Private tour to Kairouan and El Jem from Hammamet

Two UNESCO sites in one day without arranging transport yourself

A private tour from Hammamet to Kairouan and El Jem takes you to the fourth holiest city in Islam and a 3rd-century Roman amphitheatre, with a guide, lunch, and entry to both sites included. You visit the Great Mosque (one of the oldest in the Muslim world) explore Kairouan's medina, then drive to the El Djem amphitheatre and its Roman mosaic museum before returning to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kairouan and El Jem highlights

• Depart from Hammamet hotel
• Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan
• Explore the medina of Kairouan
• See the Aghlabid Basins
• Tour the Roman Colosseum in El Jem
• Visit the Roman mosaics collection

The experience

The Great Mosque of Kairouan is the anchor of the day. Built in 670, it sits at the heart of the city's spiritual identity and holds the religious prestige that makes Kairouan the fourth holy city of Islam. You'll see the imposing minaret, the courtyard with its sundial, the cedar wood doors carved by hand, and the prayer rooms lined with marble columns: an architectural masterpiece that inspired mosques across the Maghreb. After the mosque, you have free time in the medina to wander the souks, taste the local pastries called Mekroudhs, and watch artisans at work on the city's famous carpets.

The second half of the day shifts to the Roman world. El Djem's amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century and listed as a World Heritage Site, held 30,000 spectators and ranks as the third largest in the Roman empire after Rome and Capua. It is the most impressive Roman monument in Africa. The attached museum houses a substantial collection of Roman mosaics from the 2nd to 5th centuries, including pieces from the house of the Dionysian procession and other major discoveries from the city.

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total, with four hours of driving split between the outbound journey and the return. Your guide is live and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or two additional languages. Lunch is included, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and pickup from your hotel in Hammamet is part of the booking. Children from age one are welcome.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or two additional languages.
• entry to the Great Mosque of Kairouan.
• free time in the medina.
• lunch.
• entry to the El Djem amphitheatre and its museum.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• and all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday, Thursday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (13 to 88 years) · Infant (1 to 12 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by TRAVELGATE DMC

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're staying in Hammamet and want to see both Kairouan's Islamic heritage and El Djem's Roman past in a single day without managing the four-hour drive yourself. The guide and transport are included, so you step out at each site ready to explore.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 12 years).

What is the Great Mosque of Kairouan like inside?

The Great Mosque's prayer rooms are decorated with dozens of marble columns, and the high cedar wood doors are richly carved. Built in 670, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the world and one of the most impressive monuments in the Maghreb.

How big is the El Djem amphitheatre compared to others in the Roman world?

The El Djem amphitheatre held 30,000 spectators and ranks as the third largest in the Roman empire, after Rome and Capua. It was built in the 3rd century and is the most impressive Roman monument in Africa.

What can I do in Kairouan's medina during the free time?

The medina of Kairouan is one of the most preserved and authentic in Tunisia. You can browse the souks, taste the local pastries called Mekroudhs, and watch artisans at work on the city's traditional carpet manufacturing.

What mosaics are in the El Djem museum?

The El Djem museum holds an important collection of Roman mosaics from the 2nd to 5th centuries, including pieces from the house of the Dionysian procession and other major discoveries from the ancient city of Thysdrus.