Algeria – Desert and History

Duration
15 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £3895
Region
Africa
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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 Algeria’s remarkable and complex heritage, 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.

For a first-hand insight into the journey, read our traveller review from the April 2026 Algeria – Desert and History tour.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
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
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when prepaid with any domestic flights)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 3/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 5/5
Wildlife: 2/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Begin in Algiers exploring its Mediterranean charm, French colonial legacy, and UNESCO-listed Casbah. Visit historic Beni Hammad and the Roman ruins of Djemila en route to Constantine, famed for its dramatic bridges. Explore Roman Timgad and head south through Biskra’s gorges to El Oued. Discover the unique culture of the Mozabite people in the M’Zab Valley. Journey deeper into the Sahara to Timimoun’s red-hued oasis. Fly to Oran to experience its lively coastal vibe, colonial architecture, and Rai music roots. End with Roman ruins at Tipasa and the mysterious Tomb of the Christian before returning to Algiers for departure. See all of our Algeria tours and packages

Itinerary Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Explore multiple UNESCO-listed sites including the Casbah of Algiers, Roman ruins at Djemila, Timgad, Beni Hammad, and Tipasa.

Constantine’s Dramatic Setting

Discover Constantine, the “City of Bridges,” dramatically perched over the Rhumel Gorge, with its Ottoman palaces and ancient Roman roots.

M’Zab Valley Culture

Immerse yourself in the unique Mozabite way of life in the desert towns of the M’Zab Valley, known for their distinct architecture and centuries-old traditions.

Timimoun & the Sahara

Experience the striking ochre architecture and desert landscapes of Timimoun, one of the Sahara’s most beautiful oases.

Coastal Charm of Oran

Enjoy Oran’s Mediterranean energy, colonial architecture, and musical heritage as the birthplace of Rai music.

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.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel Ralf, Algiers or similar
🍽️ Meals: None

Day 2: Algiers

Delving deeper into Algiers, we visit Notre Dame d;Afrique, Botanic Gardens and Martyrs Monument. We wander the city’s unique casbah, UNESCO site, an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture, and one of the most enigmatic places in Algiers.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel Ralf, Algiers or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Algiers – Setif (Approximate driving time: 3 hours)

First thing we visit Bastion 23, also known as Palais des Rais, notable for it’s architecture and being the last surviving quarter of the lower Casbah. Travel east towards Setif where we visit the National Museum of Setif, home to exhibits from several eras, including impressive mosaic from the local area.

🛏️ Overnight: Setif Plus Hotel, Setif or similar

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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, if time allows a visit to Grand Mosque of Constantine will be included.

🛏️ Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Constantine or similar

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 WW1 memorial with views over Rhumel river, 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: Novotel Hotel, Constantine or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Constantine – Timgad (Approximate driving time: 3 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.

🛏️ Overnight: Trajan Hotel, Timgad or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Timgad – Biskra – El Oued (Approximate driving time: 6 hours)

Drive to Biskra for lunch, 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 Ghoufi. After lunch pass by Sidi Okba mosque, one of the countries oldest. Continue to El Oued circled by the sands of the Grand Erg Oriental, if time allows a sunset viewing at the dunes.

🛏️ Overnight: La Coupole Hotel, El Oued or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 8 and 9: El Oued – Ghardaia (Approximate driving time: 6 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: Belvedere Hotel, Ghardaia or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Ghardaia – El Menia – Timimoun (Approximate driving time: 8 hours)

Drive to El Menia, where you will explore its atmospheric ruined ksar, along with the historic church and the tomb of St Joseph. Continue onward through the desert landscapes to the picturesque oasis town of Timimoun, renowned for its striking red architecture and tranquil palm groves.

🛏️ Overnight: Local Guesthouse, Timimoun or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Timimoun

Spend the day exploring this lovely oasis and some of its 118 ksour. In the evening, we leave the city to explore the Grand Erg Occidental by 4×4.

🛏️ Overnight: Local Guesthouse, Timimoun or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Timimoun – Oran

Fly to Oran (two hours), and on arrival transfer to your hotel. If time allows, embark on a small city tour around the waterfront area.

🛏️ Overnight: Le Palme, Oran or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Oran

Today we spend time exploring Oran, including a morning city tour around the Place du 1er Novembre, Santa Cruz Fort, and after lunch further exploration of this seaside city.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel Le Palme, Oran or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Oran – Algiers (Domestic flight of approx. 50 minutes) – Tipasa – Algiers (Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours in each direction)

This morning, take a flight to Algiers. On arrival, visit the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, a Numidian monument which, despite its name, is believed to date from the 3rd century BC. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, where a remarkable collection of Roman ruins awaits. Explore ancient villas and a well preserved amphitheatre, all set against the striking backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel Ralf, Algiers or similar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

Download the Information Pack

To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices


Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing Per person
AAT/260926 Sep 26, 2026

Saturday

Oct 10, 2026

Saturday

Guaranteed £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00
AAT/171026 Oct 17, 2026

Saturday

Oct 31, 2026

Saturday

Full £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00
AAT/110427 Apr 11, 2027

Sunday

Apr 25, 2027

Sunday

Guaranteed £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00
AAT/171027 Oct 17, 2027

Sunday

Oct 31, 2027

Sunday

Guaranteed £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00
AAT/260328 Mar 26, 2028

Sunday

Apr 09, 2028

Sunday

Guaranteed £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00
AAT/081028 Oct 08, 2028

Sunday

Oct 22, 2028

Sunday

Guaranteed £3,895.00


Single Room Supplement: £535.00

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

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 – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Nationals – https://travel.state.gov/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.

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