Motorcycle trip

Tunisia

Our Tunisian motorcycle tour, Chasing the Nomad Caravans, is priced at £1,890 (€2,090) per rider and £1,490 (€1,740) per pillion for a 7-day trip, including 5 days of riding. As with all our tours, these prices apply to a small-group departure on a fixed date (maximum 10 riders). A private or tailor-made trip is also possible on request, with the price adjusted according to the number of participants and the level of accommodation required.

The price includes:

• A Royal Enfield motorcycle and mechanical spare parts
• Fuel, parking fees and any tolls
• Third-party motorcycle insurance
• Airport – hotel – airport transfers in a private vehicle
• Supervision by an English-speaking motorcycle guide
• A local team: an experienced mechanic and an assistance vehicle driver (accommodation and meals included)
• An assistance and luggage transport vehicle
• Standard accommodation, in twin or double rooms (single-room supplement available on request)
• Full board, from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 7 (water, tea and coffee included)
• 24/7 telephone assistance from our team in France

The price does not include:

• Mandatory insurance (medical expenses on site and repatriation assistance)
• Legal assistance and cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
• Visa fees
• International flights
• Dinner on day 1 and drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.)
• A €600 refundable security deposit per motorcycle
• Bank fees
• Tips, souvenirs and personal expenses
• Entrance fees for visits, unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
• €35 registration fee

The Tunisian Chasing the Nomad Caravans tour is classified as Intermediate level, under the Motorcycle Ramble theme. Regular riding experience is recommended, particularly to feel comfortable on the different types of terrain encountered throughout the journey.

Of the 684 miles covered on the tour, around 112 miles are off-road, representing 16% of the total distance. These sections, which can sometimes be sandy, nevertheless account for around 25 to 30% of the total riding time, so being comfortable on loose terrain is a real advantage. Rolling tracks can also be frequent.

Riding days generally involve 5 to 6 hours in the saddle, over several consecutive days, so a good level of physical fitness is required. The route alternates between sandy tracks, mountain roads and rides through palm groves, offering a great variety of terrain and landscapes.

The tour takes you through:

• The Sahara Desert and its dunes, as well as the ochre peaks of the Dahar mountains
• Oases and palm groves, green havens in the heart of the desert
• Djerba Island, between Mediterranean coastline and a relaxing break at the end of the tour
• Tunisia’s heritage, including the Ksar Route, troglodyte villages and local traditions

Highlights of the route

• The Ksar Route through the Dahar plains
• The vastness of Chott El Jerid, a salt lake
• Overnight stays in a foundouk, a ksar and a troglodyte guesthouse

Things to bear in mind

• Weather: temperatures vary throughout the day, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer daytime temperatures. We recommend bringing waterproof clothing.
• Accommodation: simple and sometimes unusual accommodation, including a night in a troglodyte guesthouse with shared bathroom facilities.

Not sure whether your riding level is suitable? We recommend taking part in a motorcycle training course before your departure. It is the ideal opportunity to refresh your off-road riding skills, get used to the size and weight of a Royal Enfield and set off on your next adventure with confidence.

Vintage Rides has chosen Royal Enfield motorcycles: mid-sized bikes that are simple, robust and characterful, equally at home on the road and on off-road sections. Their versatility allows us to offer varied itineraries, from more accessible routes to more demanding adventures, while keeping the riding experience consistent for the whole group.

In Tunisia, we use a fleet of Royal Enfield Himalayan 410s, the model best suited to this terrain: sandy tracks, climbs through the Dahar mountains and sudden changes in surface between tarmac and dirt tracks. Its versatility and comfort make it the ideal choice for tackling both major roads and more technical sections of the desert and Dahar mountains.

• Standard seat height: 800 mm
• Lowered seat height: 790 mm

These seat heights are particularly worth taking into account for shorter riders.

Yes, it is perfectly possible to take part in Chasing the Nomad Caravans with a pillion. Only one pillion can be carried per motorcycle. The tour is available at a specific pillion rate of £1,490 (€1,740).

As the tour is classified as Intermediate level, with several days involving 5 to 6 hours of riding and regular off-road sections, sometimes on sandy terrain, it is important that the pillion is comfortable with this type of riding and with long days on a motorcycle.

The assistance and luggage transport vehicle accompanies the group throughout the trip, allowing two people to travel together without having to carry their luggage on the motorcycle.

On Chasing the Nomad Caravans, the itinerary covers a total of 684 miles over 7 stages, including 5 riding days. Daily distances are as follows:

• Stage 1: Djerba → Tataouine: 146 miles
• Stage 2: Tataouine → Ksar Ghilane: 121 miles
• Stage 3: Ksar Ghilane → Douz: 99 miles (+ 47 optional miles)
• Stage 4: Douz → Matmata: 155 miles
• Stage 5: Matmata → Djerba: 115 miles

For a motorcycle tour in Tunisia, the recommended daily distance is therefore between 100 and 155 miles per day, with an average of around 124 miles. This pace leaves enough time to enjoy the visits, lunch breaks and encounters along the way, without turning the ride into a race.

It is worth noting that of these 684 miles, around 112 miles (16%) are off-road, partly on sand. These sections are slower and actually account for 25 to 30% of the total riding time (see the question about the required riding level).