Tunis in 2 Days - Guided visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan
In Collaboration with Carthage Tours. Updated on April 4, 2026.
Private 2-day guided tour from Tunis exploring Kairouan, Chott el Jerid, Douz desert camp, Matmata troglodyte homes and the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. Includes private transport, dinner and overnight in a luxury Saharan tent camp, breakfast and guided visits as listed.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Carthage Tours, inspired by the tour 2 Day Sahara Desert Escape Luxury Tent Camp and Historic Sites. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to the Great Mosque of Kairouan
- Scenic crossing of Chott El Jerid salt lake
- Sunset dromedary ride and overnight in a luxury tent camp (Douz)
- Visit to Matmata troglodyte dwellings with local brunch
- 1-hour guided tour of the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem
More than 3 itineraries in Tunis.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pick-up in the morning from Tunis. Visit Kairouan, cross Chott El Jerid, arrive in Douz for sunset dromedary ride and overnight at a luxury desert camp.
Pick-up from Tunis (Hammamet or Sousse on request)
Hotel or central pick-up in Tunis; depart for Kairouan by private, air-conditioned vehicle. Morning start allows daylight driving across central Tunisia toward the south.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pick-up point the day before (the operator will contact you by WhatsApp).
- Have a small daypack ready (water, camera, sunscreen) so you don’t need to access luggage during short stops.
- Bring a printed or digital copy of your ID/passport while boarding the vehicle for quick checks at meeting.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan — guided visit and Medina walk
Guided tour of the Great Mosque of Kairouan and a short walk through the UNESCO-listed medina to experience local streets and traditional life.
- Monday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and be prepared to remove shoes at mosque entrances.
- Carry a small scarf or shawl for additional coverage during the mosque visit.
- Morning visits are quieter—keep cameras respectful and avoid flash during prayer times.
Chott El Jerid — salt lake crossing and mirage viewpoints
Drive across and along the edge of Chott El Jerid to admire the vast salt plain, mirage effects and desert vistas. Short photo stops at viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunglasses and a hat—the reflected light from the salt flats is intense even on hazy days.
- Keep to the vehicle or established viewpoints; salt crust can be fragile and uneven underfoot.
- Use a polarizing filter or adjust camera exposure for better photos of mirages and salt reflections.
Sahara Desert — Dromedary ride, sunset at the dunes and overnight in a luxury tent camp (Douz)
Arrive at the Dunes Insolites area near Douz. Bedouin guides welcome you for a dromedary ride timed for sunset. Enjoy an authentic dinner and folklore spectacle under the stars, and overnight in a luxury Saharan tent camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm layer for night-time—desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for the dunes and a small flashlight for moving around camp after dark.
- If you want golden-hour photos, ask your guide for the best short walk from camp for unobstructed views.
Day 2
Morning in Douz with museum visit and quad ride, drive to Matmata for troglodyte dwellings and brunch, then continue to El Jem for lunch and a guided tour of the Roman amphitheatre before returning to drop-off.
Sahara Museum Douz — morning visit
After breakfast at camp, explore the Sahara Museum in Douz to learn about Bedouin life, dromedary traditions and desert culture with your guide.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small bottle of water—the museum visit is short but it’s usually warm inside in spring and summer.
- Ask your guide about local Bedouin crafts on display if you’re interested in traditional textiles and implements.
- Photography is usually permitted; be mindful when photographing personal items or people without permission.
Sahara Quad Dunes ride (Douz)
An exhilarating quad-bike ride across the dune approaches at the edge of Douz (operated locally).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed-toe shoes and a long-sleeve layer to protect from sand and wind during the ride.
- Secure loose items (phones, sunglasses) before riding; small zipped pockets are best for belongings.
- If you have hair longer than shoulder length, tie it back and consider a lightweight scarf to protect from sand.
Berber Troglodyte Dwellings, Matmata — visit and local brunch
Drive into the Dahar Mountains to Matmata to visit indigenous Berber troglodyte homes. Meet local hosts and enjoy a traditional brunch of fresh-baked bread, olive oil and mint tea.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy footwear—the troglodyte homes have uneven steps and carved rock surfaces.
- Carry small change in Tunisian dinar for any local purchases or tips; ATMs can be sparse in remote areas.
- Be respectful when entering private dwellings—ask before photographing people or interiors.
Roman Colosseum of El Jem — lunch and 1-hour guided tour
Arrive in El Jem for an authentic local lunch followed by a 1-hour guided visit of the Roman amphitheatre—one of Tunisia’s best-preserved Roman monuments.
- Monday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sun protection and water—the amphitheatre is largely exposed with limited shade.
- Plan to arrive with a light appetite; local lunches near the site often feature regional dishes and fresh salads.
- Ask your guide for the best spots for photos inside the amphitheatre to capture both interior arches and panoramic views.
Drop-off — drive back to Tunis (or Sousse / Hammamet on request) via A1
Return drive along highway A1 to your agreed drop-off location (Tunis, Sousse or Hammamet). Journey time varies with chosen drop-off and traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the driver at the start of day 2 which of the three drop-off cities you prefer so arrival can be planned.
- Allow flexibility for arrival time—traffic or stops may extend travel time during the return leg.
- Keep travel documents and any medication in your daypack so they’re accessible during the return journey.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Outdoor, Hotel, Experience |
