Kairouan, El Djem, Monastir day trip from Hammamet: Self-guided

Three centuries of Tunisia in one day: Islamic, Roman, and modern.

A self-guided day trip from Hammamet takes you through Kairouan, the fourth holiest city in Islam, with its ninth-century cisterns and UNESCO-listed medina; then to El Djem to walk inside the third-largest Roman amphitheater in the world; and finally to Monastir, where you visit the mausoleum of Tunisia's first president and the ancient ribat. Private transport and water are included. You choose between a vehicle for up to seven or up to three passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kairouan, El Djem, and Monastir

• Visit Kairouan hydraulic works
• See Barbier mosque mausoleum
• Explore Kairouan mosque and medina
• Arrive at El Djem Roman Coliseum
• Visit El Jem archaeological museum
• Arrive in Monastir and see Bourguiba sites

The experience

Kairouan opens the day. The ninth-century cisterns that sit outside the medina walls are the most important hydraulic works in Islamic history, engineered to supply the city's water for centuries. From there you move into the medina itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, where narrow streets and markets wind past the Barbier mosque, the mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi, and the three-gated mosque at the heart of the old city. The medina is on foot. The driver waits while you explore at your own pace.

El Djem comes next. The Roman amphitheater, built in the third century AD and classified as a World Heritage site in 1972, is the third largest in the Roman world after Rome and Capua, and the most impressive Roman monument still standing in Africa. It held 30,000 spectators. You walk through it, then visit the archaeological museum installed in a reconstructed Roman villa, where mosaics, statues, terracotta and glasswork span from the fifth to eleventh centuries.

Monastir closes the excursion. You pass the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president, and visit his mausoleum. Free time lets you explore the ribat, the fortified monastery, and the marina along the coast. The full day runs ten hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with insurance.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• pickup from your Hammamet hotel or accommodation.

Options for this experience

2 options

For 1 to 3 passengersUp to 3 per booking · 08:30Pickup is included

For groups of 1 to 7 peopleUp to 7 per booking · 08:30Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by taximami

Is this one for you?Choose the smaller vehicle for up to three if you travel as a couple or small family and want more flexibility to linger at each stop. The larger option for up to seven works for groups who prefer to share the cost and the route. Either way, you set the pace at each site. There is no guide narrating, so you explore the medina, the amphitheater and the ribat on your own schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.40★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Kairouan medina and why is it on the UNESCO list?

The medina of Kairouan is the old walled city at the heart of the fourth holiest city in Islam. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 for its narrow streets, markets, and historic mosques, including the three-gated mosque and the Barbier mosque, which is the mausoleum of Sidi Sahbi.

How big is the El Djem amphitheater compared to other Roman amphitheaters?

The El Djem amphitheater is the third largest in the Roman world, after Rome's Colosseum and the amphitheater of Capua, and it is the most impressive Roman monument still standing in Africa. It was built in the third century AD and could hold 30,000 spectators.

Can I choose the group size for this trip?

Yes. You can book for up to seven passengers in one vehicle or for up to three passengers in another. Both options include private transport, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes.

What happens in Monastir at the end of the day?

In Monastir you visit the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president, and you have free time to explore the ribat, an ancient fortified monastery, and the marina. Monastir was an important Punic and Roman city known as Ruspina.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not part of this excursion. You will have time to eat during the day, but you arrange and pay for meals separately.