Treasures of Algeria

Upon our arrival in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, we will be greeted at the airport and transferred to our hotel for an afternoon check-in. After the long flight, the remainder of the day is at our leisure to relax and unwind. Algiers, originally known as Al-Jaza’ir, is nestled into the Sahel hills, extending for ten miles along the Bay of Algiers on the Mediterranean coast. Its coastal location made it an ideal site for the pirate stronghold it became in 1529 when the pirate “Redbeard” expelled the Spaniards from Penon Island, subsequently taking control of the city for the Ottoman Empire. The city’s richly layered architecture reflects its eventful history, with traces of French colonization from 1830 to 1962, leaving behind grand French-built boulevards, elegant apartments, villas, socialist-era monuments, and public buildings. Algiers also retains its enduring Islamic heartland, nestled within the steep hillside Kasbah. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner, featuring traditional cuisine accompanied by an Arab-Andalusian musical troupe.

Meals included:

Welcome Dinner

This morning, our full-day excursion in Algiers begins in the Kasbah’s upper part. We stroll through historic streets, visiting landmarks like the Centennial House, Khedaouj El Amia Palace, and Mustapha Pasha Palace, all showcasing Ottoman-era architecture and housing museums of arts, traditions, calligraphy, and miniatures. We also explore the Kétchoua Mosque, Palais des Rias (also known as Bastion 23), and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, a Roman Catholic basilica inaugurated in 1872 CE. In the afternoon, we visit the symbolic Martyr’s Monument, an iconic concrete monument commemorating Algeria’s war for independence, and its adjacent museum. The monument was inaugurated in 1982 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Algeria’s independence. At 5 p.m., we head to the airport for our 6:30 p.m. flight to Ghardaïa, where we transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Guided city tour of Algiers

Visit of the museum of popular arts and traditions

Visit of the museum of calligraphy and miniatures

Visit the symbolic Martyr’s Monument and museum

Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed M’zab Valley, our day begins with a morning walking tour of Ghardaïa. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the unique markets and distinctive architecture that define this region. Nestled on the edge of the Sahara, the M’zab Valley comprises five towns: Ghardaïa, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura, and El-Atteuf. While these towns are increasingly merging, they still maintain their individual identities. After a free afternoon, we regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Unique – Walking tour of Ghardaïa

Today, we journey back in time with a full-day exploration of the M’Zab Valley, home to the Ibadites, a conservative Muslim sect with deep-rooted traditions. As we stroll through narrow streets, visit religious sites, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant markets, you’ll witness the unique customs of this community, such as women wearing the traditional white haik and men sporting distinctive pleated saroual loubia trousers. Despite their reserved nature, the locals are welcoming, creating a laid-back atmosphere. After a day of discovery, we return to the hotel for dinner and then catch our flight from Ghardaïa at 22:35, arriving in Constantine at 23:50.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Unique – Full-day excursion to explore the M’Zab Valley

Today, we embark on a captivating full-day trip to Constantine, a city straddling a breathtaking gorge that cleaves it in two. Our adventure begins with a visit to Tiddis, perched on a stark mountainside roughly 30 km from Constantine. This ancient Roman city, dating back to the 3rd century AD, is among Algeria’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Notable for its unique urban layout, Tiddis showcases Roman ingenuity with houses featuring canals and cisterns due to the absence of water sources. After our Tiddis exploration, we return to Constantine for a city tour. Highlights include the Cirta Museum, iconic hanging bridges, the Constantine Museum, the historic Kasbah, and the grand Palace of Ahmed Bey. We’ll savor dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to our hotel for the night.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Unique – Visit of Tiddis

City tour of Constantine

Visit of the Cirta Museum

Visit of the Constantine Museum

Today, we drive for about 2 hours to reach Timgad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Atlas Mountains’ northern slopes. Founded as a Roman military colony by Emperor Trajan in 100 AD, Timgad exceeded its original plan, showcasing remarkable Roman urban planning. After exploring its partially excavated ruins, we continue to Lambessa, another Roman city, known for its triumphal arches, temples, and amphitheaters. Originally home to the third legion defending North Africa, Lambessa also has a rich history, including a 19th-century French settlement and a convict prison for French political deportees. We return to Constantine for dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Unique – Visit of Timgad

Visit of Lambessa

We head towards Sétif via Djemila, which means “pretty town” in Arabic. Situated at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned as one of Algeria’s most remarkable Roman sites. During our half-day walking tour, we’ll explore Roman Cuicul, where we’ll visit the Forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches, and houses. Cuicul is a fascinating example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountainous terrain. While it may not be the largest site in North Africa, Djemila stands out for its exceptional preservation, and the Djemila Museum nearby, houses some of the most famous Roman mosaics, making our visit even more captivating. Afterward, we continue to Sétif, where we check in to our hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, followed by dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Unique – Walking tour of Djemila

This morning, we embark on a half-day excursion to Sétif, where we’ll explore the archaeology museum. This well-organized museum provides valuable insights into the area’s history, with a particular focus on the Roman period, showcasing a wealth of artefacts and architectural remnants. After our museum visit, we return to the hotel and enjoy some free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, we resume our journey back to Algiers, where we check in to our hotel upon arrival in the late afternoon.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Visit of the archaeology museum of Sétif

Today, we embark on a day trip to explore the historical sites of Tipaza, Cherchell, and the Tomb of the Christian. Departing from Algiers and heading westward, our first stop is the ancient ruins of Tipaza (also known as Tipasa), originally a Phoenician settlement that evolved into a Roman colony. We’ll visit a 5th-century mausoleum and a small museum housing precious mosaics. After enjoying lunch in Tipaza, known for its excellent seafood, we’ll continue to Cherchell and the ruins of the ancient Roman port of Césarée. On our return to Algiers, we’ll make a stop at the pyramidal structure of the Christian tomb, situated atop a hill offering splendid views. We’ll conclude the day with a local dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Visit of the ruins of Tipaza

Visit of the ruins of Cherchell

Stop at the pyramidal structure of the Christian tomb

Our day kicks off with a visit to the Museum of Antiquities, perched in the Parc de la Liberté, showcasing a wealth of archaeological treasures from decades of excavations. This includes mosaics, Greco-Roman sculptures, and more. The National Museum of Bardo, located in an 18th-century historic building, focuses on prehistory and ethnology. After a delightful lunch, we explore architectural wonders, including the Aérohabitat, a groundbreaking “vertical village” constructed between 1952 and 1955. Comprising four buildings with 300 apartments, it’s a unique concept. Our architectural adventure continues with a visit to the “Burdeau” building-bridge, a rare structure found only in Algiers and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featuring a rooftop bridge. In the evening, we gather in the hotel foyer for a farewell dinner and an enthralling cultural show at Kasbah Palace, our final highlight in Algeria.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Farewell Dinner

Insider Experiences:

Visit of the Museum of Antiquities

Visit of the National Museum of Bardo

Visit of The Aérohabitat

Visit of The “Burdeau”

Arts & Craft – cultural show at Kasbah Palace

Our journey concludes as we bid farewell to Algiers. We’ll arrange for your airport transfer and your return flight home.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Lunch