Day 1 - Algiers
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Du Val or similar
Day 2 - Cherchell - Tipasa
Head west to visit Cherchell, with its collection of Roman remains, as well as Tipasa. Tipasa was a former Phoenician city, and today is home to a striking set of Roman ruins in a in a photogenic location between the mountains and sea. On the way back to Algiers, stop at the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, believed to be built for one of the Numidian kings. Overnight Hotel Du Val or similar. (BD)
Day 3 - Algiers
VA full day exploring this enigmatic city. We visit the UNESCO listed casbah area, the most traditional part of the city as well as the Museum of Antiquities and the renowned Bardo Museum, among other sites. Overnight Hotel Du Val or similar. (BD)
Day 4 - Djemila - Constantine
Travel to the historic city of Djemila, founded by the Romans in the 1st century. Explore its ruins before continuing to Constantine for the night. Overnight Protea Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 5 - Constantine
Spend today exploring the charming city of Constantine, perched dramatically on a steep gorge. We also visit the nearby Roman site of Tiddis. Overnight Protea Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 6 - Timgad - Biskra
Visit Medracen with its Numidian tomb before continuing to Timgad. Here we explore the old Roman city, excavated to such an extent that you can gain a real feel for how it once was, with an amphitheatre, baths, temples and numerous other monuments. Continue to Biskra for the night, via the canyon of Rhouffi, where the first shots of the Algerian rebellion were fired in 1954. Overnight Hotel Maurice Laban or similar. (BLD)
Day 7 - Biskra - El Oued
This morning we visit the date market in Biskra before continuing to El Oued. On the edge of the Sahara, El Oued is known as the ‘city of a thousand domes’ and is surrounded by the dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. After lunch we head out to explore the mosque, local spice market and the Zaouia of Guemar. Overnight Hotel Souf or similar. (BLD)
Days 8-9 - Ghardaia
Drive to Ghardaia in the M’Zab Valley. This is one of the prettiest and most interesting places in the Sahara, with a collection of traditional towns and home to the Mozabite people, who follow different traditions and customs to the rest of Algeria. We explore the key sites including the traditional market of Beni Isguen, the ‘foggara’ irrigation system, and meet local people living lives not much different from their forefathers. Overnight Residence des Deux Tours or similar. (BLD)
Day 10 - El Golea - Timimoun
Head first to El Golea and visit its old 9th century ksar. From here continue to Timimoun - the 'red oasis' - through a scenery of rolling dunes. Overnight Lodge Djenane Malek or similar. (BLD)
Day 11 - Timimoun
Spend today exploring Timimoun and the surrounding area. In 4wd vehicles we drive to the nearby salt lake and visit dunes, villages and gardens, before returning to Timimoun in the evening. Overnight Lodge Djenane Malek or similar. (BLD)
Day 12 - Oran - Tlemcen
Fly to Oran, arriving early afternoon. From here drive to Tlemcen, founded in the 11th century and with a wealth of historic sites to explore. Overnight Hotel Zianides or similar. (BD)
Day 13 - Tlemcen
Spend the day in Tlemcen and the surrounding area. Visit the Great Mosque, often compared to that in Cordoba, Spain, the Mechouar - an old walled fortress - and the governor's palace among other sites. Further afield we visit the Mansurah minaret, constructed in the style of Marrakech's Koutoubia Mosque.Return to Oran for the night. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 14 - Algiers
Head out to explore Oran including visits to the Zabana Museum, Palace of the Bey, Place des Armes and Santa Cruz, with its scenic views of the city. In the afternoon fly back to Algiers for our final night. Overnight Hotel Du Val or similar. (BLD)
Day 15 - Algiers
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
What's included:
Airport transfers - We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you're booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.
Accommodation - Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we'll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you're used to elsewhere.
Guides - You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide.
Meals - As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip - in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to 'do their own thing' now and again.
Entrance fees - Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you'd like to see, these would be at your own expense.
Not included:
- Visas
- Airport taxes
- International flights
- Travel Insurance