Kairouan Islamic Tour

Tunis Medina is the quintessentially model of a typical Islamic city vibrant with a maze of narrow alleys crammed with ancient buildings, covered markets from the scorching sun, public fountains and Koranic schools, arches and beautiful gates. In the midst of the Great Mosque of 9th-century origin, one of North Africa’s most significant Islamic buildings. The rest of the day is free for wandering the Medina or relaxing at the hotel. In the evening a private visit to the Ennejma Ezzahra (Splendid Star), built by master craftsmen in the 1900s as a home for the Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger, in homage to his passion for the Middle East. It is now a museum and the Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music. Overnight Tunis.

After breakfast, we will take off to Kairouan visiting on the way the ancient sites of Carthaginian, Roman and Islamic highlight of historic importance. Visit the Roman site of Uthina, a chance to see several good quality mosaics in situ. The amphitheater has underground vaulted cells still witness the echo of ancient civilizations. Thuburbo Majus is a typical Roman city model, with a colonnaded forum, fine temples, houses, and baths. Explore the old irrigation system unique to this area a 51 km long aqueduct joining Carthage to Zaghouane still stand in glory. This aqueduct is mesmerizing with its water temple at natural springs of Zaghouane ostentatiously set over the hill to celebrate the importance all civilizations of the past have given to water especially Muslims who originate from the desert. Overnight in Kairouan.

The morning is spent in Kairouan, with visits to the Medina and the Great Mosque (8th/9th century) and other examples of local traditional architecture. The immense colosseum at El Djem could hold 30,000 and is a remarkable sight, towering over its modern surroundings. The small museum nearby contains some exquisite mosaics. Final night in Kairouan.

Transfer in time to Tunis Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.