Short Break in Algeria
Tailormade Tour

Short Break in Algeria – 5 days Tailormade tour from £1695 per person.


Algeria’s rich past, as part of the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis, lies beneath layers of Christian and Islamic conquest, and more recent Ottoman and French colonisation. A remarkable mix of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences, Algeria’s political evolution is ongoing.

 

 

To visit now offers not only a chance to explore ancient history, but also to experience history being made. On this short break you will have the opportunity to experience amazingly preserved Roman ruins at Tipasa and in the hills of Djemila, some of the most impressive to be found anywhere.

In addition, enjoy impressive coastal scenery and gaze out at the shimmering Mediterranean from the Biosphere reserve of Gouraya National Park. The labyrinth of meandering alleys in the atmospheric Casbah of Algiers (UNESCO) is also sure to provide a memorable visit on this short break in Algeria.

Tour ratings.

  • Fitness
  • Off the beaten track
  • Culture 
  • History 
  • Wildlife 

Tour pace

Busy

Tour style

Traveller

Relaxed Pace

Relaxed tours are easy paced with plenty of leisure time built in. The tour will in all probability still be off the beaten track, with the occasional early start and there may still be occasional long drives. In general on a relaxed pace tour you can enjoy easy-going activities and experiences with opportunities to absorb the sights and immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Moderate Pace

Moderate pace tours are ideal if you want a tour experience that combines activities and experiences with some time to relax. Typically you will be active and busy for part of the day but then also have time to rest and recharge your batteries. In general on a moderate paced tour there may be some long journeys involved but the tour is not an expedition or a road trip. On a moderate paced tour it will be necessary to have some early starts.

Busy Pace

A busy paced tour means that you can expect to be doing, seeing or experiencing something new almost every day, and moving on from place to place to pack in as much as possible. There may be early starts, long journeys and tiring days along the way, but you’ll return home feeling you’ve really experienced as much as you possibly could.

Pioneer Class Tours

On our Pioneer tours, you will be amongst an elite group of intrepid travellers and some of the first to explore a country that few have been privileged enough to discover. Of course, exploring such areas of the world will come with its challenges; it may mean several nights camping, long journeys by 4WD and the need to maintain a degree of flexibility for when carefully laid plans change. These are challenging tours in countries and areas that may have poor infrastructure, high levels of poverty and illiteracy. This can translate in to low standards in hotels, bad roads and poor driving standards among other issues. We try and smooth out as much of these issues as we can but you should be prepared to experience the bad with the good.

Traveller Class Tours

Our Traveller itineraries are at the core of our programme. These journeys are designed for travellers who still want to discover a land away from the tourist crowds but expect minimum standards. Accommodation will be primarily hotel based, although you could still find yourself camping, or the guest of a local family. Depending on the destination and itinerary, you’ll likely be travelling in a private vehicle, with occasional use of public transport. This is adventure travel with some of the rough edges smoothed out.

Itinerary

Arrive in Algiers and you will be greeted by our local team and then transfer to your hotel. Overnight at ST Hotel. No meals or guided sightseeing today.

(Approximate overall driving time: two hours)

This morning after breakfast we visit Tipasa, home to an astonishing wealth of archaeological remains. On the way 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. Arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, we tour a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including villas and an ancient amphitheatre that overlooks the shimmering expanse of the Mediterranean. Thereafter we delve into Algiers, wandering in the atmospheric labyrinth of narrow alleys in the city’s unique casbah (UNESCO), an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture, and one of the most enigmatic places in Algiers. Also visit the Martyrs Memorial and the Basilica de Notre Dame d’Afrique. Overnight at ST Hotel. (BL)

Leave the city and today enjoy some of the country’s most exquisite scenery driving through the picturesque countryside of Kabylia, a land of orchards and olive trees. Arrive at the Mediterranean port city of Bejaia and onward to the Biosphere Reserve of the National Park of Gouraya. Imbibe the spectacular coastal views from “Pic des Singes” and visit Cap Carbon Lighthouse, perched on a rocky outcrop 250 meters above sea level. Cervantes, author of the famous Don Quixote, was imprisoned here whilst in exile in Algeria. After a short break for lunch in Bejaia, again travel through beautiful scenery and up onto the high plateau of Setif where tomorrow morning you will explore the spectacular Roman ruins of Djemila. Overnight at Setif Rabie Hotel. (BL)

This morning explore Djemila situated at 900 metres above sea level. Your guide will walk you through this incredible site with its picture-perfect mountainous backdrop and give you an insight into the many well-preserved remains of a once thriving Roman city. View the Arch of Caracalla, the Forum, the Basilica and the Temples. It is possible to imagine the lifestyle of this ancient civilization whose architectural skills are today still looked upon as great architectural feats. Marvel at the mosaics which are displayed in the museum. With just over 1000 square meters of mosaics, the site museum has an outstanding collection. This represents the best collection in the whole of Algeria. You will have some time at leisure for browsing at the small souvenir shops just outside the site before you continue your journey to the city of Constantine. After lunch, enjoy a highlights excursion in Constantine, with its awesome bridges built over deep vertiginous gorges surrounding the city. Constantine has an incredible 3000 years of history behind it, making it one of the oldest towns in the world. Here, you will also view the Memorial Arch and the Great Mosque. Later return to Algiers where the evening will be at leisure. Overnight at ST Hotel. (BL)

Any remaining time today will be at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

Dates & Price.

The Short break in Algeria tour is operated on a private and tailormade basis. Prices start from £1695 per person based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room.

Tour Notes

Return flights from London to Algiers start from around £350. Please contact us for a quotation.

Single supplement from £175.

Mapped itinerary.

Want to see details of your itinerary on a map?

Download PDF.

Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.

For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.

+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA

Tour inclusions.

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Private transport
  • All accommodation
  • Services of English speaking guide
  • Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
  • Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Tour exclusions.

  • International flights
  • Any airport taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas
  • Drinks
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips (Discretionary)

A very enjoyable time. Boualem an outstanding guide and support. Excellent drivers. Excellent support all round.

 

Prof Roy Sanders, UK