Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert
Ancient Algeria and the Sahara Desert
$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:
Tour code:
AYD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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Guided Tours
The tour includes visits to Roman sites, the Sahara Desert, and various historical locations in Algeria.
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Internal Flights
The tour includes an evening flight from the Mediterranean coast to Ghardaia on the edge of the Sahara.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Algeria are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other personal purchases are not included.
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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: 14Lunches: 6
Dinners: 5
Check out our Q&As
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Algiers and ends at Algiers International Airport.
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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.
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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.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a mix of hotel accommodations and wild camping experiences.
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How many meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Sunday
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.