ELTIPS AV R T

Louis, 12, and Remy, seven, certainly made the most of the balmy afternoon in the Tunisian resort town of Hammamet.

Less than three hours from the UK, affordable and full of history, this ought to be the perfect place for an idyllic beach holiday. And until three years ago it was. But when a lone gunman opened fire on a beach at Sousse in June 2015, killing 38 people – 30 of them British – everything changed.

That appalling act brought the suspension of direct charter flights from the UK. And most of the main package holiday operators removed Tunisia from their brochures.

Now all that should be about to change again.

The country’s government has massively beefed up security across the country and addressed all of the holiday companies’ concerns.

All of the main coastal cities are considered safe.

It means the Foreign Office no longer advises British visitors to steer clear of the popular Tunisian resorts.

On our trip we experienced bargain prices, generous hosts, s pectacular s c enery and extraordinary history.

At a time when so many other European resorts are becoming too expensive it makes Tunisia a perfect Stop for mint tea with pine nuts at the famous Cafe des Delices in Sidi Bou Said, with breathtaking views across the Gulf of Tunis. Take a trip to the amphitheatre at El Jem. It rises spectacularly from the surrounding desert and is one of the world’s best preserved Roman constructions. Snap up a bargain at the souk in Nabeul. It produces most of Tunisia’s colourful pottery, and nothing has a fixed price.