Kairouan, El Jem & Monastir Day Trip: Three UNESCO Sites

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, underground passages at El Jem, and a clifftop fortress by the sea

A guided day tour from Hammamat or Sousse visiting three of Tunisia's major historical sites: the UNESCO city of Kairouan with its Great Mosque and traditional medina, the El Jem Amphitheatre (a Roman monument and World Heritage site), and the coastal fortress of Monastir overlooking the Mediterranean. A multilingual guide leads the eight to ten hour route in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup included in two of the three options.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kairouan, El Jem, and Monastir

• Explore Great Mosque of Kairouan
• Admire Aghlabid Basins
• Walk through Kairouan Medina
• Discover El Djem Amphitheatre
• Explore underground passages
• Enjoy panoramic views at El Jem
• Visit Ribat of Monastir fortress
• Relax at Monastir marina

The experience

The day opens in Kairouan, one of Tunisia's most important religious and cultural centers. You'll walk through the medina's narrow streets, see local craftspeople at work, and visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan. The Aghlabid Basins, a series of historic water reservoirs, sit on the edge of the old city. You'll have time to explore them and the surrounding quarter at your own pace before heading south.

El Jem Amphitheatre comes next, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments anywhere. The structure rises from flat farmland without walls or surrounding city, so its scale hits differently than European ruins hemmed in by towns. You can walk the underground passages where gladiators and animals once waited, then climb to the upper levels for views across the plains. The guide explains the layout and history. How long you spend inside is yours to decide.

The final stop is Monastir, a coastal town built around the Ribat: a fortress that juts into the Mediterranean and has guarded the shoreline since the 9th century. You'll explore the structure itself, then have a break at the marina to sit by the water and watch the boats. The drive back to your hotel takes the late afternoon, arriving eight to ten hours after departure. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and the guide speaks English, French, German or Arabic depending on your group.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day.
• multilingual guide in English, French, German or Arabic.
• entry to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, El Jem Amphitheatre and the Ribat of Monastir.
• free time in the medina to explore local shops and crafts.
• a break at Monastir marina.

Options for this experience

3 options

Option without pickup serviceGuide in 4 languages · Available from 21 Mar 2027Includes pickup

Pickup From Sousse/MonastirGuide in 4 languages · 08:00Lasts 8 hours; includes pickup

Pickup from HammamatGuide in 4 languages · 08:00Runs for 9 hours; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

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 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 98 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Arabic

Audio guideEnglish, French, German and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ash Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Hammamat or Sousse pickup option if you want the guide to collect you from your hotel and handle the drive. Pick the no-pickup option if you prefer to meet the group at a central point and arrange your own transport there.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What exactly is the Ribat of Monastir?

The Ribat of Monastir is a fortified monastery and defensive tower overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, built in the 9th century to protect the coast. You'll explore its interior chambers and climb to the top for views of the shoreline and marina below.

Can I see the underground passages at El Jem?

Yes, the El Jem Amphitheatre includes access to the underground passages (called hypogea) where gladiators and animals were held before performances. You walk through these chambers as part of the tour, and the guide explains their original purpose.

How much free time do I get in Kairouan?

After visiting the Great Mosque and Aghlabid Basins with the guide, you have free time to walk through the traditional medina, browse local crafts and shops, and explore the quarter at your own pace before the group moves on to El Jem.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the meeting point?

Pickup is included if you choose the Hammamat or Sousse/Monastir option at checkout. The "no pickup" option means you arrange your own way to the meeting point. The guide will confirm the exact location when you book.

What's the physical demand of this day?

The tour involves walking through the medina, climbing stairs inside the amphitheatre to the upper levels, and exploring the Ribat. The operator notes that moderate physical fitness is recommended. The vehicle is air-conditioned and you set your own pace at each stop.