Classic Northern Algeria

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.

After breakfast, depart for Djemila to explore one of North Africa’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. Continue to Constantine, the dramatic “City of Bridges,” where you will check in to your hotel for a three-night stay.

Begin your day exploring the 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.

A 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.

This morning, fly to Oran, Algeria’s second city. Dramatically set on the Mediterranean coast, Oran is shaped by centuries of Spanish, Ottoman and French influence. This afternoon, enjoy an introductory tour of the city, exploring the elegant French colonial quarter with its broad boulevards and impressive colonial architecture. Visit the former Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, one of Oran’s most distinctive landmarks, admire the beautifully restored theatre and stroll through the lively city centre, where grand civic buildings, bustling cafés and leafy squares evoke the city’s cosmopolitan past. Tonight, dinner is at Le Cintra (or similar), a landmark restaurant in the heart of Oran, where classic Algerian dishes and Mediterranean influences are served in an elegant historic setting.

Spend today discovering more of Oran’s rich heritage. Begin at the Bey’s Palace, an elegant Ottoman residence that offers a fascinating insight into life under Ottoman rule. Continue to the Ahmed Zabana National Museum, whose collections trace the region’s history from prehistory through the Roman, Islamic and colonial periods. Later, ascend Santa Cruz Hill, one of Oran’s defining landmarks, where the imposing sixteenth-century Spanish fortress and the Chapel of Santa Cruz command spectacular views across the city, harbour and Mediterranean coastline. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before returning to your hotel.

Today, visit Tlemcen, widely regarded as Algeria’s capital of Moorish art and Islamic culture. Begin your tour at the historic El Mechouar Palace, exploring its restored Royal Citadel, peaceful gardens, and zellij-tiled courtyards. Visit the 12th-century Great Mosque of Tlemcen, one of the finest surviving examples of Almoravid architecture, before strolling through the vibrant covered market of La Kissariya to admire local crafts and traditional textiles. Continue to the nearby complex of Sidi Boumediene, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to a revered Sufi saint, before pausing to marvel at the impressive ruined minaret and monumental walls of Mansourah, the 14th-century Merinid fortified city, prior to your return to Oran.

Leaving Oran this morning, travel along the Mediterranean coast and uncover more of Algeria’s rich ancient heritage. The first stop is 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. Continue along the coast to 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. Your final stop before arriving in Algiers is the striking Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a monumental circular stone tomb perched high above the Mediterranean. Continue to Algiers, checking in to your hotel before enjoying a dinner of traditional Algerian cuisine at El Djenina.

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