Algerian Odyssey

The largest country in Africa, Algeria stretches from the Mediterranean to the depths of the Sahara, and has hosted some of history’s most important civilisations. This trip shows you the many facets of a much maligned country, on a journey that takes you back more than two thousand years in time.

From the lively capital of Algiers we head west to Tipasa, stepping in the footsteps of the Phoenicians and see the vast ‘tomb of the Christian’, built by the Numidians who were once rulers of this land. We then explore Algiers’ fascinating historic quarter – the casbah – and visit some of the country’s most enigmatic archaeological sites, including the ancient Roman city of Djemila. We then travel to the ‘city of bridges’, Constantine, with its dramatic location above the Rhumel Gorge. Medracen and Timgad bring us more remnants of Algeria’s complex history, before we head south to the vast Sahara.

The M’Zab Valley is home to a number of well-preserved towns, home to the Mozabites who have preserved their culture and traditions more than most. Wandering through the alleys and markets here feels quintessentially ‘exotic’, as robed desert dwellers haggle for goods and the smell of spices hangs in the air. Further into the Sahara we visit traditional mud brick villages, their ancient ksars a testament to the time when desert communities needed protection from outsiders, and we visit vast areas of sand dunes and salt lakes.

Back in the north the incredible Islamic monuments of Tlemcen are a reminder of the past glories of North Africa, when it ruled Spain as Andalucia, or Al Andalus. We also discover a different side of Algeria in the contemporary port city of Oran.

Often eclipsed by its neighbour to the west, Algeria is starting to be discovered by more intrepid visitors, keen to uncover its secrets, and you won’t find hordes of other visitors here. This trip offers an exciting introduction to a country has long been off the travel radar…..

See our Seven reasons to visit Algeria for more inspiration.

Algerian Odyssey

Highlights

  • Explore the Casbah of Algiers
  • Visit Saharan oases
  • The Andalucian architecture of Tlemcen
  • Roman ruins of Timgad and Cherchell
  • The towns of the M’Zab Valley

You may also like…