Kairouan, Douz, & El Djem 2-Day Tour
Tour Details
Day 1: Hammamet - El Djem - Matmata - Douz
After hotel pickup in Hammamet, we’ll begin our journey south, crossing the fertile plains of Tunisia. After about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a short break for breakfast on your own, we'll arrive at El Djem Amphitheatre, a masterpiece from 238 AD. Get ready to discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Next, we’ll head to Matmata, famous for its troglodyte homes carved into the clay rock. We'll learn how the Berbers ingeniously adapted to the extreme climate. We'll also visit one of these homes and the renowned Sidi Idriss Hotel, which featured in several Star Wars scenes. Lunch will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.
After lunch, we’ll travel about 1 hour and 20 minutes to Douz, known as the gateway to the Sahara. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a desert camp among the dunes. You can take a camel ride at sunset to experience the desert’s magic firsthand.
The day ends with a Bedouin dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional music, before retiring to your private desert tent.
Day 2: Douz - Chott El Djerid - Chebika - Kairouan - Hammamet
After breakfast, we'll prepare for a 90-minute trip to Chott El Djerid, Tunisia’s largest salt lake, famous for its mirages. Will you spot a palace hidden beneath the salt crust?
Next, we'll visit the golden oasis valley of Chebika, where water cascades among date palms. Once a Roman refuge, this oasis is a true desert paradise. We’ll enjoy about 1 hour of hiking here.
Afterwards, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Kairouan to admire the Great Mosque. You'll fall in love with the narrow streets and lively souks of this historic city.
Finally, we will return to Hammamet, arriving around 8 pm.
Accommodation Info
This tour includes 1 night in a desert camp in Douz. The tents have electricity for charging devices and a shared bathroom block with toilets and showers.
Under no circumstances will you have to share the tents with strangers. Options include single, double, triple, and family tents. Single bookings incur a supplement. Children aged 1 to 12 must share a room with their parents or guardians on a rollaway bed.
Meal Plan
- Day 1 Lunch: Brik (fried pastry filled with meat, tuna, or vegetables with spices), couscous, salad, and seasonal fruit.
- Day 1 Dinner: Brik, meat cooked in a traditional gargoulette, salad, and seasonal fruit.
- Day 2 Breakfast: Eggs, dates, butter, jam, cheese, sand-baked bread, milk, coffee, and juice.
- Day 2 Lunch: Chicken or turkey escalope, salad, and seasonal fruit.
Vegetarian options are available. Drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.
New Year's Eve in the Sahara Desert
On December 31st, we'll celebrate the New Year in a magical desert setting. The evening begins with a show of knights and camels, evoking the legendary caravan routes.
We’ll enjoy a cocktail under the stars, followed by a special New Year’s Eve dinner inspired by Berber cuisine. Traditional music and a DJ will keep the party going, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the desert sands to welcome 2026.
More Information
Duration
2 days.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Included
Hotel pickup & drop–off
Transport by bus or minibus
English–speaking guide
1 night's accommodation in a campsite
1 breakfast
2 lunches
1 dinner
Not included
Drinks
Admission to the amphitheater of El Djem: € 4 (US$ 4.68) per person
Admission to the Great Mosque of Kairouan: € 4 (US$ 4.68) per person
Camel ride: € 15 (US$ 17.58) per person
When to book?
You can book up until 36 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability conditions
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Can I bring suitcases?
A - Yes. You can bring two large suitcases, as the vehicles have enough space to store them.
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Q - What clothing is recommended to bring?
A - Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing for the day, as temperatures are usually warm. For the evening, bring warm clothes, as it gets cold. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Virsem Fun & Travel Corporate name: STE VIRSEM FUN & TRAVEL Registered Office: 000 essouani HT souk djerba, Djerba, Tunisia Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 000MA1836401/R Contact information Email: virsem.funtravel@gmail.com Phone: + 216 53123746
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.