Algeria Tours
Highlights of Northern Algeria
Explore Northern Algeria on this 7 day escorted tour.
Tour Overview
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 By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Algeria
Meet, greet and assist at the International Airport of Algiers before transferring to your hotel.
Overnight in Hotel Suisse, Algiers
DAY 2
Tipasa and Algiers
Start the day with a visit to the Roman ruins of Tipasa and the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was a Punic trading post later conquered by the Romans. Return to Algiers to visit the neo-Byzantine Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique, perched on a promontory with panoramic views, and explore the legendary whitewashed old city, a UNESCO-listed site that remained continuously inhabited while modern Algiers grew.
Overnight in Hotel Suisse, Algiers · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Djemila
Head inland along a spectacular scenic route to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila. Marvel at the mosaics displayed in the museum – with just over 1,000 square metres of mosaics, the best collection in Algeria – and explore the ancient garrison of Cuicul, one of North Africa's best-preserved Berbero-Roman remains, with forums, temples, basilicas and triumphal arches laid out to suit the mountain terrain. Continue to Constantine (approximate driving time: 6 hours).
Overnight in Novotel Hotel, Constantine · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4
Constantine
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, plus views of the city's famous bridges spanning the dramatic Rhumel Gorge, including the Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge.
Overnight in Novotel Hotel, Constantine · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 5
Timgad
Travelling south, the 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 remarkable example of ancient town planning includes a vast library, colonnaded streets, temples, an amphitheatre, the Arch of Trajan, and a basilica (approximate driving time: 4 hours).
Overnight in Novotel Hotel, Timgad area · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Algiers
Drive back to Algiers (approximate driving time: 5 hours). In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk in downtown Algiers.
Overnight in Hotel Suisse, Algiers
DAY 7
Depart Algeria
Depending on your return flight schedule, transfer to Algiers International Airport for your flight back home.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
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 – breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
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
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This tour can be tailor-made to your exact requirements – our expert travel consultants can design the tour to your budget and preferences.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy.
Prefer a Private Tour?
Prefer a private guided tour? This can be scheduled to your own dates and requirements.
Contact us for costs
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
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 for Algeria.
To enter Algeria, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and you must have a visa – apply through the Algerian Consulate in the UK before you travel, and check your visa's validity dates. If you overstay, Algerian immigration police are likely to detain you at the airport on departure, and you may face criminal prosecution and up to 3 months in prison. You must also have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You don't have to carry your passport at all times, but take it on longer journeys, and you must have it if travelling inside Algeria by air. It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place, and illegal to possess, use or traffic controlled drugs, with prison sentences for convictions. It is illegal to photograph government buildings or security installations, including police checkpoints. Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Algeria. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, smoking or dancing in public during daylight hours, and follow local dress codes.
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. 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. For emergency medical assistance, call 16 or 1021 and ask for an ambulance.
What to Bring
The weather can change quickly in Algeria and vary across the country, from the Sahara desert to snow-capped mountain peaks, so pack a versatile selection of casual, comfortable, easy-to-layer clothes. There is no strict dress code for travellers, though female travellers may be required to wear a head and shoulder covering at certain religious sites (shoulders must be covered even in a T-shirt, shorts are usually not allowed, and hats must be removed indoors). Bring both sandals and comfortable walking/hiking shoes, as you'll spend considerable time on foot exploring historic sites and cities.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Algerian Dinar (DZD) is a closed currency – you cannot buy it before arrival, and importing or exporting it is illegal, so currency exchange is only possible within Algeria (Algiers International Airport has the most options – we recommend exchanging enough for your whole trip there and keeping the receipt). Cash amounts exceeding €1,000 must be declared on arrival or departure, and the total value of imported or exported currency cannot exceed €7,500. Most ATMs are not compatible with VISA or Western banks.
Algeria uses type C and F plugs, on a 230V/50Hz supply. The best time to visit is spring or autumn (April-May and October-November) – the coast has a Mediterranean climate, hot from June to September, while the desert regions to the south get considerably hotter. Check with your phone provider for roaming charges, or consider a local Algerian SIM card (available at the airport for about $5-10) if your phone is unlocked – most large hotels have wifi, though it can be restricted and slow.
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