Roman Ruins & Sahara Sands Tour

Arrive to the historic city of Algiers and transfer to the hotel. If you have an early arrival, your guide will take you on a city tour, which may include the historic Notre Dame d’Afrique and Palais des Rais. You may also visit the Bardo museum, which is set in a beautiful Moorish villa. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

After breakfast, you will depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Roman site of Tipaza. This is arguably one of the most picturesque archaeological sites in the country. Located beside the clear Mediterranean Sea and mountains, Tipaza was originally founded by the Phoenicians and later became an important commercial center for the Romans. Explore the archeological site, which includes the largest basilica in North Africa and the Basilica of Saint Salsa, who was a local martyr in the 4th century. When you are ready, you will travel back to Algiers. On the way, you will explore the Tomb of the Christian, which is a pyramid-like structure that is also the royal mausoleum of Mauritania. Take a late afternoon or evening flight to Annaba. Meet your driver in Annaba and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

Start the day off with a trip to the museum, site of Hippo Regius, and the Cathedral of Saint Augustine. Explore large Roman mosaics and antiques found in the region that are on display at the museum. The archaeolgoical site hosts a large Roman forum and the famous, ‘Basilica of Peace’ where Saint 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 stain glass windows which retell the story of Saint Augustine’s life. Travel to Constantine for night. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

After breakfast, you will travel south to the hillside site of Tiddis and take a guided tour. At the entrance to the site, you will walk through the triumphal arch and pass by the sanctuary of Mithras. Your tour guide will point out the Christian basilica and the Roman houses. 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 Palace of Ahmed Bey. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

You will want to get an early start today to travel south to the 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 the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Timgad and explore this ancient Roman military colony dated back to AD100. Here you will discover the ruins of a library, temples, amphitheater, and arch of Trajan. After this, you 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. Accommodation: Hotel Hazem (3-star)

Today you will want an early start to travel north to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila, meaning ‘Beautiful’ in Arabic. The site lives up to its name as it is uniquely situated amongst rolling hills. You will have a guided visit of 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’. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

In the morning, you will either take a flight or drive back to Algiers. When you arrive to 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. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

Today you will take a flight to Ghardaia. If you have time between your arrival to Algiers and departure to Ghardaia you will visit historic sites in Algiers. Ghardaia is located in the picturesuqe UNESCO World Heritage region of the M’Zab valley. Transfer to your hotel. If time permits, you can explore the nearby markets and architecture which is unique to this region. Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse

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. Accommodation: Traditional Guesthouse

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 narriow streets, see local artisans at work, take in the beautiful views of the sea, and explore historic sites. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

Enjoy additional city visits in Algiers in the morning if there is time before the flight to Bechar. Transfer to the hotel in Taghit and take in the local sites of the Sahara and the Oasis. Accommodation: Hotel Saoura 4 star

Taghit is said to be one of the most beautiful Oasis towns in the Sahara region. Today you will visit the Old Ksar (fort), walk through the old town with the mud-brick houses and narrow alleyways. Be sure to climb up the imposing dunes of the Grand Erg which feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Continue on with your tour to see the unique cave paintings (camels and ostriches). Taghit is the beginning of a 600km stretch of dunes forming the Great Erg Occidental. Accommodation: Hotel Saoura 4 star

Today you will take a domestic flight back to Algiers. Depending on your flight departure, you can spend more time exploring the oasis towns of Taghit and its dunes. If you have an early arrival back to Algiers and if time permits, you may be able to visit another museum or site in Algiers. Accommodation options: 3, 4, 5 star

Your guide will take you to the airport for your departure flight. *Itinerary subject to modification according to local conditions