures can be prominently seen. We will also visit the Governor's house with its stunning ceiling in the main hall. This is followed by the ancient Medina, also founded in 670 A.D., which serves

as a living museum of islamic art. It is renowned for its white-washed walls and bright blue shutters and narrow, winding streets.

After lunch we drive to Monastir and visit several important sites including the remarkable Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba. The beautiful golden dome, the phenomenal tile courtyard, and the impressive arched interior make amazing images. Overnight in the Regency Monastir.

Day 6, April 30, Sunday

In the morning we depart for El Jem, a small city that boasts one of the best-preserved Roman coliseums in the world. It was built between 230 and 238 A.D. and is believed at one time to have hosted between 30,000 and 45,000 spectators. We'll explore this enormous structure including the lower room where gladiators awaited their fate. In town, there is a museum that houses a plethora of stunning 2000-year old mosaics.

From here we travel south to the island of Djerba. After checking into our hotel and having lunch, we photograph the beautiful El Ghriba Synagogue. The

building dates to the 19th century, but the site itself is over 2,500 years old. It was founded by refugees from the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.

Other things we'll photograph include a 16th-century coastal fortress, vibrant street art murals, traditional pottery, turquoise waters and palm trees, and colorful textiles. Overnight Dar Dhiafa Hotel on Djerba Island.

Day 7, May 1, Monday

After breakfast we will continue to take pictures of the varied subjects on Djerba Island including the Houmt Souk, famed for its maze of alleys, traditional and vibrantly colored bazaars, and restored historic merchant's inns that now serve as quaint cafes and guesthouses.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beaches or to go shopping for souvenirs, art, spices, jewelry, handicrafts, or clothes in the many shops. If you want to take this time to work on your photographs, Jim will be happy to give you his feedback on them and to suggest improvements using Photoshop. Overnight Dar Dhiafa Hotel on Djerba Island.

Day 8, May 2, Tuesday

This morning we leave Djerba Island and drive to the ruins of General J. DeGuillebon's house. He was a celebrated officer in the French army during World War II, and the beautiful desert home he lived in during his time in Tunisia is in ruins. It makes a great image.

We will then head back to Tunis. In the afternoon, we'll photograph the city from a rooftop cafe for a commanding view of the famous Avenue Habib Bourguiba. We will also shoot the St. Vincent de Paul's cathedral that has a beautiful yellow facade.

In the early evening, we will have our farewell dinner on another rooftop, this time in the beautiful Dar El Jeld guesthouse in the Medina.

Day 9, May 3, Wednesday

This morning we are transferred to the Tunis-Carthage International Airport for our return flight home, knowing we've taken amazing pictures in this exotic country that few people ever get to see.

Cost of tour: $8575. Includes all lodging in 4-star hotels on a shared basis, all ground transportation in an air conditioned vehicle, airport transfers, services of a driver and English speaking guide, entrance fees to all the archeological sites, all breakfasts, all dinners, tips for porterage, water in the vehicle, photo instruction and critiques on demand plus a post-tour online meeting to share photos and get professional feedback.

Single supplement: $995 (to have your own room)

Not included: International airfare, trip cancellation and medical evacuation insurance, lunches. all beverages, items of a personal nature.

Note: For any participants arriving before the arrival day, there will be additional charges for airport transfers and additional nights. Airport transfers are ONLY included for the arrival day and departure day. Otherwise, another driver has to be hired.