Kairouan & El Jem excursion
Two UNESCO sites in one day: Kairouan, the Maghreb's first holy city, with its ancient mosques, then El Jem and its monumental Roman amphitheatre.
Day itinerary
Approximate times from Hammamet, adjusted to your hotel and your pace.
Departure from your hotel
Drive to Kairouan (about 1 h 30 from Hammamet).
Great Mosque of Kairouan
Founded in the 7th century by Oqba Ibn Nafi, one of the oldest mosques in the Muslim world: marble courtyard and square minaret.
Aghlabid Basins
Monumental 9th-century water reservoirs, a feat of hydraulic engineering.
Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab
Known as the “Barber's Mosque”, decorated with ceramics and finely carved stucco.
Medina of Kairouan
Carpet souk, the Bir Barouta well and a tasting of makroudh, the city's emblematic semolina and date pastry.
Lunch at your own choice
In the medina or at a restaurant recommended by your driver.
Drive to El Jem
About 1 h 15 through the olive groves of the Sahel.
El Jem Amphitheatre
The arena, stands and underground passages of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world.
El Jem Archaeological Museum
Exceptional Roman mosaics and a reconstructed African villa.
Return to the hotel
Arrival around 19:00.
Highlights
What you'll remember from this excursion.
Great Mosque
A founding monument of Islam in the Maghreb.
El Jem Amphitheatre
Arena and underground passages to explore freely.
Roman mosaics
The El Jem museum and its remarkable pieces.
Kairouan makroudh
The local sweet treat, tasted in the medina.
What's included
A clear price, no surprises.
task_altIncluded
- check_circlePrivate air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- check_circlePick-up and drop-off at your hotel or address
- check_circleFuel and motorway tolls
- check_circleDriver waits during all visits
- check_circleMineral water on board
do_not_disturb_onNot included
- cancelEntry fees for sites and museums (payable on site)
- cancelMeals and drinks
- cancelOfficial guide at the sites (available on site)
- cancelTips
Good to know
Our tips to make the most of your day.
- lightbulbClothing covering shoulders and knees is required for the Great Mosque.
- lightbulbThe prayer hall is not open to non-Muslims; the courtyard can be visited.
- lightbulbOn Fridays the mosque closes earlier: choose another day if you can.
- lightbulbThe El Jem ticket also gives access to the museum.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
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Other excursions in Tunisia
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Kairouan & El Jem
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