How to Plan Your Day Trip from Tunis to Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse

If you’re looking for a day trip from Tunis to explore some of the most fascinating historical sites in Tunisia, consider going on a tour to Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse. These three cities have a lot to offer, from ancient Roman ruins to traditional medinas and white-sand beaches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your day trip.

Experience

On this tour, you’ll explore some of the most historically significant and culturally rich destinations in Tunisia. Here are the highlights of what you’ll experience: – Discover Kairouan and its historic sites: Kairouan is one of the holiest cities in Islam and has been a center of Islamic scholarship for centuries. You’ll visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which was founded in 670 AD, and see its impressive Aglabid Basins and Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum. You’ll also get to wander around the Kairouan Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Visit the Great Roman Coliseum of El Jem: El Jem is a small village that’s home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. The El Jem Amphitheater could hold up to 35,000 people and was used for gladiator battles and other forms of entertainment. – Explore the city of Sousse known as the Pearl of Sahel: Sousse is a coastal city that’s famous for its beautiful beaches and ancient medina. You’ll get to visit the Sousse Old Medina, which dates back to the 9th century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also see the Port of El Kantaoui, which is a picturesque marina surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

Full Description

The tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Tunis in a private air-conditioned car. From there, you’ll head south to Kairouan, which is about a 2-hour drive away. Your guide will provide you with insights into the history and culture of Kairouan en route. Once you arrive in Kairouan, you’ll start your tour by visiting the Great Mosque of Kairouan. This mosque is considered one of the most important Islamic monuments in North Africa, and it’s known for its beautiful architecture and intricate decorations. You’ll see the Aglabid Basins, which are a series of giant cisterns that were used to collect rainwater. You’ll also visit the Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum, which is the burial place of one of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions. After your mosque visit, you’ll get to explore the Kairouan Medina. This medina is one of the oldest in Tunisia, and it’s filled with narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture. You’ll have some free time to wander around and do some shopping if you’d like. You’ll also get to enjoy a typical Kairouan lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, you’ll head to El Jem, which is about a 1-hour drive away. This small village is home to the El Jem Amphitheater, which is the largest Roman colosseum in North Africa. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the amphitheater and its significance in Roman times. You’ll have some time to explore the ruins on your own and take some photos. Your final stop is Sousse, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. In Sousse, you’ll visit the Sousse Old Medina, which is a maze of narrow alleyways, beautiful doors, and colorful markets. You’ll also get to see the Port of El Kantaoui, which is a modern marina surrounded by cafes and restaurants. You’ll have some free time to explore and do some shopping before heading back to Tunis. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Tunis.

Includes

– Transportation in a private air-conditioned car – Guide during the whole excursion – Lunch at a local restaurant in Kairouan – Entrance fees to the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the El Jem Amphitheater

How to Book

If you’re interested in booking this tour, you can do so online at GetYourGuide.com. The tour costs $220 per person, and it includes all transportation, guide fees, and entrance fees. To book the tour, simply click on the following link: book the tour here. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive an email confirmation with all the details of your tour.

Book Your Tour Now

A day trip from Tunis to Kairouan, El Jem, and Sousse is a great way to explore some of Tunisia’s most fascinating historical and cultural sites. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, you’ll be able to see and do everything on this itinerary without any hassle. Just remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as you’ll be walking around and exploring a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sousse

Sousse is a beautiful city located in the east-central of Tunisia. This stunning city is a historic and cultural center with a Mediterranean ambiance that draws tourists from all over the world. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Sousse to guide you through your visit to this beautiful city.

1. What is the best time to visit Sousse?

The best time to visit Sousse is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is perfect – warm and sunny but not too hot.

2. How do I get to Sousse?

You can reach Sousse by plane, train, or bus. The nearest airport is Monastir International Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers away from Sousse. You can also reach Sousse by train from the Tunisian capital, Tunis, and from other major cities. Buses are also available from various parts of the country.

3. Where can I stay in Sousse?

Sousse has many accommodation options, including luxurious hotels, budget hotels, hostels, and apartments. Some of the best hotels in Sousse are Aegean Palace Hotel, Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse, and Marhaba Palace Hotel. Budget-friendly options include Houria Palace Hotel and Hotel Riviera.

4. What are the best things to do in Sousse?

Sousse has plenty of activities for visitors, including visiting the medina, playing golf at El Kantaoui Golf Course, visiting the Ribat of Sousse, exploring the Archeological Museum of Sousse, and taking a camel ride in the Sahara Desert.

5. What is the currency in Sousse?

The currency used in Sousse and the entire Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar. It’s best to exchange your money at licensed exchange places, banks or withdraw it from an ATM.

6. Is it safe to visit Sousse?

Sousse is a safe city with friendly locals. However, it’s always good to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid wandering around alone late at night.

7. What is the official language of Sousse?

The official language in Sousse is Arabic. French and English are fairly common in the tourist areas as well.

8. What is Sousse’s weather like?

Sousse has a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s warm and dry in summer and mild and rainy in winter. You should bring light, airy clothing during the summer and warm clothes for the winter months.

9. What are some traditional Tunisian dishes to try in Sousse?

Tunisian cuisine is rich and flavorful, with plenty of delicious dishes to try. Some of the traditional Tunisian dishes to try in Sousse include brik, couscous, lablabi, and merguez.

10. Can I use my credit cards in Sousse?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sousse, especially in tourist areas, but it’s always better to carry some cash with you as well.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Sousse

Sousse is a coastal city in Tunisia and a popular tourist destination. Known for its stunning beaches and ancient historical sites, Sousse has something to offer for everyone. If you’re planning a visit to Sousse, here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in this beautiful city.

1. Explore the Medina of Sousse

The Medina of Sousse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. It’s a walled old town that dates back to the 9th century and is home to stunning architecture, narrow alleys, and ornate doorways. You can easily spend several hours wandering around the medina and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient part of Sousse. Don’t forget to haggle with the vendors that sell everything from ceramics to spices.

2. Visit the Ribat of Sousse

The Ribat of Sousse is a fortress that was built in the 8th century. It’s the largest ribat in Tunisia and has served different purposes throughout its history, including as a military base and a place for religious study. Today, visitors can tour the ribat and enjoy stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from its towers.

3. Spend a Day at the Beach

Sousse is known for its beautiful beaches, so make sure to spend at least one day soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. There are several beaches to choose from, including Boujafar Beach, Sousse Beach, and Port El Kantaoui Beach. Many of the beaches have resorts and restaurants, so you can easily spend the whole day there.

4. Visit the Museum of Sousse

The Museum of Sousse is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum is housed in a former palace and contains artifacts and exhibits from ancient Carthage, Roman, and Islamic times. You’ll see everything from mosaics and pottery to weapons and jewelry.

5. Take a Day Trip to El Djem

El Djem is a small town located about an hour south of Sousse. It’s home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and it’s definitely worth the trip. The amphitheater could seat up to 35,000 spectators and was used for gladiator battles and other forms of entertainment. Today, visitors can explore the amphitheater and imagine what life was like during Roman times.

6. Go Shopping at the Central Market

The Central Market in Sousse is a bustling bazaar that sells everything from fruits and vegetables to textiles and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs to take back home. Make sure to haggle with the vendors so that you can get the best deals.

7. Enjoy Tunisian Cuisine

Tunisian cuisine is a fusion of Arabic, African, and Mediterranean flavors. Make sure to try some of the local dishes, including brik (a stuffed pastry), couscous (a traditional dish made of semolina), and harissa (a spicy paste made from chili peppers). There are plenty of restaurants in Sousse that serve Tunisian cuisine, and you won’t be disappointed with the flavors.

8. Take a Sunset Boat Ride

Taking a sunset boat ride is a great way to end your day in Sousse. You’ll get to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of boat operators that offer sunset cruises, and it’s a romantic and relaxing way to spend your evening.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re planning a visit to Sousse, there are plenty of things to see and do. From exploring the ancient medina to soaking up the sun on the beach, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to try the local cuisine, haggle with the vendors at the Central Market, and take a sunset boat ride to see the city from a different perspective. Sousse is a beautiful destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.