Kairouan and El Jem with optional Monastir Private Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Kairouan, the 4th holiest city in the Islamic world. The visit starts from the 9Th century Aghlabid basins with an introduction to the foundation of Kairouan and its glorious ages. Moving to the grand mosque, the oldest in North Africa, then the nearby Sidi Sahbi with an introduction to some Tunisian traditions. End the visit with a walk through the medina and its exotic charm. Visit of El Jem (Thysdrus) Roman amphitheater, the third biggest & the best-preserved one in the Roman world. Terminate with the visit of the famous Museum of El Jem.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
What To Expect
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, is a historic Islamic landmark in Kairouan, Tunisia. Built in the 7th century, it boasts a blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Roman architecture. Its iconic minaret, the "Tower of Uqba," is a symbol of its grandeur. Serving as a center for worship, scholarship, and culture, it remains a revered site for Muslims worldwide and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bassins Aghlabites
Discover the hidden oasis of tranquility at the Aghlabid Basins in Kairouan, Tunisia. These ancient reservoirs, dating back to the 9th century, are marvels of engineering and architectural ingenuity. Surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with intricate Islamic designs, the basins offer a serene retreat from the bustling city. Whether you seek a peaceful stroll amidst history or a moment of reflection by the water's edge, the Aghlabid Basins beckon travelers to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Tunisia's cultural heritage.
Options
Full-day Tour with lunch
Included in this option: Private Car and Driver ➕ Professional licensed guide ➕ Lunch ➕ Entrance Fees to Kairouan and El Jem Pickup included
Car and Driver only
‼️This option does not include: Guide, Lunch or Entrance fees (Kairouan 12 TND=3.8 US Dollars + El Jem 12 TND=3.8 US Dollars) Pickup included
Full-day Tour without lunch
Included in this option: Private Car and Driver ➕ Professional licensed guide ➕ Entrance Fees to Kairouan and El Jem Pickup included
Guide only option
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Transportation in a tourism approved vehicle (insured for tourists)
Entrance fees to Kairouan and El Jem (if option selected)
Lunch (if option selected)
Licensed Tour Guide (if option selected)
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tunis, Hammamet or Sousse
Hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels in other cities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
64 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day out.
Amanda S,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great experience with a knowledgeable guide. The places of interest were great, and enough time , not hurried at all
Silently cancelled the booking 7 hours before start time. Were now left with no tour or plans for today. Horrible comm. and orga
Nicolas D,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Last minute cancellation ruined our trip
Highly recommended
vukoslav c,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Two different and very important places to visit We had only driver but he is fantastic Kairouan Medina is very interesting El Jem amphitheatre is special but do not miss the museum in El Jam
Perfect day trip from Tunis
Susan Q,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kairouan and El Jem are so interesting and magnificent that you don’t want to miss. Perfect day trip from Tunis. The itinerary was well organized with a safe driver.
Absolutely recommended!
Isabella P,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is perfect for spending a beautiful day discovering the beauties of Kairouan and El Jem from Tunis. The added value was the many information and curiosities provided by the guide, very prepared and enthusiastic in sharing the history of these places. Even lunch, an authentic Tunisian experience not to be forgotten. Between one thing and another the tour lasted all day but it was definitely worth it. Everything perfect!
Great day in Tunisia
wloo11,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We opted for the driver only. Firas picked us up on time and the car was clean and comfortable. Both Kairouan and El Jem were amazing and Firas let us go at our own pace. I highly recommend this day trip.
Mosque was fascinating...
Nicholas L,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mosque was fascinating and the Roman amphitheatre was amazing! Guide was excellent, a decent amount of driving from Tunis but not an issue, just something to know in advance.
Fun Day
FemFlyer01,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are coming from Tunis be ready for some time in the car. That said, our driver was really friendly and shared some tidbits of history along the way while we went to pick up our guide on the way to Kairouan. El Jem was amazing (I have been to the Colosseum in Rome a few times). I was surprised at how well preserved it was. We saw several old mosques and were pleased at the level of access we were allowed as non-Muslims (of course we were dressed respectfully). Had a great lunch as well.
Beautiful travel goals with top guidance
Henk F,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a private tour to Kairouan and El Djem (the large amphitheater). My guide Khaled and the driver Aschraf showed me a part of Tunisia in a pleasant and very informative way all day. The places we visited are beautiful and the guidance by the 2 gentlemen was superb. Tunisia itself is unfortunately a big garbage dump but the tour operator can't help it.
Great destinations but guide gave no info on el jem !
Conor J,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This tour was generally really great . We visited a smaller mosque next to kairkorum great mosque which was interested and the guide gave us interesting information. The great mosque was great to visit and would have been underwhelming without a guide. However the information we were given was a bit disjointed , he would point out different parts of the architecture and say a bit about it which was great , but gave us no idea of the history and importance of such a place. Why for instance is it the 4th or 5 th most holy place in islam ? We then went through the Medina in kairkorum which was fascinating to see authentic old Medina with people working in small shops down ancient streets , really cool . We then stopped for some quick lunch at a local place where locals were constantly queuing so grateful we got to eat in an authentic place not some tourist only place. I was vegan and able to eat there too which was a great suprise. After this point I felt the tour got a bit worse however . Our guide was sleeping in the car most of the time which is understandable with a long day but was a great opportunity to tell us more about the place we were going , el jem. The coliseum is breathtaking and speaks for it self . The guide told us we would have 1 hour there and then go home , when the itinerary said we would have 2 hours there and then go to an archaeological museum , I asked and he said he isn't told the itinerary , but he allowed us to go to the museum after but we still only had 1 hour at coliseum. The guide talked to us about the coliseum for 30 secs to 2 mins maximum....this in my eyes was totally unacceptable, to be told nothing of the history or importance of such a sight is unbelievable, he went back to the car to sleep or call his friends and we were left to take photos which was great to have the time but no info is unacceptable and this is why I chose this guided tour to have a guide in the coliseum! So in all good places but guide was ok or poor
Related Experiences
Operated by SAHARANSKY