Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
AG1
Start
Algiers (ALG)
End
Algiers (ALG)
Tour type
Cultural
Max Group Size
18
When To Go
Apr, Oct
Activity Level
2 - Moderate
Overnight in
Algiers, Constantine, Ghardaia
- Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Visit a Saharan town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Experience the variety of cultures in Algeria
- Shop in beautiful colourful souks
- Go back hundreds of years as you explore preserved medieval architecture and ancient sites (such as Timgad, pictured on this page)
Description
Our Algeria tour focuses on the incredible historical sites of northern Algeria, as well as it's beguiling traditional and modern-day cultural attributes. We also experience village life, a fascinating combination of traditional and present-day North Africa.
Price Includes
- Full-time Tour Leader services and local guide support.
- Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily.
- All accommodation (twin-share), transport, and sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
- Domestic flights via local scheduled carriers as per the itinerary.
- Our assistance in receiving your Visa-on-Arrival
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour.
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, and visa fees.
- Optional single supplement. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on packing, optional meal costs, and visas.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
Our tour occurs entirely in the northern part of the country, a temperate zone that enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate. It lies within approximately the same latitudes as southern California and has somewhat similar climatic conditions. Its broken topography, however, provides sharp local contrasts in both prevailing temperatures and incidence of rainfall.
Our dates in spring and fall will see comfortable mild-to-warm temperatures and the possibility of rain showers at any time. Spring will see green landscape and possibly wildflowers, while our fall date will enjoy the possibility of locally-produced fruits and vegetables. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Land transport will be via private air-conditioned bus. Though we will have some full days of travel and sightseeing, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Roads are generally in good condition, though a little winding on some stretches. We have a couple of internal flights via scheduled local airlines.
Though Algeria has stabilized greatly since its civil war ending in 2002, for security reasons we avoid areas near borders with neighbouring countries and restrict our explorations to the well-controlled and secure northern part of the country. At this time we do not currently offer the far south of the country, which is remote and not as well-patrolled. That said, we do get a nice taste of desert life on the edge of the Sahara in Ghardaia.
Though our routes are already well-policed, our local partners may choose to assign a security escort on some stretches if deemed prudent due to prevailing conditions. We encourage all travellers (as we do for any destination) to review online government advisories that provide guidance on, among other things, issues concerning security. We are presently very confident that your journey will be problem-free and want to ensure that you feel likewise before choosing to join this trip.
Our 'Level 2' difficulty rating reflects our comfortable transport and road journeys on good roads that are not terribly long. Heat should also not be a significant factor during our two dates. That said, our program is ambitious with plenty of moving around, some full days, early starts, remote locations, and plenty of time on your feet -- walking tours of towns and cities and at sites, some of which are large.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels and inns throughout; our hotel in Ghardaia, however, is of a simpler standard but is clean and charming with local atmosphere (it does not have a website). All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is usually available (see '˜Inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited in number and possibly smaller than twins.
Please click on the 'Map & Hotels' tab for more information. - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader, local guide, driver/s throughout. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.
Download Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in AlgiersToday we arrive in Algiers - welcome to Algeria!
Algiers, originally called Al-Jaza'ir, is built into the Sahel hills and runs for ten miles along the Bay of Algiers, located on the Mediterranean coast. This coastal location made it perfect for the Barbary pirate stronghold it would become in 1529, when the pirate "Redbeard" expelled the Spanish from the island of Penon, gaining control of the city for the Ottoman Empire. The country's turbulent history is writ large in the city's richly textured architecture: wide French-built boulevards and elegant apartments and villas, Socialist-era monuments and public buildings, and an enduring Islamic heart secreted in the steep, hillside Casbah.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Best of Algiers City TourLocated on the Mediterranean coast, Algiers is a city of contrasts, with a blend of modern and traditional architecture, as well as stunning natural beauty. Tourists to Algiers can explore its rich cultural heritage, including its Ottoman and French colonial influences, or take in the breathtaking views of the Bay of Algiers. Algiers is a city full of culture and history, and a great destination to explore.
Today we'll tour Algiers, including the historic Kasbaha built in the 16th century, a maze of pretty small alleys and whitewashed houses. There are also quite a few nice boulevards dating back from the days of the French who come in Algiers in 1830 and stayed for 130 years. We will also visit the beautiful Church of Notre Dame d'Afrique that dominates the long bay above Bab El Oued and it offers a beautiful view and it has a fine ecclesiastical architecture.
We then reach the 17th century Ketchaoua Mosque, one of the best-preserved Ottoman mosques of the lower Casbah, followed by one of the most important, prestigious, and historical monument of Algiers, The Palais des Rais, located on the sea. This is a set of three palaces, where we discover their historical aspect and enjoy roaming through its secret room. Nearby, we pass the Mosque of the Fishermen and walk along the seafront.
We make our way downtown to Martyr's Square, where you can see a large modern mosque in vivid yellow colour. We walk past the most colossal building of the downtown, the Grand Post Office, a fine example of French-designed, early 20th-century Moorish architecture.
After finishing up with downtown, we head to one of the most inviting places in Algiers, the Botanical Garden of El Hamma, a large garden dedicated to the collection and preservation of wide range of plants, gigantic trees, and a central area with fountains and lawns. It's a great area to escape the heat and relax.
Our next and final stop will be the landmark and the most imposing 92-meter-tall Monument to the Martyrs, situated on a hill and overlooking the whole city and apparent from different angles of Algiers.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Algiers - Djemila - ConstantineThis morning leave the city and travel through attractive hilly farming countryside to Djemila (a World Heritage Site), Arabic for 'pretty town', considered to be the most outstanding Roman site in Algeria. Situated 900m (2,950 ft) above sea level, Djemila, with its forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, is an interesting example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location. While the site itself is not one of the largest in North Africa, Djemila stands out as one of the best-preserved Roman ruins of North Africa. We will visit the Djemila Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts discovered at the archaeological site. There you can discover sculptures, mosaics and objects of daily life from the Roman era. This will give you a fascinating insight into life in Djemila during Roman times.
We end our day in Constantine after a full day of travel and sightseeing.
Overnight in Constantine.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Constantine & TimgadWe start the day with a 3-hour drive to Timgad, Roman Thamugadi (a World Heritage Site), located on the northern slopes of the Aures Atlas Mountains. It was founded as a military colony by the Emperor Trajan in AD 100. Originally designed for a population of around 15,000, the city quickly outgrew its original specifications and spilled beyond the grid in a more loosely-organized fashion, an excellent example of Roman town planning. Although only partly excavated, Timgad is spectacular in both its scale and its setting.
We continue to the famous royal Mausoleum Immedghassen, designed for funerary worship, and believed to be the tomb of a notable, possibly a Numidian king.
We return to Constantine.
Overnight in Constantine.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Constantine City Tour - Fly to Algiers*We spend the morning enjoying this breathtaking city; Constantine is set astride a spectacular gorge that splits the city in two. We'll explore the suspension bridges, the Constantine Cirta Museum, Kasbah, and Palace of Ahmed Bey.
After a visit to Emir Abdelkader Mosque, we fly back to Algiers.
* PLEASE NOTE: This flight has often been subject to delays and, if the situation does not improve in time for your chosent travel date, we may choose to cover this distance by road rather than be held up late into the night. Your Tour Leader will advise while on tour.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 6:Algiers: Cherchell, Tipaza & Tomb of the Christians - Fly to GhardaiaToday we travel west to the ruins of Tipaza (also Tipasa), originally a Phoenician trading post but a Roman colony in the 2nd century AD onwards. Later it became one of the most important Christian settlements in Northern Africa. With the coming of the Vandals and their Arian Christianity in 430, most of the inhabitants fled to Spain. According to legend, the inhabitants had their tongues cut out, but by a miracle they could still speak! One the most interesting sites at Tipaza is the mausoleum built in the 5th century where there are 14 places for sarcophagi. The museum is small but full of valuable mosaics taken from the Basilica dating back to 1st century AD.
After a break for lunch in Tipaza (known for its excellent seafood), we continue to Cherchell and the ruins of the former Roman port of Caesarea. Today Cherchell is the seat of Cherchell District in Tipaza Province; under the names Iol and Caesarea, it was formerly a Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman colony and the capital of the kingdoms of Numidia and Mauretania.
On our way back to Algiers we'll stop at the pyramid-like structure of the Tomb of the Christians, set on a hill with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. The tomb pre-dates the Christian era and probably belongs to the pre- Roman era of the Numidian rulers.
Late afternoon flight Algiers to Ghardaia. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage region of the M’Zab valley. We'll transfer to our hotel and, time-permitting, explore the markets and architecture unique to this region.
The valley, on the edge of the Sahara, is actually a cluster of five towns: Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura, and El-Atteuf. Often referred to collectively as Ghardaia, the once distinct villages are gradually sprawling together, but retain separate identities.
Overnight in Ghardaia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:Ghardaia: M'Zab Valley, El Attefu & Bon NouriaThe M’Zab is home to a conservative Muslim sect known as the Ibadites, who broke from mainstream Islam some 900 years ago. This is, some say, a country unto itself, with ancient, unchanging social codes. The traditional white haik (a head-to-toe wool wrap) is worn by most women, who cover their entire face, exposing only one eye. Men sport extravagantly pleated baggy trousers called saroual loubia. While locals here can be reserved, it's a friendly and surprisingly laid-back place.
Today step back in time as we enjoy the local customs and culture while visiting the historic cities and sites in the M’Zab valley. We spend a full day visiting traditional market places, enjoying the lively atmosphere and lively colours and unique architecture. We wander narrow streets, visit important religious monuments and mosques, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Overnight in Ghardaia.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 8:Ghardaia - Fly to AlgiersToday we fly back to the capital.
Overnight in Algiers.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:DepartureDeparture from Algiers.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: North Africa
Countries Visited: Algeria
Countries Visited: Algeria
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.6
Extend Your Trip
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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1-800-665-3998
- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
- A non-refundable $500 USD deposit is payable at the time of booking
- Optional Single Supplement: $650 USD (number of singles limited).
- Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee. (Read our cancellation policy for more info.)
- BOOKINGS CLOSE AT 60 DAYS PRIOR
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. Get general information on flights to/from the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").
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