Kairouan and El Jem Private Day Tour: Explore Islamic Heritage and Roman Architecture
4.7
36 Ratings
Kairouan
Immerse yourself in the rich Islamic heritage and Roman architecture on a private day tour of Kairouan and El Jem. Explore the 9th century Aghlabid basins, the grand mosque, Sidi Sahbi, and the medina in Kairouan. Then, visit the impressive Roman amphitheater and the renowned Museum of El Jem in El Jem.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Great Mosque of Kairouan - Departure to Kairouan from your Tunis centrally located accommodation. The tour starts with the last two 9th century Aghlabid Basins which were among the greatest waterworks of the Middle Ages. The basins are seen from the top of the Tourist Information Building and they form an introduction to the foundation of Kairouan and its glorious age.

Proceed to visit the 7th-century Great Okba Mosque, the oldest one in North Africa. Appreciate the powerful and beautiful expression of faith inherent in the 9th-century building. Proceed to the nearby Sidi Sahbi, to visit the 17th-19th-century building with its minaret & beautiful courtyards lined with green-blue tile work & white plaster stucco. Free time is given for individual discovery & shopping at the Medina.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Moving to El Jem (70 km / 1h 15mn drive). El Jem’s amphitheater is the main attraction and is one of Tunisia’s most often visited sites. This monumental amphitheater, built in the mid 3rd century AD (230-240 AD), is the largest Roman monument left in Africa and ranks 3rd in the Empire after those of Rome and Verona. Being one of the last large amphitheaters built during the Roman era, its architectural design is an improvement over that of the Coliseum of Rome.

What's Included
  • Transportation in a tourism approved vehicle (insured for tourists)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tunis or Hammamet
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch included
  • Entrance fees to Kairouan and El Jem covered
  • Guidance from a licensed tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels in other cities
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Discover Kairouan, the fourth most sacred city in the realm of Islam. The tour begins at the 9th-century Aghlabid basins, providing insight into Kairouan and its illustrious past. Progress to the grand mosque- the oldest in North Africa, and soon after the neighboring Sidi Sahbi, offering a glimpse into some Tunisian customs. Conclude the tour with a stroll through the medina, be enchanted by its exotic allure. Explore El Jem (Thysdrus) Roman amphitheater, ranked third in size and unrivaled in preservation within the Roman empire. Cap off with a visit to the renowned El Jem Museum.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Location
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
Rue Sidi Abdelkader,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(36 Ratings)
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Yasmin_k
Aug 13, 2023
The best driver & guide in Tunisia👍🏽 - The driver Mohammed ‘Sugar’ was the best driver & Mohammed ‘Honey’ was the best tour guide with the best english & lovely ‘British’ accent - the guide was very knowledgeable, attentive & ensured me & my family were always happy throughout the whole journey - thanks again to Honey & Sugar you guys made a day very memorable & enjoyable & will definitely recommend this to our friends & family.
Review provided by Viator
I9471ybrosariom
Jul 24, 2023
el jem is stunning - A friend and I did kairouan el jem tour. el jem is stunning and amazing and our tour guide Karim was fantastic, teaching us the history, culture (and where the good restaurants were). As well as organising extras to make each journey more comfortable. If you have the time then do this trip. Best holiday ever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardmx3559xn
Jul 12, 2023
enjoyed this trip - My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Our guide Youssef was amazing and shared a lot of excellent information and insights into the people, places and culture of Tunisia. We really appreciate the extra care Youssef. Thank you Youssef!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertoc9174zh
Jun 29, 2023
The trip was very well organised - The trip was very well organised, our tour team were magnificent. We felt well informed, safe and were very well fed, they worked so hard to keep us all happy and having fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristen
Jun 8, 2023
Knowledgeable guide - Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, outgoing, and friendly. The sites were interesting and beautiful! Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rubymontess
May 21, 2023
amazing experience - Was an amazing experience. The tour was well organized and the staff was amazing and so helpful with any of our needs. Our tour driver Karem was excellent skilled driver and his patience with us as we stopped to to snap hundreds of photos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriannar993
May 18, 2023
great insight into the history - great tour of Kairouan and El Jem during my holiday in Tunisia. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and provided us with great insight into the history and culture of the region. He took us to the 12th century Mosque of Uqba, the largest in the Maghreb, and explained its intricate architecture. Next, he showed us the 9th century Great Mosque and thehistoric medina of Kairouan, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visited the nearby ancient Roman city of El Jem, home to the largest coliseum in Africa. Our guide shared many interesting stories and demonstrated an impressive range of knowledge. The tour was really enjoyable and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore this beautiful region.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
263tenzind
Jul 14, 2023
fantastic time - I had a fantastic time on this tour and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an overview of this culturally diverse and rich country.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sterre_g
Aug 23, 2023
Enjoyed my day but do research - Do your research when you want to buy a rug/carpet. Don’t just trust your guide to help you with that. If you really want it, do it on your own without a tour. We got into a discussion with the carpet Guy and the tour guide and the whole trip was just awkward after that. Also do your research when you want to buy argan oil. Also it is perfectly fine to go to the vendors outside of the barber’s place. They are not pushy like the tourguide sad
Review provided by Viator
Shaza_m
Jan 6, 2024
The worst! - The cities were amazing, El Jem was a beautiful surprise with the level of details and how preserved it is. Each city has its unique character and definitely worth visiting. However, the guide ruined the whole trip; he didn’t follow the timelines, he didn’t give directions or explanations in Kairouan and when feedback was given, he didn’t take well! As a matter of fact, we picked him and drop him in his hometown which led us to divert for 40mins which was very strange! He was trying to get me to buy stuff persistently which I thought inappropriate! And much more….I would never recommend him to no one!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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