Private Roman Ruins Tour: Zaghouan, Thuburbo Majus & Dougga

Summary

Roman Ruins Day Trip from Sousse: Water Temple & Dougga

You’ll walk through real Roman history—from Zaghouan’s peaceful water temple to Dougga’s massive ruins—on this private day trip from Sousse. If you love exploring ancient sites at your own pace (with plenty of photo stops), this tour gives you access to Tunisia’s best-preserved Roman cities and some local flavor along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Zaghouan felt cool and a bit earthy as we stepped out of the car. Our guide, Sami, led us straight to the water temple—locals call it “Temple des Eaux.” It’s tucked at the foot of the mountain, with mossy stones and the quiet sound of trickling water. You can actually see where the old Roman aqueduct starts its journey toward Carthage. I remember touching the damp stone; it was colder than I expected.

On the drive toward Thuburbo Majus, we pulled over by a stretch of ancient arches—remnants of that same aqueduct. There’s not much around except olive trees and the odd shepherd with his flock. Sami explained how this engineering marvel once supplied water to whole cities. The road gets bumpy here; you’ll want comfy shoes for walking later.

Thuburbo Majus is bigger than it looks in photos. We wandered through what used to be the market square—still scattered with broken columns—and then into the Capitol, which catches sunlight just right around midday. The villa of Neptune has faded mosaics if you look closely. In one corner, an old man was selling oranges out of his truck—best snack I’ve had in ages.

Lunch was simple but filling: grilled lamb, mechiwa salad (that smoky pepper smell sticks with you), and thick Tunisian bread that’s perfect for scooping up everything. You pay for your meal directly at a roadside café—not included in the tour price, but worth every dinar.

By early afternoon we reached Dougga. The place is huge—65 hectares—and honestly feels like stepping into another world. The Capitol stands tall above everything else; you can climb partway up for a view over green hills dotted with wildflowers (if you’re lucky with spring timing). Sami pointed out details I’d have missed: Latin inscriptions on stones, a wind rose carved into marble, even dolmens hidden near the edge of the site. There’s so much to see—the Libyco-Punic mausoleum is especially striking against the sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Roman Ruins and Local Cuisine

• Visit water temple and aqueduct source
• Stop at ancient Roman aqueduct
• Tour Thuburbo Majus ancient city
• Enjoy grilled lamb and Mechiwa salad
• Visit Dougga Roman city UNESCO site

Top questions

How long does this private tour take?

The full experience usually takes about 10–11 hours including travel time from Sousse and stops at each site.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch isn’t included—you’ll pay directly at a local café for grilled lamb and salad if you choose to eat there.

Are there guides at each site?

You’ll have a driver-guide who shares info along the way; some sites may have local staff or vendors but it’s mostly self-guided once inside.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

The terrain can be uneven and requires moderate fitness; specialized infant seats are available but not recommended for those with serious mobility or heart issues.

What’s included

Your ride is private and air-conditioned (big relief on hot days). Each traveler gets bottled water. Parking fees and insurance are covered too—and if you’re traveling with little ones, infant seats can be arranged on request.