Desert & History
Algeria Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Algeria’s rich past, as part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis, lies beneath layers of Christian and Islamic conquest, and more recent Ottoman and French colonisation. A remarkable mix of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences, Algeria’s political evolution is ongoing. To visit now offers not only a chance to explore ancient history, but also to experience history being made. From the cities of the coast with their colonial architecture, Roman ruins and cosmopolitan atmosphere to the oases tucked away among mighty sand seas, we encompass the very best that the country has to offer.
Tour Highlights
• Discover Algiers and its famous Casbah
• Spend time at the edge of the Sahara Desert
• Marvel at the well preserved Roman ruins, many of which are in fabulous locations
• Admire Constantine with its impressive bridges spanning the Rhumel Gorge
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
5/5
Wildlife
1/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Algiers
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. No meals or guiding arrangements are included today. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar.
Algiers
Perched on the edge of the Mediterranean, opposite southern France, Algiers has long been an important city for trade between Europe and Africa. Over the years it has been home to numerous different civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans and the Ottomans, but was captured by France in 1862 in one of its first forays into Africa. The legacy of French occupation is still evident with whitewashed colonial architecture making this a most striking and unusual African capital. Algiers has many sites to explore – perhaps the most interesting being the old Casbah quarter of the city, an incredibly atmospheric district filled with traditional buildings, although still not somewhere to venture without a guide. Within the Casbah are several Zaouias (religious schools) and tombs as well as good examples of old Ottoman buildings.
Day 2: Algiers
Delving deeper into Algiers, we visit the Museum of Antiquities, and Bastion 23, also known as Palais des Rais, notable for it’s architecture and being the last surviving quarter of the lower Casbah. We wander the city’s unique casbah, another UNESCO site, an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture, and one of the most enigmatic places in Algiers. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar. (BD)
Day 3: Algiers – Beni Hammad - Setif (Approximate driving time: 5.5 hours)
Travel east towards Setif stopping en route at the UNESCO site of Beni Hammad, and visit the National Museum of Setif, home to exhibits from several eras. Overnight at Hotel Best Western or similar. (BD)
Day 4: Setif – Djemila - Constantine (Approximate driving time: 3 hours)
Today there’s a lot of ground to be covered. However, exploring the UNESCO sites of Djemila and its ancient garrison of Cuicul reveals some of North Africa’s best-preserved Berbero-Roman remains. Forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches are all present, but laid out to suit the terrain of a mountain town. From here we continue to Constantine. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BD)
Djemila
The well-preserved Roman ruins of Djemila, meaning “beautiful”, are the remains of the city of Cuicul which was built in the 1st century BC as a garrison, and grew to become an important trading market. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th and 6th centuries the city was abandoned, and although it was never reoccupied, it was renamed Djemila by the Muslim inhabitants of the region. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, in respect of its unusual mountain setting, the public baths, fountain, forum, arch of Caracalla, basilica and theatre are among the structures that can still be seen.
Constantine
Located on a steep ravine, high above the Rhumel Gorge, Constantine is the third largest city in Algeria and a well- known centre of learning. Originally a Numidian settlement it was destroyed in 311 BC, before being re-built in 313 BC on the orders of Emperor Constantine, and named after him. The city came under Ottoman rule in 1529 from when it thrived and grew before falling to the French in 1837. Today the bridges are the main attraction, spanning the gorge and offering spectacular views, and they alone are reason enough to visit Constantine.
Day 5: Constantine
After breakfast we explore Constantine itself, considered the capital of eastern Algeria, and named after Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. Visits include the archaeological museum and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the city’s last Ottoman governor. We will view the city’s famous bridges spanning the dramatic Rhumel Gorge, including the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 6: Constantine - Timgad - Batna (Approximate driving time: 2 hours)
Taking the road south, our first stop is Medracen, the Tomb of the Numidian Kings, before continuing to the Aurès Mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman Timgad. Dating from 100AD, this is remarkable example of ancient town planning, and includes a huge library, colonnaded streets, temples, amphitheatre, the arch of Trajan, and a basilica. Nearby, we visit the Roman ruins of Lambaesis before continuing to the attractive city of Batna, capital of the Aurès region. Overnight at Trajan Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Timgad
The Roman town of Timgad was founded in the 1st century AD and prospered until the 7th century, when it was overrun by the Byzantines, before being destroyed by Arab invaders. Among the remains that can still be seen are an amphitheatre, Roman baths, temples, a Byzantine fortress and the Arch of Trajan; Timgad was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
Day 7: Batna – Biskra - El Oued (Approximate driving time: 5.5 hours)
Drive to Biskra stopping on the way in the area of the gorges of Tighanimine, site of the first shots of the Algerian rebellion, and the breathtaking canyon of Rhouffi. Continue to El Oued circled by the sands of the Grand Erg Oriental. Overnight at Hotel Souf or similar. (BLD)
Days 8 & 9: El Oued - Ghardaia (Approximate driving time: 5.5 hours)
Drive to the M’Zab Valley and its largest city Ghardaia which has a distinctive culture unlike the rest of Algeria. It has survived over the centuries as a result of the efforts of the local Mozabite people.It is a charming place and we spend two days observing the day to day routines and visiting the surrounding area. Overnight at M’zab Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Mzab Valley
The Mzab is one of Algeria’s true highlights, a collection of towns situated at the edge of the desert surviving against all the odds of the seemingly hostile conditions against them. Named after and inhabited by the Mozabite Berbers, the five walled towns of the Mzab are one of the most enigmatic places in the country. Each town is built around a fortified mosque with a minaret that doubles up as a watchtower, used to look out for raiders from the deep desert. Made up of the towns of El Atteuf, Bou Noura, Malika, Ghardaia and Beni Isguen, the Mzab offers a snapshot of how much of Algeria must have been centuries ago with livestock outnumbering cars within the centres of the towns and old men sitting in alleyways discussing the problems of the day. Some of the towns adhere to distinctive principles of town planning, with the streets of Ghardaia being constructed in concentric circles emanating from the mosque. The Mzab is also the best place to pick up any souvenirs during your stay in Algeria.
Day 10: Ghardaia - El Menia – Timimoun (Approximate driving time: 7 hours)
Drive first to El Menia and its ruined ksar and continue to the picturesque oasis of Timimoun with its distinctive red buildings. Overnight at Gourara Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Timimoun
The oasis of Timimoun is one of the prettiest in the Sahara, with ochre red buildings and Tuareg style architecture making it quite a distinctive sight. Developed by the French during their conquest of the Sahara in the late 19th / early 20th centuries, it was once the largest slave market in the country and today you can see the legacy of that in the features of its inhabitants, many of whom look more ‘African’ than Algerian.
Day 11: Timimoun
Spend the day exploring this lovely oasis, with a picnic lunch out among the dunes. Overnight at Gourara Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 12: Timimoun – Oran - Tlemcen (Approximate driving time: 2 hours)
Fly to Oran (two-and-a-half-hours) and drive from there to Tlemcen, once an important town, which contains a superb collection of historic buildings and has a distinct French flavour. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Tlemcen
Surrounded by hills, the town of Tlemcen has an illustrious past and in its heyday was one of the most important cities of North Africa. Today a university city, it was first settled by Romans in the 4th century but rose to prominence in the 11th century under the Almoravid dynasty who held sway over much of the region including Morocco. As with many coastal towns it provided an important conduit for trade between Africa and Europe, with slaves, gold and other goods from south of the Sahara being traded here. It was also home to a large Jewish population, although none now remain. The city contains an imposing fortress known as the Mechouar as well as a collection of ancient mosques and tombs and is a fairly relaxed place to walk around and explore.
Day 13: Tlemcen - Oran (Approximate driving time: 2 hours)
Today we visit the important sites of Tlemcen including the Grand Mosque, one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa, the ruins of the 13th century Mansourah and the tomb of Sidi Boumedienne. In the afternoon drive to Oran and spend time exploring the city including the Bey’s Palace and the 18th Century Grand Mosque. Overnight at Hotel Pacha or similar. (BD)
Day 14: Oran - Algiers (Domestic flight) - Tipasa – Algiers (Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours in each direction)
This morning for a flight to Algiers and on arrival drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, home to a wealth of archaeological remains. We tour a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including villas and an ancient amphitheatre, that overlooks the Mediterranean. On the way back to Algiers we call in at the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, a Numidian site that despite its name is believed to date from the 3rd century BC. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar. (BD)
Tipasa
Seventy kilometres west of Algiers lies Tipasa, a pleasant enough town in its own right, but better known for its collection of ancient ruins. The Roman ruins at Tipasa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include many different structures – there are three ancient churches, the remains of an old port, an amphitheatre and villas, some of which still contain original mosaics.
The Tomb of the Christian
Near Sidi Rachid lies the ‘Tomb of the Christian’ or Qabr er Rumia, thought to be a tomb for Numidian Berber kings dating back to the 3rd or 4th century BC. It is also rumoured that the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is buried here. Built on a hill overlooking the plains below, it consists of a circular building topped with a pyramid, and is one of the most interesting sites in Algeria.
Day 15: Algiers - Departure from Algeria
There’s time to relax and take stock of a remarkable trip before your transfer to the international airport for your flight back home. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Algeria that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Security
The Algerian authorities take the safety and security of tourists very seriously and a Police/Army escort is often provided for road journeys.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Algeria. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
You must ensure that you have no Israeli stamps in your passport.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
