Spicy getaway
4 days/3 nights
Dates : end of August - September
Based at Lamia’s B&B, in the heart of the Nabeul countryside, this tour is dedicated to Harissa, the spicy seasoning made from red chili peppers that is synonymous with Tunisian food and which is recognized as a facet of the country’s “intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. You'll learn more than you ever imagined one could know about Harissa, and have the chance to taste several varieties. You'll also taste and prepare some of the most typical dishes of Tunisian gastronomy, discover some local wines, and Nabeul’s famous ceramic tableware and cooking crockery.
The itinerary may vary according to the season and the availability of our partners, as we adapt to the rhythm of local artisans and producers.
Day 1 - Welcome to Tunisia!
After being met at the airport by Lamia, your host, guide and interpreter for the days ahead, you'll travel to her farmhouse in the Cap Bon, where you'll be based for the duration of your stay. A promontory located in the north-east of the country, the Cap Bon region is a vast garden, which was already cultivated with vines, olive trees and fruit trees in the IVe century BC, according to Diodorus of Sicily. The landscapes alternate between plains and mountains, citrus orchards, market gardens and vineyards, with a Mediterranean flair. Enjoy the bucolic atmosphere and, if you arrive early in the day, a cooking workshop with Lamia before dinner.
Day 2 - Essential kitchen provisions
After a typical Tunisian breakfast with (tunisois), composé des produits frais de la ferme et de ses alentours, nous prendrons la route pour une journée consacrée au produit phare de la région, à savoir la harissa, que vous apprendrez à préparer. Ce condiment, réalisé à base de piments rouges broyés, a été inscrit au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité par l’UNESCO en 2022. Nous nous joindrons à un artisan qui la confectionne en respectant toutes les étapes cruciales : séchage traditionnel sous forme de guirlandes afin de déshydrater les piments, encordage, s’ensuit un séchage à nouveau au soleil puis enfin le broyage. A ses côtés, nous suivrons étape par étape la confection de la harissa, de la culture des piments jusqu’à sa préparation. La harissa agrémente grand nombre de repas en Tunisie. On parie que vous y prendrez goût !
The ceramic cooking vessels and tableware of the Cap Bon, and Nabeul especially, are famous nationally for their beautiful colors and designs. This afternoon we visit a pottery workshop where you can paint your own plate or bowl to take home with you. In the evening, a vegetarian dinner, prepared by an exceptional chef, will be served in her beautifully restored home.
Day 3 - Mlawi, Malsouka and Méchoui: three essential Tunisian dishes
After an Arbi breakfast (literally “Arab”, meaning rustic), we’ll learn how to prepare Mlawi, a flaky pan-cooked flatbread. Often eaten in the morning, it is an emblem of Tunisian street food, as it is perfect for making wraps that are easy to carry oreat while standing. At the end of the morning, we'll set off on foot, by bike or by donkey-cart to visit a nearby vineyard for a cellar tour, tunisienne. En fin de matinée, déplacement à pied, en vélo ou en charrette pour une visite des vignobles des alentours. La découverte des caves sera agrémentée de dégustations de vins et d’un repas composé de Méchoui, grillades, au milieu des tonneaux. La culture de la vigne révèle le passé romain et colonial du pays et la façon dont il résonne avec l’histoire contemporaine du pays.
Back at the farm, Lamia will guide you through a series of recipes using Harissa culminating in a dinner consisting of the food you will have prepared.
Day 4 - Departure
Your culinary journey is coming to an end. After breakfast, or lunch, depending on your flight time, you'll be accompanied to the airport for your departure. If you have a late departure, there are plenty of activities around the farm, or in the capital prior to your departure.
Participants: 2 people minimum, 8 people maximum
Price (We accept EUR, CAD, USD, and TND)
- 2 persons : €1,390 per person
- 4 people: €1,190 per person
- 6 people: €990 per person
- 8 people: €850 per person
Included
- Transfers and ground transportation in Tunisia
- Accommodation
- Meals and snacks
- Visits, workshops, classes, tastings and activities
- All ingredients and equipment for classes and workshops
- Wines at tastings
Not included
- Flights
- Personal travel insurance (cancellation, health, etc.)
- Tips, should you wish to leave any
- Alcoholic beverages you wish to consume during your stay (other than wine tastings)