Algeria Impression Tour

This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, and accompany you to explore Algeria’s complex history in Algiers and Tipasa. 

First, let’s visit the Martyrs Memorial atop Hama Hill, standing 92-meter-high (300 ft.) and composed of three massive palm leaf shapes. Erected in 1982, it majestically overlooks Algiers and the vast Mediterranean Sea. It’s a memorial to those who sacrificed in the Algerian War of Independence, which lasted 93 months from 1954 to 1962. Over 300,000 Algerians died, leaving an indelible scar on the country. At the National Museum of Moudjahid at the foot of the monument, we’ll get a direct understanding of the details of the war and its profound impact.

Then, we’ll continue to visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique perched on a 124-meter (410 ft.) cliff. It seems incongruous in such a country where approximately 99% of the population is Muslim. However, it is a very testament to Algeria’s cultural fusion and religious inclusiveness. Built in 1858 AD, it features both Neo-Byzantine domes and Arabic-style mosaics. Upon entering the hall, you can see the sacred bronze statue of the Virgin Mary, welcoming people of different faiths and nationalities with her open arms. Behind her is the heartwarming inscription that reads: “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”

Next, let’s drive for about an hour to Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. During the ride, you can enjoy the orchard scenery along the coast. Two thousand years ago, Tipasa was one of the most famous Roman cities in North Africa, with baths, temples, and an amphitheater. Current archaeological excavations have only touched a small part of the site, and most of it is still buried underground. As the famous French philosopher Albert Camus (1913-1960) wrote, Tipasa is not only “the flower-covered ruins”, but also “inhabited by gods”. Then, let’s drive back to Algiers, and make a stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. The imposing 30-meter-tall (100 ft.) stone tomb belongs to the famous Queen Cleopatra’s only daughter. During her reign over the ancient Mauretanian Kingdom (3rd century BC - 40 AD), she laid an important foundation for the Romanization in North Africa.

After arriving in Algiers, we’ll go to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ancient Town. Built in the 10th century AD, Algiers Kasbah is a maze of narrow alleys and streets, with white buildings densely packed on the hillside. Climbing the stone steps, you may encounter a vast expanse of blue sea around a corner. This old town itself is a living history book. Having witnessed the rise and fall of multiple eras, it remains the home of local residents. After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel El Aurassi, Algiers (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, and escort you to the beautiful coastal city of Bejaia. The ride will take approximately 3 hours, during which you can enjoy the natural scenery, admiring the lush orchards and olive groves.

Upon arrival in Bejaia, we’ll visit Gouraya National Park, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, with its stunning mountain scenery, coastal cliffs, and diverse animals and plants. Follow your guide along a 2 to 3-kilometer (1-2 mi.) hiking trail to the Pic des Singes, or Monkey Peak. Although the one-hour hike may be tiring, you can admire the surrounding hills, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and take photos with the adorable Berber macaques in the forest. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama. The rugged, towering cliffs of Cap Carbon will guide your eyes to the vast, azure Mediterranean Sea.

After that, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Bejaia city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Atlantis Bejaia (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for your 3.5-hour ride to the magnificent Djemila Roman Ruins. 

A little-known fact is that Algeria has one of the largest collections of Roman ruins in the world, second only to Italy. Similar to Tipasa, Djemila was also a prosperous city established by the Roman Empire. From the structures built on the hillside, you can feel the wisdom of the Romans in planning a city in mountainous terrains. Walking among the towering or crumbling ruins surrounded by green trees and mountains, let’s go back to that bygone splendid era. The discernible cart ruts are telling the story of the bustling trade activities, and the huge theater, capable of holding 3,000 people, seems to echo with the shouts of gladiators. Beneath the 12.5-meter-high (41-ft.) Arch of Caracalla, you can imagine the cheers of the soldiers.

After the tour, we’ll continue to drive for 2 hours to your hotel in Constantine. Your guide and driver will assist you with check-in.

► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Igherssan Restaurant, located on a cliffside, is one of Constantine’s most popular restaurants. It’s just a 10-minute walk east from your hotel. The signature Tajine is a must-try. “Tagine” is a common North African cooking vessel with a tall, hat-like lid. Locals often use it to stew meat or vegetables with various spices. The air will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma as soon as you uncover it. Be sure to pair it with a cup of traditional mint tea.
Average Cost per Person: about USD 10-15
Address: 58 Rue Larbi Ben M'Hidi, Constantine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Novotel Constantine (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will accompany you to explore the highlights of Constantine, the “City of Bridges.”

It is hard not to be captivated by the city’s magnificent layout. The entire city seems to stand atop a cliff. Bridges extend across the deep valleys, with Rhumel River flowing beneath them. We’ll start from some of its most renowned bridges. Sidi M’Cid Bridge is the most iconic architectural marvel, stretching 160 meters (525 ft.) and overlooking a 175-meter-deep (574 ft.) gorge. More remarkably, it’s supported only by the cables at both ends. Then, from the nearby Falls Bridge, you can get a more spectacular view of it. And from the Devil’s Bridge, you can look up at the 27 arches of Sidi Rached Bridge.

Next, let’s head to the Cirta Museum, which preserves this ancient city’s memories from 2,300 years ago. You can see terracotta figurines and pottery unearthed from tombs dating back to the 2nd century BC, as well as stelae from the Cirta period (3rd century BC to 46 BC). In addition, you can admire paintings of Constantine dating from the 17th to 20th centuries AD, and witness its different cityscapes. You may surprisingly find that many precious artifacts are directly placed on the ground. It may a testament to the rich historical precipitation of Algeria.

Afterward, we’ll visit the Amir Abdel Kader Mosque, or the Great Mosque, the third largest mosque in Africa. Like many mosques in Algeria, it sits at the highest point in the city, so that Muslims can hear the music coming from its two elegant 107-meter-high (350 ft.) minarets to perform their five daily prayers on time. Inside, you can look up to admire the Islamic-style patterns on the dome and the exquisite stained-glass windows. 

Then, let’s go to Constantine Old Town. Its narrow alleyways are lined with small stands and Arabic residences with red roofs and white walls. We’ll discover the hidden gem, Ahmed Bey Palace. Wandering through it, you can admire the 200-year-old Moorish arcades, intricate tile decorations, and exquisite courtyards.

After all the visits, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to Constantine Airport for your one-hour flight back to Algiers. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel El Aurassi, Algiers (4 stars) or similar

Your tour is coming to an end today. Your private guide and driver will escort you to Algiers Airport for your departure flight at the agreed time. Have a nice journey!

If you’d like to extend your tour to other regions, exploring the mysterious Sahara Desert or experiencing European style and local culture in Oran, please contact our travel consultants to customize your private itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast

► Free Time Recommendations for Late Departure (at your own expense)
If time permits, you may enjoy a leisurely city walk to see the city landmarks like the Grand Post Office, and enjoy the pleasant social atmosphere. Algeria is a safe and peaceful country where you can rarely see beggars or homeless people, or encounter pushy street vendors on the streets. Although the infrastructure and buildings here may be aged, Algerians may prefer their traditional, slow-paced lifestyle rather than rapid economic progress.