Algeria - Desert & History
15 Days Starting and ending in Algiers
Visiting: Algiers, Setif, Djemila, Constantine, Timgad, Biskra, Ghardaia, Timimoun, Tlemcen, Tipasa
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Algeria with our "Desert & History - Algeria Small Group Tour." This meticulously crafted tour invites you to discover the rich tapestry of Algeria's cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Algiers and its famous Casbah to the edge of the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert, every step of this tour is designed to enchant and educate. Marvel at the remarkably preserved Roman ruins scattered in fabulous locations, offering a window into the ancient past. Admire the architectural marvels of Constantine, where impressive bridges span the Rhumel Gorge, creating a sight to behold. With a focus on small groups, this tour ensures an intimate and enriching experience, guided by knowledgeable leaders who bring the history and culture of Algeria to life. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of ruins and archaeology, or simply someone who appreciates sightseeing in breathtaking locations, this tour promises an array of unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Algiers
Location: Algiers
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Suisse or similar
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. No meals or guiding arrangements are included today. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar.
Day 2 : Algiers
Location: Algiers
Accommodation Name: Hotel Suisse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Delving deeper into Algiers, we visit the Museum of Antiquities, and Bastion 23, also known as Palais des Rais, notable for it’s architecture and being the last surviving quarter of the lower Casbah. We wander the city’s unique casbah, another UNESCO site, an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture, and one of the most enigmatic places in Algiers. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar. (BD)
Day 3 : Algiers – Beni Hammad - Setif
Location: Setif
Accommodation Name: Hotel Best Western or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel east towards Setif stopping en route at the UNESCO site of Beni Hammad, and visit the National Museum of Setif, home to exhibits from several eras. Overnight at Hotel Best Western or similar. (BD)
Day 4 : Setif – Djemila - Constantine
Location: Djemila
Accommodation Name: Ibis Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today there’s a lot of ground to be covered. However, exploring the UNESCO sites of Djemila and its ancient garrison of Cuicul reveals some of North Africa’s best-preserved Berbero-Roman remains. Forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches are all present, but laid out to suit the terrain of a mountain town. From here we continue to Constantine. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 5 : Constantine
Location: Constantine
Accommodation Name: Ibis Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we explore Constantine itself, considered the capital of eastern Algeria, and named after Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. Visits include the archaeological museum and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the city’s last Ottoman governor. We will view the city’s famous bridges spanning the dramatic Rhumel Gorge, including the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 : Constantine - Timgad - Batna
Location: Timgad
Accommodation Name: Trajan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Taking the road south, our first stop is Medracen, the Tomb of the Numidian Kings, before continuing to the Aurès Mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman Timgad. Dating from 100AD, this is remarkable example of ancient town planning, and includes a huge library, colonnaded streets, temples, amphitheatre, the arch of Trajan, and a basilica. Nearby, we visit the Roman ruins of Lambaesis before continuing to the attractive city of Batna, capital of the Aurès region. Overnight at Trajan Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 7 : Batna – Biskra - El Oued
Location: Biskra
Accommodation Name: Hotel Souf or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Biskra stopping on the way in the area of the gorges of Tighanimine, site of the first shots of the Algerian rebellion, and the breathtaking canyon of Rhouffi. Continue to El Oued circled by the sands of the Grand Erg Oriental. Overnight at Hotel Souf or similar. (BLD)
Day 8 : El Oued - Ghardaia
Location: Ghardaia
Accommodation Name: M’zab Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the M’Zab Valley and its largest city Ghardaia which has a distinctive culture unlike the rest of Algeria. It has survived over the centuries as a result of the efforts of the local Mozabite people.It is a charming place and we spend two days observing the day to day routines and visiting the surrounding area. Overnight at M’zab Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 9 : El Oued - Ghardaia
Location: Ghardaia
Accommodation Name: M’zab Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the M’Zab Valley and its largest city Ghardaia which has a distinctive culture unlike the rest of Algeria. It has survived over the centuries as a result of the efforts of the local Mozabite people.It is a charming place and we spend two days observing the day to day routines and visiting the surrounding area. Overnight at M’zab Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 10 : Ghardaia - El Menia – Timimoun
Location: Timimoun
Accommodation Name: Gourara Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive first to El Menia and its ruined ksar and continue to the picturesque oasis of Timimoun with its distinctive red buildings. Overnight at Gourara Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 11 : Timimoun
Location: Timimoun
Accommodation Name: Gourara Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring this lovely oasis, with a picnic lunch out among the dunes. Overnight at Gourara Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 12 : Timimoun – Oran - Tlemcen
Location: Tlemcen
Accommodation Name: Ibis Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Oran (two-and-a-half-hours) and drive from there to Tlemcen, once an important town, which contains a superb collection of historic buildings and has a distinct French flavour. Overnight at Ibis Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 13 : Tlemcen - Oran
Location: Tlemcen
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pacha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we visit the important sites of Tlemcen including the Grand Mosque, one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa, the ruins of the 13th century Mansourah and the tomb of Sidi Boumedienne. In the afternoon drive to Oran and spend time exploring the city including the Bey’s Palace and the 18th Century Grand Mosque. Overnight at Hotel Pacha or similar. (BD)
Day 14 : Oran - Algiers - Tipasa – Algiers
Location: Tipasa
Accommodation Name: Hotel Suisse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning for a flight to Algiers and on arrival drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, home to a wealth of archaeological remains. We tour a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including villas and an ancient amphitheatre, that overlooks the Mediterranean. On the way back to Algiers we call in at the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, a Numidian site that despite its name is believed to date from the 3rd century BC. Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar. (BD)
Day 15 : Algiers - Departure From Algeria
Location: Algiers
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s time to relax and take stock of a remarkable trip before your transfer to the international airport for your flight back home. (B)
What's Included
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers from and to the airport are included.
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Overland transport
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver is provided.
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Domestic flights
All domestic flights as shown in the itinerary are included.
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Accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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English-speaking guide / tour leader
Services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader are provided.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Airport taxes
Airport taxes not included (except included with any domestic airfares)
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa fees
Visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included in the tour price.
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Personal expenses
Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and communications are not included.
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Tips
Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Transportation is seamlessly arranged, including airport transfers, overland travel with a professional driver, and domestic flights as per the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy a variety of comfortable accommodations throughout the tour, including stays at well-selected hotels such as Hotel Suisse or similar, ensuring a restful experience after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes arrival and departure transfers, overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver, all domestic flights as shown in the itinerary, all accommodation during the tour, services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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What type of accommodations can be expected during the tour?
Accommodations during the tour include Hotel Suisse or similar in Algiers, Hotel Best Western or similar in Setif, Ibis Hotel or similar in Constantine, Trajan Hotel or similar in Batna, Hotel Souf or similar in El Oued, M’zab Hotel or similar in Ghardaia, Gourara Hotel in Timimoun, and Hotel Pacha or similar in Oran.
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What are the highlights of the Desert & History - Algeria Small Group Tour?
The highlights of the tour include discovering Algiers and its famous Casbah, spending time at the edge of the Sahara Desert, marveling at the well-preserved Roman ruins, many of which are in fabulous locations, and admiring Constantine with its impressive bridges spanning the Rhumel Gorge.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Algiers.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include airport taxes (except included with any domestic airfares), travel insurance, visa fees, drinks, items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and communications, and tips for guides and drivers.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
Reviews of this operator
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1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person 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 undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.