From Tunis: Kairouan, El Jem, & Sousse Day Trip With Lunch

Uncover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Tunisia on this comprehensive day trip from Tunis. Visitors will enjoy the ancient wonders of Kairouan, marvel at the grandeur of the El Jem Amphitheater, and explore the charming Old Medina of Sousse. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this eight-hour adventure promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Whether you’re interested in architecture, archaeology, or simply experiencing the local way of life, this day trip offers something for all. But the true highlight may just lie in the unexpected discoveries that await along the journey.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 8-hour day trip from Tunis covering the historical and cultural sites of Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse.
• Pricing starts at $155.87 per person, including hotel pick-up/drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, and a professional local guide.
• Itinerary highlights include the Aghlabite Basins, Great Okba Mosque, Sidi Sahbi, Sousse Old Medina, and the El Jem Amphitheater.
• Tour not suitable for those with mobility impairments, but the El Jem amphitheater is wheelchair accessible.
• Customers rate the overall experience, guide, transportation, and service highly, with positive feedback on the seamless execution and well-planned itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour departs from Tunis and covers the historic sites of Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse over the course of an 8-hour day trip.

Priced from $155.87 per person, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, lunch, and a professional local guide.

Customers have the option to reserve now and pay later, and can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, it’s wheelchair accessible.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and prepare to remove shoes when entering mosques and places of worship.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can explore a range of historical and cultural attractions during the day trip.

They’ll visit the Aghlabite Basins, 9th-century waterworks that showcase North African engineering prowess.

The group will then tour the Great Okba Mosque, the oldest mosque in North Africa.

Next, they’ll discover Sidi Sahbi, a 17th-19th century building known for its beautiful tile work.

The tour includes a walk through the Sousse Old Medina, providing an opportunity to shop for local crafts.

The day culminates with a visit to the El Jem Amphitheater, the largest Roman monument in Africa and a testament to the region’s Roman heritage.

Inclusions and Accessibility

For this day trip, the package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, all entrance fees, a provided lunch, and the services of a professional local guide.

Gratuities for the guide are recommended at 15-20%. However, the tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments, as it involves a fair amount of walking.

Fortunately, the amphitheater in El Jem is wheelchair accessible. Visitors should remember to remove their shoes when entering mosques and other places of worship.

Plus, bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat is recommended to make the most of the day’s activities.

Important Information

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to make the most of this day trip.

Remember to remove your shoes when visiting mosques and other places of worship. Check the availability for starting times to ensure a smooth experience.

The tour may involve extensive walking, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments. However, the amphitheater in El Jem is wheelchair accessible.

Be prepared to:

• Bring your passport or ID
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Remove shoes in places of worship

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The day trip boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 78 customer reviews. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, who earns a 4.7 rating.

The transportation also receives high marks at 4.8, with customers noting the vehicle’s comfort. The service and organization of the tour earn solid scores of 4.5 out of 5.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s seamless execution, from the hotel pick-up to the well-planned itinerary. However, some guests mention that a significant portion of the day involves driving between the various sites from Tunis.

Kairouan: Aghlabite Basins and Great Mosque

The day trip’s first stop is Kairouan, an ancient city known for its historical and architectural wonders.

At the Aghlabite Basins, visitors can explore the impressive 9th-century waterworks that once supplied the city with water.

The highlight of Kairouan is the Great Okba Mosque, the oldest mosque in North Africa.

Some key features of the mosque include:

• Its expansive prayer hall with 400 columns
• Intricate and vibrant mihrab (prayer niche) adorned with mosaics
• Distinctive minaret that stands tall at 114 feet
• Peaceful courtyard surrounded by arcades
• Importance as a significant religious and cultural center

El Jem: Impressive Roman Amphitheater

After exploring the historical wonders of Kairouan, the day trip moves on to the impressive Roman Amphitheater of El Jem.

This majestic structure, the largest Roman monument in Africa, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.

Visitors can wander through the amphitheater’s expansive tunnels and halls, imagining the roar of the crowds and the spectacle of gladiatorial combat that once filled this grand arena.

The sheer scale and preservation of the amphitheater offer a captivating glimpse into the past, transporting travelers back to the height of Roman power and influence in this region.

Sousse: Old Medina and Sidi Sahbi

From El Jem, the day trip then ventures to the coastal city of Sousse, where travelers explore the captivating Old Medina and the ornate Sidi Sahbi building.

The Sousse Old Medina offers a rich cultural experience, with winding alleyways, traditional souvenir shops, and bustling markets. Visitors can browse the vibrant displays of handicrafts, textiles, and spices.

The highlight of the Sousse portion is the Sidi Sahbi building, a 17th-19th century structure renowned for its beautiful tile work.

Travelers can admire the intricate mosaics, arched doorways, and ornate architectural details that showcase the region’s artistic heritage. The Sidi Sahbi is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning visual aesthetics.

• Explore the winding alleyways of the Sousse Old Medina
• Browse the traditional souvenir shops and bustling markets
• Marvel at the ornate tile work and architectural details of Sidi Sahbi
• Immerse in the rich cultural experience of the coastal city

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends visitors remove their shoes in mosques and places of worship. Plus, guests should wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the sun.

Are There Any Food Options for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour includes lunch, and the provider can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian or halal upon request. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized?

The tour itinerary can be customized, though specific details are not provided. Customers are encouraged to inquire about any special requests or dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure their preferences are accommodated.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?

The tour itinerary doesn’t seem to be customizable. According to the details, visitors spend approximately 1-2 hours at each major site, with the majority of the 8-hour duration spent travelling between the three locations from Tunis.

Are There Any Additional Activities Available During Free Time?

The tour doesn’t mention any additional activities during free time. The focus seems to be on exploring the key historical and cultural sights in Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse. Visitors have the opportunity to browse local markets and shops during the Sousse Old Medina portion.

The Sum Up

This enriching day trip from Tunis to Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse immerses visitors in Tunisia’s captivating history and vibrant culture. Highlights include the Aghlabite Basins, the Great Okba Mosque, the impressive El Jem Amphitheater, and the lively Old Medina of Sousse. With a knowledgeable guide and convenient hotel pick-up, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience for those interested in exploring Tunisia’s renowned historical and cultural landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: