I'm so pleased you are looking at Sousse as it's almost my second home. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, and also at PEK which is not far away. Shopping can be a delight (or a nightmare) especially in the Medina. Have a look round the Soula Centre first as it's a 'fixed price' shop selling everything from trinkets to carpets and will give you an idea of prices.

The only one of the hotels I know is the Marhaba Salem as I've stayed in its sister hotel, the Royal Salem a couple of times and you can use the facilities of both. It's a bit further out from the centre than I prefer but taxis are very cheap and walking can be good exercise. Most of the hotels in Sousse are modern and you really only get "Tunisian decor" in less developed areas of the country.

Your rep will be able to organise various trips, indeed they will be most anxious to do so, but there is quite a lot you can do on your own, using the trains, metro. buses or louages (shared taxis), all of which you can get from Sousse. You must go to Port El Kantaoui, if only to sit by the musical fountain and have a meal or a drink and also to see all the boats which come from all over Europe. I often enjoy a trip on the pirate ships which you can book down at the port in Sousse cheaper than through your hotel (especially if you 'negtiate' (haggle). Changing Ladies is a fantastic drag show which has been running in Tunisia for many years and is usually at the Casino on a Wednesday, as well as some of the hotels. The Mausoleum of the previous president, Bourghiba in Monastir is well worth a visit, as is the Medina there as a change from Sousse. If you are there for a couple of weeks you might like to fit in a 2-day trip to the Sahara which is fascinating if rather tiring.

Any speciic questions don't hesitate to ask and I'm sure someone on here will be able to help you.

Thank you very much for your well informed reply! You have been most helpful, I am torn between three hotels the Thalassa Sousse, the Royal Kenz in PEK and the Riu El Mansour in Mahdia-do you know anything about Madhia, I dont think there is much there?

2 are AI but the Royal Kenz can be either half/full board, If I were to go full/half board how much spending money do you think I would need for the week, incl a couple of excursions, wont be clubbing but will of course have a drink on an evening also.

As said it is our first time to Tunisia and want it to be a memorable one

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah, I've only been to Mahdia once for the day when I visited friends who spend six months there every winter so I can't really help you with this area. They love it, simply because it is so quiet but it may be somewhat livelier in the summer months.

Transport and eating out is cheap in Tunisia so it would be a pity not to explore outside the hotel. If you want to do the Sahara trip it can really only be an organised tour and that should be something in the region of £70/80 each but other trips can be done very cheaply, especially if you make use of public transport. If you are H/B, or certainly if A/I, you could easily have plenty of change from £200 between you unless you get seduced in the shops. I must stress that you shouldn't use the hotel phone to phone home and only use your mobile to text, as that can work out very expensive. If you want to phone home use the public 'taxi phones' which are plentiful everywhere.

Thank you again! Ive ruled out the hotel I had picked from Sousse but will be sure to visit there during our trip!

Ive narrowed hotels down to 3 now!

Have you been to PEK?

Sarah xx

I've stayed in PEK a few times over the years but do actually prefer Sousse. PEK is very nice but being purpose-built some 30 or 40 years ago is rather too touristy for my liking. I always go there at least a couple of times when I'm in Sousse, if only to sit by the marina and people-watch or join some of the ex-pats for lunch at the Sultana by the musical fountain. You also do need to go into Sousse for the trains, metro or main bus station.

Im down to two hotels! Both are in Mahdia-can I still get to Sousse/Pek easily?

Sarah x

Trains and buses run between Mahdia and Sousse and both take about 1.5 hours. The July train timetable doesn't seem to be on line yet but no doubt the hotel will be able to help you. I used the bus and was fed chocolate biscuits by some children whilst their parents were trying to practise their English on me.