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Tiers of sandstone arches on the outer wall of the El Jem amphitheatre

From Hammamet · From Tunis · From Sousse

Kairouan, El Jem and Monastir, a private guided day trip from Hammamet

This private, guided day trip takes you from your hotel in Hammamet or Tunis to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem, and ends at the seaside Ribat of Monastir. Entrance to all five sites and an air-conditioned private vehicle are included; lunch is not.

  • Full day
  • Private tour
  • Guided tour
  • Entrance fees · included

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Tiers of sandstone arches on the outer wall of the El Jem amphitheatre
Tiers of sandstone arches on the outer wall of the El Jem amphitheatre

Overview

Kairouan, El Jem and Monastir: private guided day trip

This is the day that shows the two great civilisations of central Tunisia side by side. In the morning, Kairouan: Tunisia’s spiritual capital, its Great Mosque and its pastry-scented medina. In the afternoon, El Jem: a Roman colosseum rising out of a quiet market town, built of cut stone and still standing tier upon tier.

Five entrance tickets are included in the price, so you never queue at a ticket window or count change. The day closes on the coast at Monastir, where the ribat’s ramparts catch the late light over the sea.

Highlights

  • Two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kairouan and the El Jem amphitheatre
  • The Great Mosque of Kairouan, founded in 670
  • One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world
  • Five entrance tickets included
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel

Photos

The day, step by step

5 stops, in this order. Your guide may adapt the order to traffic and opening hours.

The route

5 stops · Full day

  1. Pick-upAt your hotel
  2. Stop 1Great Mosque of Kairouan
  3. Stop 2Kairouan
  4. Stop 3Aghlabid Basins
  5. Stop 4El Jem Amphitheatre
  6. Stop 5Ribat of Monastir
  7. ReturnAt your hotel

  1. The Great Mosque of Kairouan

    Entrance included

    Founded in 670, the Great Mosque is the oldest place of worship in the Muslim West and the model for many mosques across the Maghreb. From its vast marble courtyard you take in the square minaret, the arcades on ancient columns and the carved cedar doors of the prayer hall.

  2. Free time in the medina of Kairouan

    UNESCO World Heritage · 1988Entrance included

    Kairouan, often called the fourth holy city of Islam and the spiritual capital of Tunisia, keeps one of the country’s most authentic medinas. Use your free time for its carpet shops or for makroudh, the city’s date-filled semolina pastry.

  3. The Aghlabid Basins

    Entrance included

    These great circular reservoirs were built to supply the city with water, a feat of medieval engineering on the edge of the old town.

  4. The amphitheatre of El Jem

    UNESCO World Heritage · 1979Entrance included

    El Jem was Thysdrus, one of the richest cities of Roman Africa. Its amphitheatre, built entirely of cut stone on open ground, measures 148 by 122 metres and seated about 35,000 spectators, which places it among the largest in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

  5. Monastir and its ribat

    Entrance included

    The day ends by the sea in Monastir, the Punic and then Roman town of Ruspina. Its ribat is a fortified monastery facing the Mediterranean.

What is included

The price covers everything listed under "Included". Anything else is up to you.

Included

  • Entrance to the Great Mosque of Kairouan
  • Entrance to the Medina of Kairouan
  • Entrance to the Aghlabid Basins
  • Entrance to the El Jem Amphitheatre
  • Entrance to the Ribat of Monastir
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • All fees and taxes

Not included

  • Lunch

Good to know

Dress code at the Great Mosque
This is an active place of worship. Cover shoulders and knees, and bring a light scarf. Your guide explains which parts of the mosque visitors may enter on the day.
Heat in summer
El Jem stands on an open plain with little shade. In July and August bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
Lunch
Lunch is not included. Your guide can suggest a simple local restaurant on the way, and you pay there directly.
Friday
Mosque visiting hours can be shorter on Fridays, the day of the main weekly prayer. Ask us when you choose your date.

Questions about this day

How far is Kairouan from Hammamet?

Kairouan is inland from the coast, south-west of Hammamet. Exact drive times depend on your pick-up point; we give you the timing with your written confirmation.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes: the Great Mosque of Kairouan, the medina of Kairouan, the Aghlabid Basins, the El Jem amphitheatre and the Ribat of Monastir are all included.

Can non-Muslims visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan?

Visitors can see the mosque during visiting hours, dressed modestly. Your guide tells you what is open on the day of your visit.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes. It is a full day with long drives between sites, so bring water, snacks and, in summer, hats.

Hammamet excursions

Plan my day

Ask about this day

Send us your date and group: we reply with availability, the pick-up time and the price in writing.

  • A warm welcome to TunisiaShare your dates and where you are staying; we take it from there.
  • A day shaped around youWe suggest the right trip for your hotel or ship, and for your hours.
  • Clear answers, in writingPrice, pick-up time and itinerary confirmed before you decide.

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from€72per person

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