We're pleased to reintroduce spectacular Algeria to our roster after a couple years' hiatus.
Our Algeria tour focuses on the incredible historical sites of northern Algeria, as well as it's beguiling traditional and modern-day cultural attributes. We also experience village life, a fascinating combination of traditional and present-day North Africa.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $650 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrival in Algiers
Today we arrive in Algiers - welcome to Algeria!
Algiers, originally called Al-Jaza'ir, is built into the Sahel hills and runs for ten miles along the Bay of Algiers, located on the Mediterranean coast. This coastal location made it perfect for the Barbary pirate stronghold it would become in 1529, when the pirate "Redbeard" expelled the Spanish from the island of Penon, gaining control of the city for the Ottoman Empire. The country's turbulent history is writ large in the city's richly textured architecture: wide French-built boulevards and elegant apartments and villas, Socialist-era monuments and public buildings, and an enduring Islamic heart secreted in the steep, hillside Casbah.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Best of Algiers City Tour
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Algiers is a city of contrasts, with a blend of modern and traditional architecture, as well as stunning natural beauty. Tourists to Algiers can explore its rich cultural heritage, including its Ottoman and French colonial influences, or take in the breathtaking views of the Bay of Algiers. Algiers is a city full of culture and history, and a great destination to explore.
Today we'll tour Algiers including the historic Kasbaha built in the 16th century, a maze of pretty small alleys and whitewashed houses. There are also quite a few nice boulevards dating back from the days of the French who come in Algiers in 1830 and stayed for 130 years.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Algiers - Djemila - Constantine
This morning leave the city and travel through attractive hilly farming countryside to Djemila (a World Heritage Site), Arabic for 'pretty town', considered to be the most outstanding Roman site in Algeria. Situated 900m (2,950 ft) above sea level, Djemila, with its forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, is an interesting example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location. While the site itself is not one of the largest in North Africa, Djemila stands out as one of the best-preserved Roman ruins of North Africa and the adjoining museum is packed with the most amazing Roman mosaics.
We end our day in Constantine after a full day of travel and sightseeing.
Overnight in Constantine.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Constantine: Timgad & Lambaesis
We start the day with a 2-hour drive to Timgad, Roman Thamugadi (a World Heritage Site), located on the northern slopes of the Aures Atlas Mountains. It was founded as a military colony by the Emperor Trajan in AD 100. Originally designed for a population of around 15,000, the city quickly outgrew its original specifications and spilled beyond the grid in a more loosely-organized fashion, an excellent example of Roman town planning. Although only partly excavated, Timgad is spectacular in both its scale and its setting.
We continue to the remains of the Roman town of Lambaesis (Lambessa), which includes two triumphal arches, temples, an aqueduct, an amphitheatre, baths, and many private houses. The camp of the third legion, charged with defending North Africa, was moved to Lambessa between 123 and 129 ce. The modern settlement was founded in 1848 by French agriculturalists attracted by the fertile soil. A large convict prison for French political deportees was established there in 1852.
We return to Constantine.
Overnight in Constantine.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Tiddis & Constantine City Tour - Travel to Algiers
This morning we visit Tiddis, hovering on a barren mountain slope, some 30km from Constantine. The ruined Roman town is perhaps the most impressively situated of all Algeria's Roman sites. The Romans arrived during the age of Augustus, but built much of what can now be seen in the 3rd century AD, adapting their fundamental rule of town planning – two straight central streets that cross at the heart of the community – to the curves of the site. Tiddis had no water sources, so one of the most interesting features of the houses here are the channels and cisterns.
We return to Constantine for a city tour and visit the museum of Cirta. We spend the afternoon enjoying this breathtaking city; Constantine is set astride a spectacular gorge that splits the city in two. We'll explore the suspension bridges, the Constantine Museum, Kasbah, and Palace of Ahmed Bey.
After our visit we travel by road back to Algiers.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Algiers: Cherchell, Tipaza & Tomb of the Christians - Fly to Ghardaia
Today we travel west to the ruins of Tipaza (also Tipasa), originally a Phoenician trading post but a Roman colony in the 2nd century AD onwards. Later it became one of the most important Christian settlements in Northern Africa. With the coming of the Vandals and their Arian Christianity in 430, most of the inhabitants fled to Spain. According to legend, the inhabitants had their tongues cut out, but by a miracle they could still speak! One the most interesting sites at Tipaza is the mausoleum built in the 5th century where there are 14 places for sarcophagi. The museum is small but full of valuable mosaics taken from the Basilica dating back to 1st century AD.
After a break for lunch in Tipaza (known for its excellent seafood), we continue to Cherchell and the ruins of the former Roman port of Caesarea. Today Cherchell is the seat of Cherchell District in Tipaza Province; under the names Iol and Caesarea, it was formerly a Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman colony and the capital of the kingdoms of Numidia and Mauretania.
On our way back to Algiers we'll stop at the pyramid-like structure of the Tomb of the Christians, set on a hill with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. The tomb pre-dates the Christian era and probably belongs to the pre- Roman era of the Numidian rulers.
Late afternoon flight Algiers to Ghardaia. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage region of the M’Zab valley. We'll transfer to our hotel and, time-permitting, explore the markets and architecture unique to this region.
The valley, on the edge of the Sahara, is actually a cluster of five towns: Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura, and El-Atteuf. Often referred to collectively as Ghardaia, the once distinct villages are gradually sprawling together, but retain separate identities.
Overnight in Ghardaia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 M'Zab Valley: El Attefu, Bon Nouria & Ghardaia
The M’Zab is home to a conservative Muslim sect known as the Ibadites, who broke from mainstream Islam some 900 years ago. This is, some say, a country unto itself, with ancient, unchanging social codes. The traditional white haik (a head-to-toe wool wrap) is worn by most women, who cover their entire face, exposing only one eye. Men sport extravagantly pleated baggy trousers called saroual loubia. While locals here can be reserved, it's a friendly and surprisingly laid-back place.
Today step back in time as we enjoy the local customs and culture while visiting the historic cities and sites in the M’Zab valley. We spend a full day visiting traditional market places, enjoying the lively atmosphere and lively colours and unique architecture. We wander narrow streets, visit important religious monuments and mosques, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Overnight in Ghardaia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Ghardaia - Fly to Algiers
Today we fly back to the capital.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Departure
Departure from Algiers.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All accommodation (twin-share), transport, and sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Domestic flights via local scheduled carriers as per the itinerary.
Your official "Letter of Invitation" to be included with your visa application is also included (see also 'exclusions').
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, and visa fees. Optional single supplement. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on packing, optional meal costs, and visas.
Tourists visas are required for USA and Canadian passport holders. You must acquire your visa in advance, preferably through our preferred visa service. Your should budget about $200-$250 per visa including all fees and taxes. You will have to send your passport away for processing, and your passport cannot show evidence of a prior visit to Israel.
Seasonality and Weather
Our tour occurs entirely in the northern part of the country, a temperate zone that enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate. It lies within approximately the same latitudes as southern California and has somewhat similar climatic conditions. Its broken topography, however, provides sharp local contrasts in both prevailing temperatures and incidence of rainfall.
Our dates in spring and fall will see comfortable mild-to-warm temperatures and the possibility of rain showers at any time. Spring will see green landscape and possibly wildflowers, while our fall date will enjoy the possibility of locally-produced fruits and vegetables.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport will be via private air-conditioned bus. Though we will have some full days of travel and sightseeing, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Roads are generally in good condition, though a little winding on some stretches. We have a couple of internal flights via scheduled local airlines.
Though Algeria has stabilized greatly since its civil war ending in 2002, for security reasons we avoid areas near borders with neighbouring countries and restrict our explorations to the well-controlled and secure northern part of the country. At this time we do not currently offer the far south of the country, which is remote and not as well-patrolled. That said, we do get a nice taste of desert life on the edge of the Sahara in Ghardaia.
Though our routes are already well-policed, our local partners may choose to assign a security escort on some stretches if deemed prudent due to prevailing conditions. We encourage all travellers (as we do for any destination) to review online government advisories that provide guidance on, among other things, issues concerning security. We are presently very confident that your journey will be problem-free and want to ensure that you feel likewise before choosing to join this trip.
Our 'Level 2' difficulty rating reflects our comfortable transport and road journeys on good roads that are not terribly long. Heat should also not be a significant factor during our two dates. That said, our program is ambitious with plenty of moving around, some full days, early starts, remote locations, and plenty of time on your feet -- walking tours of towns and cities and at sites, some of which are large.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns throughout; our hotel in Ghardaia, however, is of a simpler standard but is clean and charming with local atmosphere (it does not have a website). All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is usually available (see '˜Inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited in number and possibly smaller than twins.
Please click on the 'Map & Hotels' tab for more information.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, local guide, driver/s throughout.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 2 Acivity Level: 1 Tour Style: Cultural
On our Algeria & Tunisia tour, we set down in the heart and capital of Algeria, Algiers, once a Barbary pirate stronghold and famed for the exploits of the pirate "Redbeard", who claimed dominion over it for the Ottoman Empire when he expelled the Spanish in 1529.
After exploring the maze of small alleys and whitewashed houses and getting our first taste of the unique Algerian culture, we head east to Setif, the commercial centre of the region built by the French on the ruins of a Roman town that was founded in the 1st century AD, stopping at various coastal towns along the way to soak in the sights.
The next few days are spent strolling through some of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa, gazing at magnificent mosques and typically Algerian architecture.
The 10 remaining days of our tour are spent familiarizing ourselves with the abundant bounties on offer in Tunisia, from the historic sights like those in Carthage or the ancient trading region of Sousse, to the lively, colourful markets that buzz with the activity of the friendly locals.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
On our Algeria, Tunisia & Malta tour, the entire country of Algeria makes for a fascinating historical journey and we make full use of our days in its locale, taking in the innumerable remnants of the once-great Roman Empire, ancient Phoenician trading posts, splendid mosques, museums and some of the best-preserved relics and sites of antiquity in all of North Africa.
In Tunisia we spend time in Carthage, a region founded in 814BC by Phoenicians from the eastern Mediterranean and one that the Romans entirely destroyed in the 2nd century BC before incorporating it into the Roman Empire.
In Malta, we sail the routes of the Knights of St. John and the great Ottoman fleet and bear witness to monuments that can only be fully appreciated from the sea, saunter through beautiful towns and gardens, learn about Maltese prehistory in the southern regions of the island and visit its most important historical sites. Malta's abundance of attraction means we'll be busy for our last couple of days on our tour, but it'll be well worth the rewards.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
On our Algeria, Tunisia, Malta & Italy tour, the entire country of Algeria makes for a fascinating historical journey and we make full use of our days in its locale, taking in the innumerable remnants of the once-great Roman Empire, ancient Phoenician trading posts, splendid mosques, museums and some of the best-preserved relics and sites of antiquity in all of North Africa.
In Tunisia we spend time in Carthage, a region founded in 814BC by Phoenicians from the eastern Mediterranean and one that the Romans entirely destroyed in the 2nd century BC before incorporating it into the Roman Empire.
In Malta, we sail the routes of the Knights of St. John and the great Ottoman fleet and bear witness to monuments that can only be fully appreciated from the sea, saunter through beautiful towns and gardens, learn about Maltese prehistory in the southern regions of the island and visit its most important historical sites. Malta's abundance of attraction means we'll be busy for our last couple of days on our tour, but it'll be well worth the rewards.
Sicily and Southern Italy are a highlight-packed exploration of this often overlooked yet fascinating and beautiful part of the country.
Regions visited: North Africa
Countries visited: Algeria
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Staying at the hotel means reliving the ... of an era while enjoying the sweetness of contemporary luxury.
From its opening, the hotel was the favourite address of the English bourgeoisie, attracted by the mild and exotic winters of Algiers. The hotel has known prestigious clients such as Edith Piaf, Simone de Beauvoir, General Dwight Eisenhower, General Mark Wayne Clark, and Winston Churchill. It remains to this day the reference for all national and international personalities from the political, cultural or economic world. It remains essential and remains a privileged place in the Algerian capital.
