Things to See in Tunisia

World Heritage-listed and quite possibly the single most impressive Roman monument in Africa, the colosseum at El-Jem was also the third-largest of its kind in the Roman world. At its best at sunset, the colosseum is towering and sturdy but with sufficient sections in ruins to evoke the ghosts of the long-distant past.

One of North Africa's best preserved ancient Roman cities, Sufetula is awash with temples, monumental arches and bath complexes that speak of an ancient civilization that really knew how to live. With its Byzantine-era basilicas and remote, windswept, end-of-the-earth location, this is as evocative an ancient site as you'll find anywhere.

Founded by Phoenicians and home of Hannibal, Carthage was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. The site retains its natural splendour, with lush vegetation and superb views over the gulf. Highlights are the museum and excavated quarter atop Byrsa Hill, the Antonine baths, the Punic ports, the Roman amphitheatre and the Sanctuary of Tophet.