Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert

Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert

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16 Days From

$4490

Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert

16 Days Starting and ending in Algiers, Algeria

Visiting: Algiers, Tipaza, Cherchell, Ghardaia, Beni Isguen, Malika, El Ateuf, M'sila, Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Timgad, Batna, Constantine, Setif, Djanet, Tadrart, Tin Koukak, Tikoubaouine

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

AYD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Camping

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4490 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Algeria, exploring ancient Roman sites and the vast Sahara Desert. Begin your journey in Algiers, staying at the luxurious El Aurassi Hotel, before venturing to the Roman ruins of Tipaza and Cherchell. Fly to Ghardaia, where you'll explore the unique settlements of the M'Zab Valley. Continue your journey to M'sila, visiting the fortress of Beni Hammad and the ancient city of Timgad. Discover the vibrant city of Constantine and the historical town of Setif. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Djanet and the Tadrart region, camping under the stars in wild camps. Traverse the stunning canyons of Markawandi and Djaren, and explore the captivating area of Tikoubaouine. Conclude your adventure with a return flight to Algiers, enriched by the diverse cultural and natural wonders of Algeria. Enjoy a variety of meals throughout the tour, including 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

Highlights

  • Visit the Roman sites of Tipaza and Cherchell on the Mediterranean coast.

  • Explore Ghardaia and the settlements of Beni Isguen, Malika, and El Ateuf in the M'Zab Valley.

  • Discover the Al Qal'a (fortress) of Beni Hammad and the ancient city of Timgad.

  • Experience the vibrant city of Constantine.

  • Journey through the stunning landscapes of Djanet and Tadrart.

  • Explore the breathtaking Djaren canyon.

  • Visit the picturesque West Djanet and Tikoubaouine.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join trip in Algiers

Location: Algiers

Accommodation Name: El Aurassi Hotel

Day 2: Visit the Roman sites of Tipaza and Cherchell on the Mediterranean coast. Evening flight to Ghardaia on the edge of the Sahara

Location: Tipaza, Cherchell, Ghardaia

Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Belvudere

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Full day exploring Ghardaia and the settlements of Beni Isguen, Malika and El Ateuf in the M?Zab Valley

Location: Ghardaia, Beni Isguen, Malika, El Ateuf

Accommodation Name: Hotel Le Belvudere

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Drive to M'sila

Location: M'sila

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalaa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Visit Al Qal'a (fortress) of Beni Hammad and Timgad, overnight in Batna

Location: Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Timgad, Batna

Accommodation Name: Timgad Hotel Hazem

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Constantine

Location: Constantine

Accommodation Name: Novotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Constantine

Location: Constantine

Accommodation Name: Novotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Setif

Location: Setif

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tadj El Mouada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Djanet

Location: Djanet

Accommodation Name: Hotel Tenere

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Tadrart

Location: Tadrart

Accommodation Name: Tadrart Wildcamp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Markawandi

Accommodation Name: Markawandi Wildcamp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Tin Koukak

Location: Tin Koukak

Accommodation Name: Tin Koukak Wildcamp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Djaren canyon

Accommodation Name: Djaren Canyon Wildcamp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: West Djanet, Tikoubaouine

Location: Djanet, Tikoubaouine

Accommodation Name: Tikoubaouine Wildcamp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Djanet

Location: Djanet

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 16: Fly back to Algiers where the trip ends

Location: Algiers

What's Included

  • Pick-up and Drop-off

    The tour includes pick-up from the hotel reception at 19:00 and drop-off at Algiers International Airport at 06:00.

  • Guided Tours

    The tour includes visits to Roman sites, the Sahara Desert, and various historical locations in Algeria.

  • Internal Flights

    The tour includes an evening flight from the Mediterranean coast to Ghardaia on the edge of the Sahara.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Algeria are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Algeria with a mix of flights, including an evening flight to Ghardaia, and scenic drives to destinations like M'sila and Constantine, ensuring a seamless journey across diverse landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with stays at the El Aurassi Hotel in Algiers, Hotel Le Belvudere in Ghardaia, and Timgad Hotel Hazem in Batna, complemented by unique wildcamp experiences in Tadrart, Markawandi, Tin Koukak, and Djaren Canyon.

Meals

Breakfasts: 14
Lunches: 6
Dinners: 5

Check out our Q&As

  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts in Algiers and ends at Algiers International Airport.

  • What is the pick-up location and time for the tour?

    The pick-up location is at the hotel reception, and the pick-up time is at 19:00.

  • What is the drop-off time at the end of the tour?

    The drop-off time at the end of the tour is 06:00.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides a mix of hotel accommodations and wild camping experiences.

  • How many meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

  • What are some of the key locations visited during the tour?

    Key locations include the Roman sites of Tipaza and Cherchell, Ghardaia, the settlements of Beni Isguen, Malika, and El Ateuf in the M'Zab Valley, Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad, Timgad, Constantine, Setif, Djanet, Tadrart, Markawandi, Tin Koukak, Djaren canyon, and Tikoubaouine.

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast

02-Nov-2021

' Excellent trip with a mixture of easy riding days, mixed with great scenary ' The trip was excellently organised by the group leader. The accommodation was very good throughout the trip. The bikes were ideal for this trip.

Gemma Jackson  

Peru Encompassed - spectacular trip

02-Jan-2023

I booked for my husband and I to go on the Peru Encompassed trip with the 3 day Amazon extension trip tagged on the end, we also booked to go to Lima few days early to get over the jetlag and see something of Lima before setting off on the group trip. Everything was booked for us by Explore! with seamless ease and without any hitches. This was the first time I had booked onto an organised trip so I was a bit concerned it might not be for us. How wrong I was. We were a group of 9, ranging from 30s to 60s, and a mixture of couples and singles and different nationalities. As a group we gelled really well and chose to spend most of our free time together which made the trip great fun. As for the trip itself, it surpassed all expectations. The Peru Encompassed trip was superb. I don't think any other country offers so much culture, wildlife, specular scenery and amazing food, all of which we experienced in abundance on the trip. We had a local tour guide for the whole trip who was fantastic and then expert guides joined us on different legs of the journey. We learned so much as a result. The highlights for me were visiting the local market in Arequipa with our guide and sampling lots of different fruit and street foods, the day on Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu itself. We booked an additional trip to go back ourselves the second morning which was great as we could do a different route around the ruins and get different views from the afternoon before. Our final highlight was the additional 3 day trip to the Amazon staying at the Hacienda Conception. The lodges were immersed in the jungle which was wonderful if noisy! the food was fab and the daily trips provided were excellent. It was a great relaxing way to end the trip although it did rain quite a bit. Both my husband and I said our trip to Peru was one of the best trips we have ever done.

Trustpilot
Ms D Brown  

Excellent company

07-Dec-2022

Excellent company, there are so many trips, you really get looked after. Everything is dealt with by your Tour Leader, all logistics are taken care of and usually things go smoothly, I only use explore because I know what to expect each time, that makes me happy, with a stress free holiday

Trustpilot
Tracy granger   US

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14-Apr-2025

Ibrahim our guide on this trip was exceptional. First thing was to give us a map of our journey. I love maps. As a small group we received his personal attention explaining much more than expected. Returning to Morocco after a 12 day tour (with a different tour group) in Jan/Feb I knew 20 days would satisfied my passion to see more of Morocco. Having lunch not included allowed several opportunities for picnics along the long drives. Ibrahim and Rachid (our driver) knew the perfect spots. Grocery store shopping was a treat. Not always having preset lunch or dinner allowed us to sample different food options at very reasonable prices. Both Tent options different but good. Highlight of 4WD Tent was to see a Mother Camel with her day old baby in the wild. Ibrahim allowed us enough free time when possible. Several hotels need to be upgraded. The bus was always clean and driven with care. Ibrahim is very passionate about Morocco welcoming you from your home country. tg

Stephen  

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08-Nov-2021

Very well organised tour. Brilliant Tour Leader who went out of her way to make sure everyone was happy and enjoyed the trip. The Azores are an incredible location with amazing scenery and good food.

Barbara in Beckenham  

Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

05-Nov-2021

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
$4490 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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