Algeria Grand Discovery: From Mediterranean Cities to the Red Sahara

Tour Overview

  • time-icon 11 Days   Duration
  • location-icon Algiers, Algeria
  • Times: 8:00 AM - 8:00 AM
  • running-icon Intermediate

This 11-day journey across Algeria offers a rich blend of historic cities, Roman heritage, Mediterranean landscapes, and Sahara desert experiences. The program is designed to showcase the country’s cultural diversity, from ancient civilizations to traditional desert life.

The adventure begins in Algiers, the vibrant capital overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where travelers discover iconic landmarks such as the Casbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica, the Martyrs’ Monument, and the beautiful Hamma Botanical Garden.

The journey then continues south to the magical oasis town of Timimoun, often called the “Red Oasis of the Sahara.” Surrounded by the vast dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental, this region reveals traditional ksour villages, palm groves, ancient irrigation systems known as foggaras, and spectacular Saharan sunsets over red sand dunes.

From the desert, the tour returns to the Mediterranean coast with a visit to Oran, Algeria’s second-largest city, known for its rich cultural influences, Ottoman heritage, and colonial architecture. Highlights include the Palace of the Bey, the historic city center, and the impressive Santa Cruz Fortress overlooking the sea.

The journey continues to Constantine, the dramatic “City of Bridges,” famous for its deep gorges, suspension bridges, and remarkable historical monuments. Travelers will explore the Cirta Museum, the grand Emir Abdelkader Mosque, and the breathtaking viewpoints across the Rhumel Canyon. An excursion to the remarkable Roman ruins of Djemila (UNESCO World Heritage Site) reveals one of the best-preserved Roman cities in North Africa.

Combining cultural discovery, desert landscapes, and historic landmarks, this itinerary offers a comprehensive introduction to Algeria’s history, architecture, and natural beauty, creating a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

What’s Included, What’s Not

  • Accommodation in selected hotels and guesthouses as mentioned in the program
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels and guesthouse
  • Full board meals during the stay in Timimoun
  • Domestic flights with Air Algérie
  • Transport and transfers
  • English speaking guides
  • All entrance fees
  • Visa application fees
  • International flights
  • Additional Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities or visits not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Extra drinks and beverages
  • Any services not specifically listed in the “Included” section

Our Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

15:00 | Algiers

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Arrival at Algiers International Airport (Houari Boumediene Airport) and welcome by our team.

15:00 – 17:00 | City Orientation Tour (depending on arrival time)
Enjoy a first introduction to Algeria’s vibrant capital with a short panoramic drive through the city, discovering its elegant boulevards, colonial architecture, and views over the Mediterranean Sea.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Transfer to the hotel for rest and overnight stay.
Hotel: Sidi Yahia or similar

09:00 | Algiers

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09:00 – 12:00 | Casbah of Algiers & Ketchaoua Mosque
Explore the historic Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating old quarters in the Mediterranean. Wander through its narrow alleys, traditional houses, Ottoman palaces, and lively streets that reflect centuries of history.
Visit the magnificent Ketchaoua Mosque, an architectural masterpiece blending Moorish and Ottoman styles, located at the entrance of the Casbah near Martyrs’ Square.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:30 | Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica
Visit the impressive Notre-Dame d’Afrique Basilica, perched on a hill overlooking the Bay of Algiers. This remarkable 19th-century church combines Byzantine and Moorish architectural influences and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

09:00 | Timimoun

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09:00 – Leisure morning in Algiers

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

13:00 – Transfer to the airport

14:55 – 16:25 | Flight from Algiers to Timimoun

Arrival in Timimoun, known as the “Red Oasis” of the Sahara because of its striking red-earth architecture and surrounding dunes.

17:30 – 19:00 | 4x4 Desert Excursion
Head out by 4x4 vehicles to admire the spectacular sunset over the red dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental, where vast sand dunes stretch endlessly across the desert landscape.

19:30 – 20:30 | Dinner

Overnight at the guesthouse.
Accommodation: Dar El Ksar, Timimoun or similar

09:00 | Timimoun

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09:00 – Departure for a full-day 4x4 exploration of the Timimoun region

• Visit Ighzer village, known for its cave and traditional ksar (fortified village) built with local red clay architecture typical of the Gourara region.
• Continue to Ouled Saïd, where you will explore its vast palm grove and discover the ancient foggaras irrigation system, an ingenious underground water channel system developed centuries ago to sustain life in the desert.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch in the palm grove

14:00 – 17:30 | Afternoon exploration

• Visit Aghlad village and walk through its historic ksour, traditional fortified settlements that once served as protection against desert raids.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk through the palm groves and traditional Saharan landscapes surrounding the villages.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Return to the guesthouse for overnight stay.

09:00 | Oran

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09:00 – Leisure morning in Timimoun

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

13:00 – Transfer to the airport

14:00 – 16:10 | Flight from Timimoun to Oran

Arrival in Oran, Algeria’s second largest city and an important cultural and historical center along the Mediterranean coast.

17:00 – Hotel check-in and free time to relax

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Overnight stay.
Hotel: Onyx by Luna or similar

09:00 | Oran

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09:00 – 12:00 | Oran City Tour

• Visit Place du 1er Novembre, the central square of Oran surrounded by elegant colonial buildings and lively cafés.
• Explore the historic Palace of the Bey, an impressive Ottoman palace dating back to the 18th century, known for its beautiful courtyards, mosaics, and carved wooden ceilings.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 | Old Medina & City Walk

• Discover the vibrant old medina of Oran, where narrow streets, local markets, and historic buildings reflect the city’s multicultural past influenced by Spanish, Ottoman, and French heritage.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

09:00 | Oran & fly to Constantine

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09:00 – 11:00 | Santa Cruz Fortress

Visit the impressive Santa Cruz Fortress, a Spanish fortress built in the 16th century on Mount Murdjajo. From this strategic hilltop location, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Oran, the Mediterranean Sea, and the nearby port of Mers-el-Kébir.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

Afternoon – Free time

21:30 – Transfer to the airport

23:30 – 00:35 | Flight from Oran to Constantine

Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.
Hotel: Protea Hotel Constantine or similar

09:00 | Constantine

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Free morning for relaxation after the late-night arrival.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 17:30 | Discover Constantine – The “City of Bridges”

• Visit the Cirta Museum, one of Algeria’s richest archaeological museums, displaying Roman mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient Numidian and Roman civilizations.
• Explore the impressive Emir Abdelkader Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Algeria, admired for its elegant architecture and grand minarets.
• Discover the famous Suspension Bridges of Constantine, including the spectacular Sidi M’Cid Bridge, which spans the deep gorges of the Rhumel River.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Return to the hotel.

09:00 | Djemila

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09:00 – Departure for Djemila

11:00 – 12:00 | Archaeological Museum of Djemila

Visit the museum displaying remarkable Roman mosaics and artifacts discovered in the region.

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

13:00 – 16:00 | Roman City of Djemila

Explore the remarkable Roman ruins of Djemila, founded under Emperor Nerva (96–98 AD) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its well-preserved forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arch, and residential quarters, all beautifully integrated into the mountainous landscape.

Return to Constantine.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Overnight stay.

09:00 | Back to Algiers

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09:00 – 10:10 | Flight from Constantine to Algiers

11:30 – 12:00 | Transfer to the city

12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 17:30 | Visit the Highlights of Algiers

• Martyrs’ Monument (Maqam Echahid) – The iconic monument commemorating Algeria’s independence, offering breathtaking views over the capital.
• Museum of Fine Arts – One of the most important art museums in North Africa, housing exceptional collections of European and Algerian paintings.
• Jardin d’Essai Botanical Garden – A beautiful 19th-century botanical garden featuring thousands of plant species and peaceful landscaped pathways.

19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner

Transfer to the hotel for the final night.

09:00 | Algiers

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Transfer to Houari Boumediene International Airport
End of the program.

From

$2253.3

Per Person

Freedom Travel Algeria

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Travelers

Please add at least 1 person

Max 10 Travelers

7+ Years Old $75

3 - 7 Years Old $55

Please select a date

Please select a time

Pickup point is required

Meeting Place

Any Airport in: Algiers, Algeria

AirportPickup: Aéroport International d'Alger Houari Boumediène (ALG), 295, Dar El Beïda, Algérie

Package #2

Price Breakdown

2 Adults * $75.00

$150.00

1 Child * $50.00

$50.00

Total Price

$2030

Tour Packages

Package #1

Number Of Person

6 - 6

Price

2496.39/pp

Package #2

Number Of Person

8 - 8

Price

2369.85/pp

Package #3

Number Of Person

10 - 10

Price

2253.3/pp

Things to know

Travel Guidelines

  • To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey throughout Algeria, please take note of the following guidelines:

    Travel Documents
    Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Travelers should also carry a printed copy of their passport and visa during excursions.

    Clothing & Packing
    Comfortable and modest clothing is recommended while visiting cities, historical sites, and religious monuments. For the desert portion of the trip in Timimoun, bring light clothing for the daytime and a light jacket for cooler evenings, as desert temperatures can drop after sunset. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

    Health & Hydration
    Stay well hydrated during the trip, especially during desert excursions. Bottled water will be provided during visits and transfers.

    Local Culture & Etiquette
    Algeria is known for its warm hospitality. Respect for local traditions, customs, and modest dress, especially when visiting mosques or traditional areas, is appreciated.

    Photography
    Photography is generally permitted at most sites; however, please avoid photographing military buildings, government facilities, and security personnel. Always ask permission before taking photos of local people.

    Currency
    The local currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD). While major hotels may accept credit cards, cash is recommended for small purchases, markets, and local shops.

    Preparation Before Arrival
    Before your arrival, we will provide a detailed packing list and practical travel information to help you prepare for the trip, particularly for the desert excursion.

    Guided Tours & Safety
    Your local guide and drivers will accompany you throughout the journey to ensure your comfort and safety. Please follow their instructions during visits and excursions.