Highlights of Northern Algeria
Highlights of Northern Algeria
The Highlights of Northern Algeria tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the country's rich history, varied cultures, and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon your arrival in Algiers, you’ll immediately feel the warmth of Algerian hospitality. The capital city is a captivating blend of Ottoman elegance, French colonial charm, and modern energy, providing a perfect introduction to Algeria's layered heritage. From Algiers, the adventure leads you through historic towns, impressive Roman ruins, and stunning mountain vistas, offering a unique glimpse into a land filled with ancient stories and remarkable cultural treasures.
In Tipasa, you'll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals the area’s ancient significance. Once a thriving Punic trading post and later a Roman stronghold, the coastal ruins tell tales of its rich past. You can visit the majestic Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania before returning to Algiers to see the neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique, which overlooks the Mediterranean. The views from here capture the stunning beauty of Algeria's coastline, while the charming, whitewashed streets of the old quarter provide a closer look into traditional Maghreb architecture and Algerian life.
As you head inland, the landscape transforms into rolling mountains and rugged terrain upon reaching Djemila. This ancient city, also a UNESCO site, is home to some of the best-preserved Berbero-Roman ruins in Algeria. From intricate mosaics to majestic temples and grand arches, the site showcases the remarkable achievements of ancient builders who cleverly adapted to the mountainous surroundings.
Next, you’ll visit Constantine, famed for its remarkable high suspension bridges that span the dramatic Rhumel Gorge. This city blends Ottoman palaces and grand mosques with a fascinating archaeological museum brimming with treasures. The striking setting of Constantine above the gorge, combined with its rich history, makes it one of Algeria’s most picturesque destinations.
The journey continues south to Timgad, where you can truly appreciate the brilliance of Roman engineering. The city features an impressive amphitheatre, colonnaded streets, a grand library, and the iconic Arch of Trajan, all of which highlight the sophisticated urban planning of the time.
Finally, the tour wraps up back in Algiers, allowing time for a leisurely stroll through the vibrant city, soaking in the sights and sounds of bustling downtown.
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Algeria’s history and spectacular sites, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the country's ancient legacy, diverse culture, and friendly people.
Day 1 – Welcome to Algeria
Meet, greet and assist at the International Airport of Algiers before transferring to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar.
Day 2 - Tipasa and Algiers
You will start the day with a visit to the Roman ruins of Tipasa and the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was a Punic trading post later conquered by the Romans. Return to Algiers to enjoy an excursion through the city. Visit the neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique (Our Lady of Africa), perched on a promontory pointing towards Rome, commanding panoramic views. Explore the legendary whitewashed old city. A UNESCO-listed site, it is an outstanding example of a historic Maghreb city that remained continuously inhabited while modern Algiers grew.
Overnight at Suisse Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - Djemila (Approximate driving time: 6 hours)
Today, you will be heading inland and travelling along a spectacular scenic route to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila. Once you arrive at this fabulous site, marvel at the mosaics displayed in the museum. With just over 1000 square metres of mosaics, this represents the best collection in Algeria. Exploring this beautiful site and its ancient garrison of Cuicul reveals some of North Africa's best-preserved Berbero-Roman remains. Forums, temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches are all present, but they are laid out to suit the terrain of a mountain town. From here, you will continue to Constantine.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 4 - Constantine
After breakfast, you explore Constantine, considered the capital of eastern Algeria and named after Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Visits include the archaeological museum, the great mosque, and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the city's last Ottoman governor. You will view the city's famous bridges spanning the dramatic Rhumel Gorge, including the Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 5 - Timgad (Approximate driving time: 4 hours)
As you travel south, your 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 a remarkable example of ancient town planning and includes a vast library, collonaded streets, temples, an amphitheatre, the arch of Trajan, and a basilica.
Overnight at Novotel Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 6 - Algiers (Approximate driving time: 5 hours)
This morning, you will drive back to Algiers. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk in downtown Algiers.
Overnight at Hotel Suisse or similar
Day 7 – Depart Algeria
Depending on your return flight schedule, transfer to Algiers International Airport for your flight back home.
(B).
Departure Dates
16 May to 22 May 2025
21 September to 27 September 2025
15 May to 21 May 2026
20 September to 26 September 2026
Price
£2295 per person (based on two people travelling and sharing a double room)
Single supplement - £275
The Highlights of Northern Algeria tour can be tailor-made to your exact requirements. Our expert travel consultants can design the tour to your budget and preferences. Just get in contact to find out more.
Private Guided Tour - Scheduled to your dates and requirements -contact us for costs
- Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
- All tours led by a professional English speaking guide
- All sites entry tickets
- All transport in a modern vehicle
- Accommodation as shown
- Meals as shown (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus meals other than those mentioned on the program.
- Expenditure of a personal nature, laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
- Early check in/ late checkout fees if required
- Gratuities for local tour guide
Government Travel Safety Advice
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Algeria’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Algeria - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/algeria
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity - To enter Algeria, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Visas
You must have a visa to visit Algeria.
Check your visa details, including validity dates, before you travel. If you overstay, it is likely Algerian immigration police will detain you at the airport on departure. You may face criminal prosecution and up to 3 months in prison.
If you want to extend your stay in Algeria, apply at the town hall (‘la wilaya’) nearest to you.
Applying for a visa
Before you travel, apply for a visa through the Algerian Consulate in the UK.
To enter Algeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Local Laws and Custom
Personal ID
You do not have to carry your passport at all times, but take it with you on longer journeys. You must have your passport if you travel inside Algeria by air. Keep copies of your passport’s photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
- play loud music or dance
- swear in public
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
- check opening hours of shops and restaurants
- be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
- be aware that most restaurants do not serve alcohol
- follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
- be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
- be patient and show tolerance
Alcohol laws
It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
It is illegal to possess, use or traffic controlled drugs. If you’re convicted, you may get a prison sentence.
Mobile phone coverage
Mobile phone coverage can be patchy or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the south of Algeria. Some online maps may not be accurate in remote areas.
Using cameras in secure areas
It is illegal to take photos of government buildings or security installations, including police checkpoints.
LGBT+ travellers
Sexual acts between people of the same sex are illegal in Algeria.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Health
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Facilities at private clinics are usually better than government hospitals. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Algeria.
Emergency medical number - Call 16 or 1021 and ask for an ambulance.
What to bring on your Highlights of Northern Algeria tour
Clothing
Depending on what time of year you visit Algeria, you will need to pack the appropriate clothing for your trip. For daytime activities around the country, we suggest a versatile selection of casual, comfortable, and easy-to-layer clothes. The weather can change quickly in Algeria and vary across the country, from the Sahara desert to snow capped mountain peaks.
While travellers visiting the country do not have to adhere to any sort of dress code, female travellers may be required to wear a head and shoulder covering (e.g., a scarf) at certain religious sites. T-shirts are permitted apparel at these places, but they must cover shoulders. Shorts are usually not allowed, and hats must be removed when entering religious buildings.
Footwear
Bring both a pair of sandals and comfortable walking/hiking shoes. You will spend a considerable amount of time walking through historic sites and cities and you will want to make sure you are prepared to be on your feet for a number of hours at a time.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a daysack. Remember, you are expected to carry your baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. A solar charger for your phone and other electronics is a good idea.
Currency
Algeria's national currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). The most common notes are 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 Dinars, and the coins are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Dinars.
The Algerian Dinar is a closed currency. You cannot purchase Algerian dinars in advance from your home country. Importing and exporting Algerian Dinars is illegal. As a result, currency exchange is only possible within Algeria, and you should spend your remaining Algerian Dinars before leaving the country.
Within Algeria, there are fewer options to exchange cash or withdraw from a bank account. Efforts have been made to make foreign exchange easier in Algeria, however opportunities to exchange your money for the local currency still need to be expanded. Algiers International Airport will have the most options for currency exchanges. We highly recommend exchanging enough money at the airport for your Algeria trip and keeping the receipt to return cash at the end of your tour if needed.
For arrival or departure, visitors must declare cash amounts in any currency that exceeds the equivalent value of €1,000. The total value of imported or exported currency cannot exceed €7,500.
Most ATMs are not compatible with VISA or Western banks.
Weather in Algeria
The best times to visit Algeria are spring and autumn, April to May and October to November. Algeria's coast, including Algiers and Oran, has a fairly typical Mediterranean climate, so expect it to be hot from June to September; however, it's certainly not as hot as the desert regions to the south, where temperatures rocket to unbearable levels. The best time to visit Algeria for a Saharan trip is April to May or October to November, as conditions are less fierce and the rest of the country is dry and relatively warm.
Electricity in Algeria
Algeria uses two types of electrical plugs: type C and type F:
- Type C: Has two round pins that are parallel to each other
- Type F: Has two round pins that are parallel to each other, plus a hole above them and two grounding clips
Algeria's standard voltage is 230 volts, and the standard frequency is 50 hertz. If your device's plug doesn't match the shape of the sockets in Algeria, you'll need a travel plug adapter.
If you're travelling to Algeria with an Apple device like an iPad or iPhone, you probably won't need a voltage converter because these devices are dual voltage. Most laptops are also multi-voltage and can operate from 100 to 240 volts.
Mobile Phones and Internet in Algeria
Check with your phone provider for international and roaming charges. Alternatively, using a local Algerian SIM card may be more affordable, assuming you have an unlocked phone. You can purchase SIM cards, phone credit, and internet data bundles at the airport for about $5 to $10.
Most large hotels will have wifi access, which can be restricted and slow.
Ready to book or need more information?
Then get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailormade options, best times to travel and much more...
