Kairouan Holy City and El Jem Tour from Hammamet
ID: GYG566409-968875
Category:
Country: Tunisia
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Kairouan's old town echoes Tunisia's past, with a peaceful air that hasn't changed much in centuries.
Kairouan's old town echoes Tunisia's past, with a peaceful air that hasn't changed much in centuries. On this tour, you'll discover history-drenched locations such as the Roman colosseum of El Djem, Africa's second-oldest mosque and the medina of Kairouan. Karim, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kairouan is Tunisia's holiest destination, renowned for its fine Islamic architecture. The interior of the Great Mosque is all endless pillars and arches, colourful carpets, and chandeliers shaped like pine trees that add to the beauty of the space. Even the drains are decorated with intricate stonework.'
We'll start off in the walled city of Kairouan. Protected by sandstone walls, the old town offers medina is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses with brightly painted shutters and brick-laid archways, perfect for exploring. Then you'll visit Kairouan's unmissable Great Mosque - considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As well as the mosque's splendid interior, the complex also features a large prayer hall, an arcaded courtyard, and a minaret.
Another important site in Kairouan is the Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, known for its beautiful tilework and stucco decorations – it's a popular site for pilgrimages. Next, there's a stop for lunch before visiting El Djem amphitheatre, the third-largest built by the Romans. During its heyday, up to 35,000 spectators would pack its steep stands to watch gladiatorial fights.
Highlights
- Visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan - considered an architectural gem
- Tour the medina of Kairouan and marvel at the Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum
- Guided tour of El Djem amphitheatre and imagine the gladiators
- Delve into the historic souks and tuck into the local cuisine at lunch
- Expert local guide with unrivalled knowledge of Tunisia and its history
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Your activity includes a pickup. The exact pick-up time depends on the hotel that you are staying at. You must give us your hotel name to be able to pick you up. When we have received your booking, we will contact you to confirm the exact pick-up time and place. If you haven´t heard from us at least 72 hours before the activity start-time, please contact us by email. Please be at the assigned pick-up point at least 10 minutes prior to the pick-up time.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
