Authentic Algeria Tour

Tipaza Roman ruins on the Algerian coast

After breakfast, you will depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Roman site of Tipaza, which is arguably one of the most picturesque Roman cities in North Africa. Stroll down the ancient Roman road next to the clear Mediterranean Sea and get a glimpse of what it would have been like to live in this Roman settlement. Here you will visit the museum and the archeological site, which includes the largest basilica in North Africa and the Basilica of Saint Salsa, who was a local martyr in the 4^th century.

When you are ready, you will travel back to Algiers. On the way, you will explore the pyramid-like structure of the Tomb of the Christian (Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania).

Take a late afternoon or evening flight to Annaba. Meet your driver in Annaba and transfer to the hotel.

Cathedral of St. Augustine

Start the day off with a trip to the museum, the site of Hippo Regius, and the Cathedral of St. Augustine. Explore large Roman mosaics and antiques found in the region that are on display at the museum. The archaeological site hosts a large Roman forum and the famous, ‘Basilica of Peace’ where St. Augustine was bishop in the 5th century.

The Catholic Cathedral of St. Augustine built between 1881 and 1900, is located on top of a hill overlooking the site. Visit the Cathedral and pay particular attention to the stained glass windows which retell the story of Augustine’s life.

When you are ready, travel to Constantine for the night.

Roman arch at Tiddis archeological site

After breakfast, travel to the hillside Roman site of Tiddis, which offers excellent views over the surrounding region. You will begin by walking through a triumphal arch to a paved Roman road. Follow the path to visit the sanctuary of Mithras, the Christian basilica, Roman homes, water tanks, and a small forum.

Return to Constantine in the afternoon for a city tour. Located above the Rhumel Gorge, Constantine has a view that is sure to impress. Some of the sites you will visit may include the Museum of Cirta, the suspension bridges, the Kasbah, and the Palace of Ahmed Bey.

Roman arch and columns at Timgad

You will want to get an early start today to travel south to the unforgettable historical and archaeological sites of Timgad and Lambaesis. Before you reach Timgad stop at Medracen (Ancient Numidian Tomb), which is 58 meters in diameter and 19 meters tall.

Continue to Timgad and explore this site and museum. Here you will discover the library, temples, amphitheater, and arch of Trajan.

Your group may want to have lunch and then travel to Lambaesis to see the large structure of the legionary base. Hotel Hazem will be your place to rest this night.

Amphitheater at beautiful Djemila

Today you will want an early start to travel north to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila, which means ‘Beautiful’ in Arabic. The site lives up to its name as it is uniquely situated amongst rolling hills. You will have a guided visit to both the museum and the historic site. Explore the forum, basilicas, baptisteries, arch of Caracalla, Temple des Septimes, well-preserved Roman market, and theatre.

Your next stop will be the city of Setif where you will take a guided tour through the Museum of Archaeology and see the grand mosaic called ‘The Triumph of Dionysos’.

In the morning you will either take a flight or drive back to Algiers. When you arrive in Algiers you will have a guided tour and explore historical sites such as the Bastion 23, Fine Art Museum, or other sites that were missed on Day 1.

Today you will take a flight to Ghardaïa. If you have time between your arrival to Algiers and departure to Ghardaïa you will visit historic sites in Algiers.

Ghardaïa is located in the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage region of the M’Zab Valley. You will transfer to your hotel and if time is available, explore the markets and architecture which is unique to this region.

Ghardaia

Today you will step back in time as you enjoy the local customs and culture while visiting the historic cities and sites in the M’Zab Valley. Visit traditional markets, enjoy the lively atmosphere colors, and unique architecture. You will explore important religious monuments and mosques while admiring this region’s natural beauty.

You will take a flight to Algiers depending on your arrival time you will take a city tour in Algiers including the historic Kasbah. While on tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah you will wind through the narrow streets, see local artisans at work, take in the beautiful views of the sea, and explore historic sites.

Take an evening flight to Djanet and transfer to a guesthouse for the night.

The entry point for your legendary adventure through the deep Sahara Desert is the oasis town of Djanet. Located on the edge of the vast sand dunes of Erg Admer, this is your last stop before entering the Tassili mountains.

Local guides explain ancient cave art

In the morning, you will meet your team of guides and drivers and depart in a 4x4 for Tadrart. Equipped with all the gear you’ll need, head towards the extraordinary landscape of Sahara Desert mountains, canyons, and rock arches. Later today, be ready to see lost, ancient rock art paintings (12,000 BC to 100 AD) depicting cattle, giraffes, and people.

Your guides will prepare you dinner and camping arrangements in the canyon of D’In-Djarena, surrounded by yellow dunes for your first night under Saharan stars.

Continue through the picturesque Tadrart region along El Biredj, which is a wide desert canyon and valley to Moul el Naga. As you trek deeper into the Sahara, the grand sand dunes will change from a light color to a unique and beautiful reddish-orange hue.

Accommodation: Basic Camping

Some mega sand dunes can take hours to hike

After enjoying breakfast surrounded by incredible natural beauty, depart in 4x4 for In Zouatane. You will spend another day surrounded by spectacular other-worldly landscapes and dunes. Your guide will stop at various places to see the ancient rock art, which will give you an idea of how this Sahara region was once a wildlife-rich savannah plain.

Accommodation: Basic Camping

Hedgehod rock formation

Coming up, you’ll see distinct rock formations that have been carved by wind and rain over centuries. Check out the locally famous "hedgehog" rock formation, standing alone in its barren landscape.

Throughout the day, your guide will make additional stops at various rock formations and arches. The guide team will set up camp at Tin Merzouga, which is near the Niger and Libyan border. If you dare, hike up the nearby ‘red-colored’ sand dunes which reach up to 18,000 feet high and offer an unforgettable view.

Accommodation: Basic Camping

Crying cow cave carving

In the morning, depart by 4x4 for more once-in-a-lifetime adventures. If you have time, stop by a ‘World Cup' rock formation and a hidden oasis.

Finally, continue to Oued Amais to see the famous crying cow painting.

Accommodation: Basic Camping

Today you will take a flight back to Algiers. When you arrive in the city, you will check into the hotel and spend time relaxing after such an incredible Sahara adventure.

If you have time in the afternoon, you may also tour some of Algiers.