Daytrip to Kairouan and El Jem Colosseum [136275P8]
Founded in 670, Kairouan thrived under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Although the political capital was relocated to Tunis in the 12th century, it remained the most important holy city in the Maghreb. Its rich architectural heritage includes notable sites such as the Great Mosque, which features marble and porphyry columns. Additionally, the ancient El Djem, known as Thysdrus, was one of the most prosperous cities in Roman Africa and is famous for its impressive amphitheater.
During this tour, you will visit two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in one full day:
1. **Kairouan**: Explore the fourth holiest Islamic city. Discover its Aghlabid Basins, the Great Mosque of Okba, and the Mosque of the Three Doors. You'll have time for independent exploration and shopping.
2. **Thysdrus**: Enjoy a guided tour of the amphitheater, one of the largest in the world, and visit its archaeological museum.
You will also savor local delicacies during a typical culinary experience.
During this tour, you will visit two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in one full day:
1. **Kairouan**: Explore the fourth holiest Islamic city. Discover its Aghlabid Basins, the Great Mosque of Okba, and the Mosque of the Three Doors. You'll have time for independent exploration and shopping.
2. **Thysdrus**: Enjoy a guided tour of the amphitheater, one of the largest in the world, and visit its archaeological museum.
You will also savor local delicacies during a typical culinary experience.
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
CANCELLATION POLICY
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
ITINERARY
- The Great Mosque of Kairouan, the first in the Maghreb, was founded in 670 and rebuilt in 836. It served as a model for other mosques in the Muslim West, up to Andalusia. The mosque is named after the Arab conqueror Oqba, founder of the city. The minaret is reminiscent of ancient lighthouses, such as the famous lighthouse of Alexandria. 31.50m high, it overlooks the vast courtyard surrounded by arcades. A forest of columns occupies the entire space of the prayer hall, framing the majestic central aisle. Many of these columns were taken from ancient sites like Sbeïtla. The portico surrounding the courtyard, the prayer hall, the harmonious symmetry of the facade with its arched arches and its dome make this mosque a masterpiece of architecture.
- Visit of the Aghlabid medieval medina and dive in the middleages history,the three door mosque and its pretty minarets, then to the souks medina's marketplace, where you can take a look in the souks, taste the pastries of Kairouan "The Mekroudhs" and discover its crafts carpet manufacturing.
- A guided visit to the Roman Colosseum, founded in the third century AD and classified as World Heritage in 1972, which can accommodate 30,000 spectators, is tge third in the Roman world by size after that of Rome and that of Capua, the amphitheater of El Djem still the most impressive Roman monument in Africa.
- Guided Visit of the archaeological museum of El Jem, installed in a reconstituted Roman villa, where one can discover an important collection of Roman mosaics, covering a period going from the 2nd century to the 5th century, statues, terracotta statuettes, vials with Perfume and many other glassworks and masterpieces mosaics.
