Algeria Cultural Discovery Tour
Roman Routes to the M'Zab Valley & Tassili N'Ajjer
- Available: February-October
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
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Group Size:
4-12 Guests
Min Age: 14
Highlights
- See the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa and the ancient Pentapolis of M'Zab
- Marvel at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, the spectacular bridges of Constantine, and age-old rock art
- Get a true insider perspective on Algerian life and enjoy delicious traditional cuisine with spellbinding Mediterranean views
Itinerary
Arrive in Algiers
Day 1
Welcome to Algeria! Arrive in Algiers and transfer to your five-star hotel, located close to the vibrant city center. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: El Aurassi Hotel
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Visit Djemila, the Ancient Roman City of Cuicul
Day 2
Drive to the small mountain village of Djemila, originally the Roman city of Cuicul, and explore some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Originally dating back to the 1st century, these UNESCO-listed ruins include well-preserved baths, temples, and forums, and the impressive Arch of Caracalla - all spread out over a pretty meadow. After the tour, enjoy lunch in Djemila before heading to the atmospheric city of Constantine, where your next hotel awaits.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel in Constantine
Transportation: 5-hours private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Tiddis & Constantine
Day 3
Set out this morning to explore the Roman city of Tiddis, perched on a bare, red-rock mountainside. Then return to Constantine to see the city's spectacular sights on a guided walking tour. Marvel at its cliff-side location and impressive bridges, including the Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge with its dizzying span over the gorge. Learn more about the city's history with a visit to the Cirta Museum, the Ottoman-era Bey's Palace, and El Kantara - the old Roman bridge. Learn more about the people of Constantine by meeting local copper and brassware makers, and visiting a WWI memorial dedicated to Constantine soldiers. Finish the tour at the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, an architectural gem.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel in Constantine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Timgad & the Berber Village of Rhouffi
Day 4
Begin your day at the massive cone-shaped mausoleum of Medracen, built for the Berber Numidian Kings between 200-400 BC. Then explore the UNESCO-listed Roman military colony of Timgad, built during the reign of Emperor Trajan. This 2,000-year-old city has a remarkable grid design and its triumphal Arch of Trajan soars elegantly above Timgad. Next visit the Roman ruins of Lambaesis, a short drive west near the village of Tazoult, and explore the museum. From here, journey to Biskra through one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Marvel at the Berber village of Arris, with its stone houses clinging to the cliff side, and nearby gorges of Tighanimine. Follow the canyon towards Rhouffi and M 'Chounech, and stop to visit of the pottery workshop and the museum of Si El Haouès. Continue to Sidi Okba, a historical and religious city and visit, visit the mosque with its beautiful carved cedar door. Arrive in Biskra, gateway to the Sahara, and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Vescera Hotel
Transportation: 4.5-hours private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Gardens of Biskra & Journey to El Oued
Day 5
Wander among palm trees at Biskra's beautiful Landon Garden this morning, then enjoy the sights and smells of the date market. From Biskra the journey continues to El Oued, through the date-rich Souf region. Overnight in El Oued tonight.
Accommodation: La Gazelle d’Or
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore El Oued, City of a Thousand Domes
Day 6
Rise to visit of the minaret of the Sidi Salem mosque, the spice market, and the Zaouia des Tidjania, a local religious community. After lunch, take a 1-hour 4x4 excursion through the Grand Erg Oriental dunes. Enjoy sunset on the dunes before returning for dinner and overnight in El Oued.
Accommodation: La Gazelle d’Or
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Oases in the Great Eastern Erg & Ghardaia
Day 7
Head to Touggourt through the Grand Erg Oriental, a wondrous sea of sand also known as the Great Eastern Erg. Along the way, stop off at the salt lakes of Témacine and Tamelhat, and explore the fortified villages and palm groves of Ouargla. Enjoy lunch after a visit to the Saharan museum, and then continue to Ghardaia in the heart of the M'Zab Valley. Experience the unique auction market in Béni Isguen, the holy city of Ghardaia, and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Ghardaia.
Accommodation: M’Zab Hotel
Transportation: 6-hours private van transfers
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at the Pentapolis of M'Zab
Day 8
Explore the incredible UNESCO-listed towns of the M'Zab Valley in the northern Sahara. Known as the Pentapolis of M'Zab, the five fortified towns are a wonder to behold - rising enigmatically from the dunes in terraces centered around a central mosque. On your journey, you'll visit Ghardaia, Melika, age-old El Atteuf, and the holy city of Beni Isguen. Return to your residence in the late afternoon and enjoy a quiet stroll in the palm grove before dinner.
Accommodation: M’Zab Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Historic Algiers
Day 9
Take an early flight back to Algiers and go deep into the heart of the city on a guided tour, starting at the UNESCO-listed casbah. Explore the labyrinthine alleys of this storied hillside citadel and the historic quarter clustered around it. Visit its illuminating museums and ancient mosques, including the Bardo Museum and 15th-century Ketchaoua Mosque, and see the 18th-century Dar Hassan Pacha palace. Lunch at a traditional house in the casbah before continuing your tour, meeting local artisans along the way. You'll also have an opportunity to explore the Basilica "Notre Dame d'Afrique" and the stunning Test Garden of Hamma - a 94-acre botanical garden dating from 1832. Transfer to the airport and have dinner at the airport Hyatt Regency before flying on to Djanet late this evening.
Accommodation: La Grotte des Ambassadeurs
Transportation: 3-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Age-Old Desert Rock Art in Djanet & Travel to Djaren
Day 10
After breakfast, enjoy a fascinating visit to the oasis of Djanet and explore early rock paintings in "the cave of the ambassadors." After lunch, departure by caravan of 4x4 vehicles to Djaren, journey on to Djaren - the "Gateway to the Tadrart Rouge." Navigate rolling dunes to the first cave paintings hidden among the rocks, including a beautiful depiction of giraffes. Enjoy "Tuareg" tea along the way and first in the desert.
Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp
Transportation: 1-hour transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Moul Ennaga Desert Camp
Day 11
After breakfast, continue to Moul Ennaga, marked by gigantic rock spires and a spectacular network of dunes. Sip a refreshing cup of tea before heading to your desert camp. Dinner and overnight under the stars in Moul Ennaga.
Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp
Transportation: 3-hour transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Bouhediane & Tin Merzo
Day 12
Travel through dunes and ocher-colored canyons on today's journey to Tin Merzouga. Along the way, explore the interesting engravings and paintings at Bouhediane. Stop for a picnic lunch and tea before reaching the colossal red sand dunes of Tin Merzouga - among the highest in the Sahara! Watch the sunset over the magnificent landscape including Libya's Akakus Massif. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp in Tin Merzouga.
Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp
Activity: 2 hours walking to visit rock sites
Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Engravings at Tessaketa
Day 13
Awake in the desert, then journey across the sand and through rock-strewn gorges to find more rock paintings and engravings, including those at Tessaketa in Djaren. Stop for tea on the way. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp in Tessaketa.
Accommodation: Algerian Desert Camp
Activity: 2 hours walking to visit rock sites
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Erg of Admer & Return to Djanet
Day 14
Begin the day with a drive to Tagharghart in the Erg of Admer. Amidst this vast ocean of sand dunes and wind-sculpted rocks, you'll find 10,000-year-old rock engravings - including the famous "crying cow." Marvel at the skillfully engraved ancient art before a picnic lunch and Tuareg tea at the foot of the rocks. Contemplate sunset over the dunes and return to Djanet for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: La Grotte des Ambassadeurs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Djanet & Return to Algiers
Day 15
Start the morning with a tour of Tassili N'Ajjer Park Museum, housing 15,000 rupestral rocks dating from 6,000 to 12,000 years ago! Then explore Djanet's oasis and market, where Tuareg artisans sell locally crafted wares. Bid farewell to the desert after lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Algiers. Settle into your luxury hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure, on your own.
Accommodation: El Aurassi Hotel
Activity: 2 hours walking to see sights
Transportation: 2-hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ancient Wonders of Tipasa & Cherchell
Day 16
Head to Tipasa for an unforgettable look at its UNESCO-listed complex of ruins, including a beautifully situated ancient Roman city - one of Algeria's most impressive archeological sites. Explore the amphitheater, basilicas, and forums while taking in dazzling views of the Mediterranean. Then visit the monumental Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, the resting place of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony's only daughter. Enjoy a seafood lunch in the town of Tipasa before exploring the small fishing port of Cherchell. Tour the archeological museum, home to many well-preserved ancient artifacts from the region. Return to Algiers for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: El Aurassi Hotel
Transportation: 3-hour transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Algiers
Day 17
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,795 price per person dbl occ+$225 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $7,795 price per person dbl occ+$225 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $7,795 price per person dbl occ+$225 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementAvailable
- $7,795 price per person dbl occ+$225 internal airfare+$1,100 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
8 to 10 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $225
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
February, April, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Kader Bensalah
Kader developed his love of history by studying archeology in Greece before returning to his home in the ancient city of Cherchell, Algeria. He has been guiding for over 15 years, introducing people from around the world to all regions of this beautiful, historic country. You can meet Kader on MT Sobek's adventures through Algeria.

Karim Souiki
Born in Constantine, Karim worked at the Cultural Institution where he learned about his passion for teaching by helping manage the Cirta Museum, Palace of the Bey, Tiddis, and the Mausoleum of Massinissa. He has been guiding groups in Algeria for over five years, introducing tourists from around the world to his country.

Khibba Dahou
As an experienced guide in the Algerian desert, Khibba knows everything about the region's geology, flora, fauna, and historic wonders. He also has a deep understanding of the traditions and customs of the local Tuareg people. Khibba is excited to share the hospitality and sustainability of desert camp life, including serving you ample amounts of Tuareg tea.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. Driving and walking tours of historic and culturally significant sights. Expect some narrow, steep, and/or bumpy paths
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 12
2 hours walking to visit rock sites
Day 13
2 hours walking to visit rock sites
Day 15
2 hours walking to see sights
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels and luxurious 4- or 5-star hotels with elegant rooms and scenic locations - all carefully selected by our Africa experts. Simple stone bungalows at retreats in the oasis town of Djanet and basic desert camping at Moul Ennaga and Tin Merzouga.
Weather
Algeria's coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers. The desert can reach temperatures into the 100°Fs during the day the drop to the 50°Fs at night.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you on arrival at Houari Boumediene Airport International Airport in Algiers.
Do I need a visa to travel to Algeria?
Yes, American citizens need a visa to travel to Algeria. You must apply for a visa through the Algerian Embassy or Algerian Consulate closest to you.
Is there wifi at all the accommodations?
Yes, there is wifi at all the accommodations except for the desert camp.
Is there any special dress code for this trip?
In Ghardaia and the Pentapolis of M\'Zab in order to respect local customs, no shorts should be worn by men or women, no smoking and we must respect the distance between men and women.
How do I get to Algeria?
Many airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, Air Algerie, United and Turkish Airlines fly to Algiers, connecting in European cities like Paris, Frankfurt, London or Istanbul.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the desert camping experience?
Yes. Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag.
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