The past is part of the landscape in Tunisia and nowhere more so than Kairouan – the country's holiest city – and the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem.

You'll kick off the tour in the walled city of Kairouan. Protected by sandstone walls, the medina offers quiet narrow streets, whitewashed houses with brightly painted shutters, and brick-laid archways, perfect for exploring. Kairouan's unmissable Great Mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As well as the mosque's splendid interior, the complex also features a large prayer hall, a courtyard, and a minaret. Another important site in Kairouan is the Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, a significant site for Muslims around the world and known for its beautiful tilework and stucco decorations.

Next, there's a stop for lunch before visiting El Djem amphitheatre, the third-largest built by the Romans. During its heyday, up to 35,000 spectators would pack its steep stands to watch gladiatorial fights.