How to Plan Your Unesco World Heritage Tour from Tunis to Carthage

If you are planning a trip to Tunis, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Carthage, a historic settlement located on a hill next to the Gulf of Tunis. This Unesco World Heritage Site contains extensive archaeological ruins that offer a glimpse into the past. By taking a tour, you can learn about the central role the city played in Antiquity and in the Punic Wars. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this guide to the Unesco World Heritage Tour from Tunis to Carthage.

Highlights

The tour will take you on an adventure through the ancient city of Carthage, to the historic settlement of Kairouan, and the Roman colosseum at El Jem.

Experience

You’ll start your tour with convenient pick-up service from your accommodation in Tunis. From there, you’ll travel to Carthage, where you’ll explore the extensive archaeological ruins that the city has to offer. Admire the incredible structures ranging from villas to Roman baths to underground cisterns, and learn their rich history.

You’ll also visit the amphitheatre of Carthage. Built in the 2nd century AD, the amphitheatre measures 140 by 120 metres and could formerly accommodate up to 60,000 spectators. Later, you’ll explore the historic settlement of Kairouan, where you’ll discover the Great Mosque, the Aglabid Bassins and Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum. The next stop is the Roman colosseum at El Jem, a world-renowned site which is one of the best-preserved testaments to Roman Africa.

Lastly, you’ll stop for a typical lunch in a local restaurant to recharge at your expense before returning to your accommodation in Tunis.

Full Description

Carthage

Carthage was once the most powerful city in the Mediterranean and its people were called Carthaginians. It was founded by the Phoenicians and became the capital of the Carthaginian Empire. Visitors to the ancient city can explore the ruins of the Tophet, which was a sacred spot for Carthaginian ritual, the Punic ports, Punic houses, Punic cisterns, and the Roman theatre.

You’ll also visit the ancient baths of Antoninus, which were built around AD 145 by the Emperor Antoninus Pius. The baths consist of warm and cold pools, a steam room, a sauna and a gymnasium, which is believed to have been used to practice wrestling and running. The Carthage Museum is also nearby and features artifacts illustrating the various eras of the city’s history from Phoenician times to the Islamic conquest of the 7th century.

Kairouan

Kairouan was founded in 670 AD and flourished under the Aghlabid Dynasty in the 9th Century. This historic settlement is considered one of the most important Islamic cities in North Africa. You’ll explore the Great Mosque, the Aglabids Bassins and Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum. The Great Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in Africa with a square court with double porticoes and a large minaret that was built in the 19th century. The Aglabid Bassins are a collection of pools that once served as a reservoir for the city. Lastly, the Sidi Sahbi Mausoleum contains the tomb of Abu Zama’al Balaoui, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed.

El Jem

El Jem is home to one of the most stunning Roman colosseums in history, the Amphitheatre of El Jem, which is also known as the Colosseum of Thysdrus. The amphitheatre was built during the Roman occupation of North Africa in the 2nd century AD and could accommodate up to 35,000 spectators who watched bloody gladiator fights or animal hunts. Visitors today can visit the underground area, the colonnades, and the galleries.

How to Book the Tour?

If you’re interested in booking the Unesco World Heritage Tour from Tunis to Carthage, visit here to get started. By booking through GetYourGuide, you’ll get the benefit of a hassle-free booking service and welcome pack with all the necessary information.

Conclusion

By following our guide, you can rest assured that your visit to the ancient city of Carthage, Kairouan and the Roman colosseum at El Jem will be a memorable one. This tour offers a rich insight into the history and culture of Tunisia and its people. We hope this guide helps you plan a fantastic adventure into the past.

Insider’s Guide to Tunis: Exploring the Hidden Gems

For those seeking to experience the authentic culture and the hidden gems of Tunis, Tunisia, we have got you covered. There’s so much more to Tunis beyond the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we are here to take you on a journey of discovery. Here are some of the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history insights, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to enhance your trip to Tunis.

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Gems

Most of the tourists who come to Tunis would visit the Bardo Museum or the Medina of Tunis, which are fantastic places. However, many other spots could offer you an unforgettable time in the city. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, try visiting the picturesque neighborhood of Sidi Bou Said. The beautiful blue-painted houses overlooking the Mediterranean Sea creates the perfect setting for a moment of relaxation.

Another hidden gem is the Dar Lasram, a unique Ottoman palace-turned-museum that showcases the luxurious lifestyle of high-ranking families during the 17th century. If you’re an art lover, then be sure to check out Les Berges du Lac, a modern part of the city that features various contemporary art galleries and exhibitions.

Dining Spots: Indulge in the Local Cuisine

Tunisia has a unique cuisine steeped in history and tradition, and some dishes are a must-try while you’re in the city. One of the most popular dishes in Tunis is the traditional lamb stew called ‘couscous’. Visit the El Ali restaurant in the Medina for its authentic and deliciously flavorful dish.

If you’re in the mood for a quick and filling lunch, drop by the famous street food kiosk Chez Slah, located in downtown Tunis. Here, you can savor the locals’ favorite dish, the “Brik”, a crispy fried pastry filled with egg, tuna, or meat. Wash it down with some mint tea, the Tunisian way.

Cultural Experiences: Get Enchanted by the Local Traditions

Tunis has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. If you’re interested in learning more about the Tunisian culture, you can visit the Zitouna Mosque, the largest mosque in Tunisia and one of the most beautiful in North Africa. You can also take a stroll in El Jem, a charming town famous for its amphitheater, where gladiator fights were held during ancient Rome.

The National Theatre of Tunisia is an impressive structure and one of the landmarks of the city that offers a taste of contemporary art. It hosts various cultural activities, including music performances, plays, and dance recitals.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Stories from the City’s Past

Tunis has had a long and fascinating history, and you can discover some captivating stories as you explore the city. For instance, did you know that the Medina of Tunis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance? It has been a center of trade for over a millennium and was once the capital of the Hafsid Dynasty.

One of the city’s most significant historical landmarks is the Belvedere Museum, which was once a palace built by the Bey of Tunis. It boasts a vast collection of art, ceramics, and historical artifacts from the ancient civilizations of Carthage and Rome.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Go Beyond the Conventional

For a unique experience, you might want to consider touring the Marsa district located on the outskirts of Tunis. It has a charming harbor with beautiful boats and a lively atmosphere. You can also visit the Salammbo Oceanographic Museum, a lovely museum showcasing Tunisia’s marine heritage.

Another exciting and unusual activity is to attend a camel race at the El Wardia Racetrack. Join the locals and cheer for their favorite camels. You might also want to create your custom perfume at Aswat Nafaa, a unique artisanal scent workshop that combines local herbs and essences to create a personalized and authentic fragrance.

In conclusion, Tunis is a city full of surprises that will enchant you with its history, culture, and food. Exploring beyond its famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites will take you to hidden gems that you won’t find in any travel guide. Do not hesitate to try new things, go off the beaten path, and embrace the authentic Tunisian lifestyle.