Your Day, Step by Step

From Islamic splendour to Roman power — a journey through 2,000 years of history.

1 Start of the expedition

08:00

Departure for Kairouan

Drive to Kairouan (~2h) across the steppes of central Tunisia. Shifting landscapes, ochre lands and the first glimpses of the holy city.

Private vehicle Hotel ~2h drive

2 Islamic splendour

~2h

Kairouan — Islamic Splendour

Great Mosque of Uqba Ibn Nafi (founded in 670), the oldest mosque in North Africa. Discover the Aghlabid Basins (9th century), a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering, then visit the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, the Prophet's barber.

Founding mosque 9th-century basins Mausoleum UNESCO

Photo tip: The minaret at sunrise offers the perfect frame.

3 Thousand-year-old medina

~1h

Medina of Kairouan

Wander through the alleys of the thousand-year-old medina. Kairouan carpets, a tasting of the famous fresh Makroud, local crafts and the authentic atmosphere of one of the oldest cities in the Maghreb.

Kairouan carpets Makroud Crafts UNESCO

4 Gourmet break

~1h

Kairouani Lunch

A break at a local restaurant to discover authentic Kairouani cuisine. Regional flavours, local specialities and the hospitality of central Tunisia.

Local cuisine Specialities Local produce

5 Imperial heritage

~1h30

El Jem — Imperial Heritage

The Colosseum of El Jem, the third largest Roman amphitheatre in the world with seating for 30,000. Explore the underground galleries where gladiators waited for combat, the arena and the spectacular view from the tiers.

30,000 seats Underground galleries Arena UNESCO

Not to be missed: Head down into the underground galleries where gladiators waited for combat.

6 End of the day

~17:30

Return

Drive back to Tunis or Hammamet (~2h30). Your driver drops you off at your hotel. A day rich in discoveries, 2 civilisations in 1 day.

Excursion completed 2 civilisations in 1 day

Why this excursion?

2 civilisations, 2 UNESCO masterpieces, 1 unforgettable day.

2 UNESCO sites in 1 day

The 4th holy city of Islam and the 3rd largest colosseum in the world.

Islam & Rome together

A unique day spanning 2,000 years of history and 2 civilisations.

Makroud & gastronomy

A tasting of the famous fresh Makroud and authentic Kairouani cuisine.

What our travellers say

"El Jem left me speechless. More impressive than the Colosseum in Rome because you're almost completely alone. Kairouan is a marvel."

Sophie L.

Paris

"The fresh Makroud from the Kairouan souk is amazing! The underground galleries of El Jem give you chills."

Mehdi A.

Brussels

"A perfect day. The guide in Kairouan was fascinating. Excellent value for money."

Christine D.

Lyon

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the journey?

About 2h from Tunis to Kairouan, 1h from Kairouan to El Jem, and 2h30 for the return. The pace is flexible with regular breaks.

Do shoulders need to be covered?

Yes, for the visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Scarves are available on site if needed.

Is lunch included?

Optional (+50 TND/person): a Kairouani meal at a local restaurant. You can also have lunch on your own.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes! The underground galleries of the El Jem amphitheatre fascinate children. The day can be adapted to the family's pace.

Is departure from Hammamet possible?

Yes, departure from Hammamet with about 30 minutes of additional travel time.

How do I cancel?

Free cancellation up to 24h before departure. Contact us by WhatsApp or email.

Kairouan → El Jem