Algeria & Tunisia Tour: Across the Maghreb

Embark on a full day of sightseeing from Algiers to uncover Algeria’s rich ancient heritage along the Mediterranean coast. Your day begins with a visit to the striking Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a monumental circular stone tomb perched high above the Mediterranean. From there, travel along the coast to Cherchell, the historic Greco-Roman capital of ancient Caesarea. Explore the museum’s exceptional collection of classical sculptures and remarkably intact Roman mosaics and wander through the market and plaza to observe local life. Conclude your exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipaza, where extraordinary Roman basilicas, amphitheatres, and ancient streets sit dramatically nestled between lush pine forests and the azure sea. Return to Algiers.

Immerse yourself in a full-day exploration of Algiers, a historic Maghreb city where French colonial grandiosity seamlessly meets ancient Ottoman heritage. Begin your morning strolling the vibrant boulevards of Centre Ville to admire classic Haussmann-style architecture and the Neo-Moorish grandeur of La Grande Poste, perhaps pausing for a coffee at a pavement café. Ascend to the Upper Casbah to explore the winding stone alleyways of this UNESCO-listed medina before enjoying a traditional home-cooked lunch at a local residence. Continue downhill past the 17th-century El Djedid Mosque to Martyrs’ Square, then proceed to the soaring Martyrs’ Memorial (Maqam Echahid), a landmark visible across the city, and explore its underground museum to discover Algeria’s historic struggle for independence. Later today, you will be transferred to the airport for an evening flight to Annaba. Arriving in Annaba, you will transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Begin your day exploring the historic coastal city of Annaba, visiting the expansive ancient ruins of Hippone, where Saint Augustine once preached among Roman mosaics and quiet olive groves. Afterwards, journey inland through scenic landscapes toward Constantine, stopping en route to discover the Royal Mausoleum of Massinissa, the impressive final resting place of Numidia’s legendary king. Arrive late this afternoon in breathtaking Constantine, the dramatic “City of Bridges,” where you will check in for a three-night stay.

Full day excursion discovering the Numidian and Roman heritage of the ancient Aurès region. Stop first at Medracem to marvel at the rotund royal mausoleum built in the 3rd century BC. Continue to Lambaesis to wander through the vast remains of the former Roman legionary headquarters, admiring its remarkably preserved Praetorium and grand arches. Continue to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Timgad, where you have lunch before exploring Emperor Trajan’s iconic grid-planned city, strolling along stone-paved streets past the towering Arch of Trajan, the ancient theatre, and the museum’s vast collection of intricate mosaics.

Begin your day exploring the dramatic, hilltop Roman ruins of Tiddis, wandering through its uniquely terraced streets, ancient archways, and rock-cut sanctuaries carved into the hillside. Afterwards, return to Constantine to discover the breathtaking ‘City of Bridges’. Spend the afternoon exploring this spectacular mountain citadel, crossing iconic suspension bridges suspended high above the sheer drop of the Rhumel Gorge, strolling through the historic Casbah, and admiring the opulent tiled courtyards of the Palace of Ahmed Bey.

After breakfast, depart for Djemila and explore one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular UNESCO-listed Roman sites, perched dramatically amidst rolling green hills. Wander through the remarkably preserved ancient city to admire the majestic Arch of Caracalla, the grand forum, and the well-preserved theatre, before viewing the world-class collection of Roman mosaics in the site museum. Afterwards, continue your journey westward to Algiers, checking in to your hotel before enjoying a dinner of traditional Algerian cuisine.

Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Algiers International Airport for the short flight to Tunis. Upon arrival in the Tunisian capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tunis Old Town.

Begin your Tunis sightseeing by exploring the city’s thronging souqs and grand monuments within its walled medina. After lunch in a beautiful old mansion, visit the famed Bardo Museum where a world-class collection of wonderfully executed Roman mosaics and sculptures is displayed. Conclude the day along the shores of the Gulf of Tunis, stepping back in time amidst the atmospheric seaside ruins of ancient Carthage, once the formidable capital of the Punic Empire.

Some of the greatest treasures of the Roman world lie inland from Tunis in what was the ancient province (and former kingdom) of Numidia. First, visit Bulla Regia, once the capital of the 2nd-century Numidian king Micipsa, and see the well-preserved Roman underground villas. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, widely regarded as the finest Roman site in Tunisia. Perched majestically on a hillside overlooking olive groves, explore its breathtaking Capitol, theatre, and temples in near-solitude.

Proceed to Zaghouan to admire the monumental Temple of the Waters, the ancient spring house that once supplied Carthage via a grand Roman aqueduct. Afterwards, continue to Kairouan, revered as the fourth holiest city in Islam. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon walking tour through the historic Medina and traditional artisan souqs, renowned for fine carpet weaving.

Start your day visiting Kairouan’s grandest monument, the 9th-century Great Mosque of Okba, featuring its iconic square minaret and forest of marble columns. Drive south across the plains to El Djem to see the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, an architectural masterpiece even better preserved than Rome’s Colosseum. After exploring its vast tiers and underground galleries, visit the nearby museum to view its exceptional collection of Roman mosaics before returning to Kairouan.

Leaving Kairouan, head to the coastal city of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage town noted for its impressive walled medina. Explore Sousse before continuing along the Gulf of Hammamet to the whitewashed seaside town of Hammamet. Wander through its scenic coastal Medina, visit the historic Villa Sebastian cultural centre, and view the ancient ruins of Roman Pupput. Finally, journey to the picturesque cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said for a relaxing two-night stay.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sidi Bou Said, perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its iconic blue-domed houses, bougainvillaea-draped archways, and cobblestone lanes, it is considered Tunisia’s most charming village. Spend the day browsing local art galleries and artisan boutiques, relaxing at your hotel, or sipping a drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants as you take in sweeping sea views.

Today, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Tunis International Airport for your onward flight.