Kairouan day trip from Sousse.
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Depart from your accommodation in Sousse to Kairouan, ranked 4th most sacred city in the Islamic world. Visit in a single day all the historical attractions of Kairouan (Great Mosque, the pools of the Aghlabids, the authentic Medina, The house of the Bey former governor of Kairouan, The Sidi Sahbi mausoleum and the unique Bir Barouta. Dive into history of this magical city and enjoy unforgettable moments ...
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Costs of access to the monuments (in total 12 dtn / 3 euro)
What To Expect
The Great Mosque of Kairouan
It is undoubtedly the oldest Islamic religious building erected in the Muslim West. It was in 670, during the first campaign for the annexation of Ifriqiya to the nascent Muslim Empire. After having chosen, at the edge of the mountainous foothills of the north of the country, the location of the "cantonment" - al qayrawân - in which he installed his troops in the wake of a first victorious offensive, General Okba Ibn Nafaa hastened to erect there a seat for the government of the Ifriqiyenne province and an oratory in mud bricks which, in the ninth century, after several redevelopments and with a few details, will appear under the appearance that we know today at the Great Mosque . A singular monument, that this Great Mosque of Kairouan whose perfect harmony perfectly hides an architectural "synchretism" unique in its kind. The materials which were used for its construction all come, indeed, from ancient sites belonging to various times before the Islamic conquest, while the general appearance of the building, in particular, the minaret, reflects a distant oriental influence. The whole forms an original whole, with sober features but not devoid of elegance. As for interior decoration, we must speak of exuberance: a real explosion of geometric and floral patterns carved in fine marble that decorates the facade of the mihrâb, the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca, or engraved in the panels of precious woods that make up the minbar, pulpit for preaching.
Mosque Sidi Sahbi (Mosque of the Barber)
Sidi Sahbi Mosque (Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum) The Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, generally called the barber's mosque, is actually a zaouia commonly known as the barber's mosque. The bey mouradite Hammouda Pasha builds the mausoleum, the dome and the courtyard and the bey Mohamed Mourad builds the minaret and the madrasah. There is indeed the burial of Abu Zammat al-Belaoui who would have preserved some hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad of which he is one of the companions. The earthenware and stucco panels found there form remarkable decorations.
Options
Kairouan day trip from Sousse.
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disengaged Guide - would not recommend
sarahyee,
Jan 1, 2025
- Viator
2.00I don’t know if this was an off day but this was a genuinely poor tour. The guide picked us up and started off well with some interesting points about Tunisia’s economy and agriculture during the drive. However when we got to Kairouan the whole tour went downhill, as in, we didn’t get a tour at all. We were dropped off at the mosque and directed to the free signage with information. Every other tour guide inside was showing their group details of the mosque, the sundial etc (including the large group tours!) Our tour guide was instead taking calls on his phone and sat by himself in the corner. There was no additional information shared beyond directing us to the English plaques and the guide was completely disengaged. This was extremely disappointing as we were looking forward to learning more about Kairouan and had paid more for a private tour. We also didn’t see the aqueduct that was included in the initial itinerary. The guide was taking personal calls throughout the morning and it felt extremely unprofessional. I would not recommend this tour.
Highly recommend.
Tasneem A,
May 31, 2024
- Viator
5.00Loved it. Guide was so good. Learnt a lot and the guide looked after me. Not rushed. Learnt and saw a lot. Highly recommend.
A wonderful area of the world with extensive history and beauty
Patti T,
Nov 8, 2023
- Viator
5.00So many sights in Kairouan are nor readily visible. You have to know what to look for and my guide was invaluable in this area. Also the history behind each building would take a lot of personal research and I am sure I would miss out on so many facts. The governors house/carpet store was the most fascinating building and the repurposing is wonderful.
Great trip and tour guide
Shuma A,
Feb 14, 2023
- Viator
5.00Nadmi is a fantastic tour guide and I will definitely recommend him to friends and family who are thinking to visit Tunisia/Sousse. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating for my mum who had a knee injury and couldnt walk much. He made sure to park as close to the attractions as possible so there was less walking involved. He also accomodated to our interests and likes, for example, we weren’t too interested in seeing the basins and he offered to take us to the olive oil factory and ceramic shops (I HIGHLY recommend this!!) on the way back to Sousse. Overall, 10/10 service.
Excellent tour
Nicholas S,
Oct 18, 2022
- Viator
5.00An excellent tour! Nadmi was a really knowledgeable, engaging guide, who showed us the best of Kairouan. Would heartily recommend.
Related Experiences
Operated by Lynda Travel