From Constantine to the Dunes and Oases of the Sahara

Begin your exploration of Algiers with a walk through the Botanical Garden, a peaceful green retreat in the city. Continue to the Museum of Fine Arts to discover its collections and views towards the sea, then visit Dar Abd el Latif, a fine example of traditional architecture.

In the afternoon, take the cable car up to the Martyrs’ Memorial and explore the history of independence at the museum. Continue to the Bardo Museum and its cultural collections. End the day with Algiers-style rechta: fine noodles served with a fragrant sauce of chicken, chickpeas and turnips.

Start the day in the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers. Its maze of narrow lanes and traditional houses reveals the history and everyday life of one of the city’s most distinctive quarters.

Continue through central Algiers to Emir Abdelkader Square and the impressive Grande Poste, with its Moorish-inspired architecture. The walk also takes in the former Saint Charles church, part of the city’s varied religious heritage.

Round off the day in Bologhine at the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. From this elevated setting, enjoy panoramic views over Algiers as the sun goes down.

Travel to the archaeological site of Djemila, around three hours away by road. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves remarkable Roman ruins. Explore its forums, basilicas and temples for an insight into life in Roman North Africa.

Continue to Setif, where Ain El Fouara’s nineteenth-century fountain is a city landmark. Walk through the streets, discover the city’s historic remains and spend time in its central park, a popular meeting place for residents.

Setif also holds an important place in Algeria’s modern history and independence struggle. End this day of discovery with dinner in a traditional restaurant, enjoying regional specialities and local hospitality.

Begin in Constantine at the war memorial, with its sweeping views over the city. Then explore the lively lanes of the Casbah, where historic buildings and everyday street life reveal another side of Constantine.

Continue to the Palace of the Bey, a striking legacy of the Ottoman period, then discover the collections of the Cirta Museum, which trace the history of the region.

Visit the Mohamed Tahar Fergani Theatre, a landmark of local cultural life, before heading to Sidi M’Cid Bridge for dramatic views into the gorge surrounding the city.

End the day with dinner in a traditional Constantine restaurant, sampling local specialities and enjoying the city’s warm hospitality.

Descend into the gorge for a different perspective on Constantine from the Rhumel River. Continue to the Pont des Chutes, inaugurated in 1925, to see the waterfalls and rocky scenery beneath Sidi M’Cid Bridge.

Sample Constantine’s distinctive street food, then visit the impressive Emir Abdelkader Mosque to discover its architecture and the region’s religious heritage.

Leave Constantine for Timgad, the Roman city founded by Emperor Trajan. The road crosses green landscapes before reaching the well-preserved ruins, where the layout and monuments offer a vivid glimpse of Roman North Africa.

After lunch, continue towards the Ghoufi canyon. Green hills gradually give way to palm groves and desert scenery. Enjoy the changing light across this dramatic landscape while learning about the region’s history and its place in Algeria’s independence struggle.

End the day in Biskra, at the edge of the Sahara. The contrast between the green mountains and palm groves in the evening light marks your arrival in a new landscape.

Begin in Biskra’s bustling souk. Explore the old town’s lanes, colourful stalls and local shops, where daily life offers an insight into the region’s living heritage.

Continue to Sidi Okba Mosque, an important historic place of worship. Its architecture and long spiritual tradition offer an introduction to the region’s Islamic heritage.

Finish the day in Tolga, known for its palm groves and Deglet Nour dates. Discover how these celebrated dates are grown, harvested and enjoyed, taking time to appreciate the quieter rhythm of oasis life.

Set off for El Kantara, known as a gateway to the desert, with its extensive palm groves. Discover the Roman bridge and stop at Ain Skhoun spring before continuing to the red village, whose earth-coloured buildings blend into the surrounding landscape.

Continue to Bou Saada, a town closely associated with the painter Étienne Dinet. Its desert light and daily life inspired many of his works. Enjoy tea on the dunes at sunset, then spend the night at the Caid or Kerdada hotel.

Spend the morning exploring central Bou Saada and its craft shops. Discover the town that inspired Étienne Dinet and see some of the paintings in which he portrayed its people and landscapes.

After lunch in Bou Saada, travel to Ghardaia. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy time to rest after the journey.

Explore Ksar Taghardait, with its earthen walls and narrow passages, and learn about the communities that shaped it. Then discover local crafts through pottery or weaving activities, learning traditional techniques directly from artisans.

Visit the lively craft market to discover local products and artisan demonstrations. Creative workshops offer the chance to make a souvenir and learn more about Mozabite culture through hands-on encounters.

After a lunch featuring Saharan flavours, walk through Ksar At Izjan in Beni Isguen. Its winding lanes reveal a distinctive way of life shaped by community traditions and spirituality.

End the day with local specialities served under the stars, accompanied by traditional music: an atmospheric evening after a day of discovery.

Visit Ksar Tajnint in El Atteuf, an outstanding example of Mozabite architecture, followed by the mausoleum of Sheikh Ammi Brahim. Together, these sites introduce the history and spiritual traditions of the M’Zab Valley.

After lunch, explore Tafilalet and its Ecopark, where traditional approaches meet contemporary environmental thinking. Finish with a horseback ride through the palm grove, surrounded by the contrasting colours of greenery and desert.

Fly back to Algiers and continue to the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Tipaza. Set beside the Mediterranean, the remains offer an evocative introduction to the region’s ancient history.

Continue to Cherchell, a historic coastal town known for its fishing heritage and freshly grilled sardines and fish. Discover a place shaped by successive Mediterranean civilisations and enjoy its relaxed maritime atmosphere.

Before returning to Algiers, stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, also known as the Tomb of the Christian Woman. This imposing monument overlooking the surrounding landscape provides a final encounter with the region’s ancient heritage.

On your final day, transfer to the airport for your journey home. Depending on flight times, there may be time for the included lunch and a last visit in Algiers: either the Great Mosque or some shopping for souvenirs.

Whether you choose the mosque or a final stroll through the shops, make the most of your last moments in Algeria before your return flight.