These are the best ways to explore Tunisia

The summer months (May to September) are the best time to visit Tunisia for its hot Mediterranean temperatures and making the most of its blue coastlines, although there's plenty of sunshine across the rest of the country throughout the year.

Visiting in the summer means you can make the most of the weather and soak up incredible sights and experiences. Our Tunisia summer tour has been designed to beat the heat, with enough time at shaded or covered spots to relax - perhaps an al fresco cafe in picturesque Sidi Bou Said will seal the deal!

Some of the accommodation we stay at include swimming pools - in Tunis, the hotel we use has beach access and a cooling sea breeze, making a fitting end to an action-packed day.

You can still soak up the sun (and cooler temperatures) by visiting during the other seasons. Watch blossoming flora in the spring months or explore the Chott-el-Jerid salt flats, which are the largest in the Sahara, before dashing across the dunes by 4WD.

When it comes to ancient sites, Carthage in Tunisia is undoubtedly the highlight. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1000 BC, this ancient city became the most powerful trading centre on the Mediterranean before being sacked by the Romans in 146 BC. Wander around legendary Roman ruins, the Antonin Baths and the acropolis of Byrsa.

Another stand-out is El Djem's Roman amphitheatre - it's the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in north Africa. In its hey-day it accommodated 27,000 spectators, making it the largest of its kind outside of Italy! We take you on a guided tour of the site, through well-preserved dungeons and into the auditorium itself.

One of the best ways to gain an authentic insight into a country is through its food - each bite tells a story of spices, flavours and history. In Hammamet, we stop for lunch at Douar Laaroussi, a restaurant owned by local Berbers. Afterwards, head into the kitchens to learn about Tunisian spices and make freshly baked bread.

You can buy local-made souvenirs at bustling bazaars and covered markets across the country, too. Visit the old medina in Kairouan and admire skilled craftsmen produce copper and silver engravings, woven carpets and saddles.

To complete the experience, stop for a rosewater-scented coffee and try the local delicacy, makroudh, which are small wheat cakes soaked in honey and stuffed with dates.