El Jem & Monastir: Guided Day Tour with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Explore Tunisia’s Roman amphitheater and historic ribat with a local guide, including lunch and easy hotel pickup

You’ll walk through El Jem’s massive Roman amphitheater, share a simple local lunch near ancient ruins, climb Monastir’s windswept Ribat with your guide, and pause at Bourguiba’s golden-domed mausoleum — all with easy hotel pickup included. It’s a day of history you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing inside El Jem’s amphitheater. You see photos online, but being there — the stone feels cold even in the sun, and it echoes when you walk. Our guide, Sami, told us gladiators once waited in the same tunnels we wandered through. I tried to imagine the noise of a full crowd (hard to picture now, with just a few other visitors and some pigeons). There was this faint smell of dust and old limestone — not unpleasant, just ancient.

Lunch was in a little place nearby — nothing fancy, but honestly that made it better. The bread was warm and I still think about the olive oil they served (I probably used too much). Sami laughed when I asked how to say “thank you” in Arabic; I tried it out with our waiter and he grinned at my accent. After eating we visited the El Jem museum — mosaics everywhere, colors still bright after all these centuries. It’s wild what survives.

The drive to Monastir took maybe an hour or so? I lost track watching olive groves slip past the window. The Ribat is right by the sea — windy up top, with gulls circling and kids playing below. Sami pointed out where monks used to keep watch for ships; he said it’s the oldest ribat in North Africa. We also stopped at Bourguiba’s mausoleum — golden domes shining even though clouds were rolling in by then. It felt quiet there, respectful somehow.

By late afternoon I was tired but didn’t really want to leave yet. There’s something about touching old stones and hearing stories from someone who grew up nearby that sticks with you longer than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — El Jem and Monastir Highlights

• Visit El Jem Amphitheater
• Explore The Ribat of Monastir
• Visit Bourguiba Mausoleum

Top questions

How long does the El Jem & Monastir day tour take?

This is a full-day tour departing from Tunis or Hammamet.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Tunis or Hammamet.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

A traditional lunch is included as part of your tour experience.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will there be a licensed guide on this trip?

A licensed local guide will accompany you throughout the day.

Can I use public transportation to reach the meeting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What sites are visited on this day trip from Tunis?

You’ll visit El Jem amphitheater, its museum, Monastir’s Ribat, and Bourguiba mausoleum.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off from Tunis or Hammamet, entry tickets for all sites like El Jem amphitheater and Monastir Ribat, a traditional lunch along the way, air-conditioned transport throughout, plus guidance from a licensed local expert before returning in the evening.