Embark on a captivating tour of Kairouan and El Jem in Tunisia, exploring UNESCO-protected Islamic and Roman treasures. Discover ancient mosques, an impressive amphitheater, and indulge in the flavors of local cuisine.
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The Great Mosque of Kairouan - 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.
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes included
- Lunch
Founded in 670, the city of Kairouan thrived under the Aghlabid dynasty in the 9th century. Although the political capital moved to Tunis in the 12th century, Kairouan remained the foremost holy city in the Maghreb. Its rich architectural heritage notably includes the Great Mosque, with its marble and porphyry columns, and the 9th-century Mosque of the Three Doors. Then, visit El Djem, the ancient city of Thysdrus, once one of the most prosperous cities in Roman Africa, to see its amphitheater.
During this tour:
You’ll visit two UNESCO-listed sites in one full day:
- Kairouan, the fourth holiest Islamic Medina. Discover its Aghlabid Basins, the Great Okba’s Mosque, and the Mosque of the Three Doors, with time for independent exploration and shopping.
- A guided tour of Thysdrus’s amphitheater, one of the world’s largest, and its archaeological museum.
You will also enjoy a culinary experience, tasting the delicacies of the local cuisine.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.