From Tipaza to Ghardaia, thirteen days in the heart of great civilizations
From the forums of Djemila to the Mozabite cities of M'Zab, thirteen days through 3000 years of Algerian history.
Duration
13 days
From
€2,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
Thirteen days to capture the essentials: this is what this tour offers, designed as a dense and structured exploration of the great civilizations that shaped Algeria. From the Mediterranean coast to the first oases of the South, the journey is conceived as a succession of cultural shocks — each stage brings together a era, a people, a singular architecture.
The departure from Oran immediately sets the tone: a crossroads city where Spain, the Ottoman Regency and France left their overlapping imprints on the original Andalusian buildings. The descent to Cherchell then reveals the refined reign of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene, before Tipaza, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, brings Phoenician and Roman breath facing the sea.
Algiers, nicknamed "the White," then deploys its contrasts: the Ottoman Casbah descends towards the Mediterranean while the Botanical Garden and the Fine Arts Museum testify to another, more recent era.
Heading East: Roman Algeria then reveals itself in all its power. Djemila, perched at 900 meters, preserves a forum, a theatre and mosaics of rare preservation.
Constantine imposes its vertiginous silhouette above the Rhumel gorges, a bridge-city where each generation left its mark, from the Numidian Massinissa to Bey Salah. And Timgad finally, the "African Pompeii" founded by Trajan in the year 100, unfolds its grid pattern like an open-air urbanism manual.
The journey then turns towards the Aurès, land of the Chaouias and cradle of Berber resistance. The Balconies of Ghoufi then the El Kantara gorges — the "mouth of the Sahara" according to the ancients — open onto Biskra, an oasis beloved by writers and orientalist painters. Bou Saâda and its 1933 palace extend this atmosphere where Étienne Dinet set up his easel, converted to Islam and buried there.
The crowning point is mozabite. Two full days in the heart of the pentapolis of the M'Zab — El Atteuf, Beni Isguen, Ghardaïa, Bounoura, Melika — reveal an ancient urban and hydraulic genius. These fortified earthen cities, built by Ibadi Berbers in the 11th century, inspired Le Corbusier who saw in them "a humble and touching lesson." It is on this architectural apotheosis, halfway between Mediterranean and Sahara, that the journey ends.
For travelers who wish to venture further, into the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental, this tour is also available in an extended seventeen-day format that extends the discovery towards El Goléa — where Father Charles de Foucauld rests — and as far as Timimoun the Red, capital of the Gourara.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Oran and first discovery of the city
Upon your arrival at Ahmed Ben Bella airport in Oran, our team welcomes you at the plane exit and assists you with immigration formalities and baggage collection. You then head to the city center.
First steps in Oran the Radiant, Algeria's second city and Mediterranean port marked by Andalusian, Spanish, Ottoman and French heritage. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, then discover November 1st square, also called "Place d'Armes". You can see the city hall with its two bronze lions, the Abdelkader Alloula regional theater as well as the former Sacred Heart cathedral, now the municipal library.
In the evening, welcome dinner in a typical restaurant in downtown Oran, then overnight at the hotel.
Oran, the Spanish Quarter
This day is dedicated to discovering Oran, between Ottoman and Spanish heritage. You start with the Fort of Santa Cruz, perched on Djebel Murdjadjo, with a view over the bay, the port and the city. After visiting the basilica, you head to the Palace of the Bey, then to Place d'Armes and the historic districts of Ekmul, Sainte-Eugène and Raz d'Aïn ravine.
In the afternoon, head to the western coast and the Aïn El Türck corniche, dotted with coves and beaches. Stop at the Andalouses, then discover El Ançor, at the foot of the mountains, before returning to Oran in the evening.
On the Road to Ancient Algeria
Early morning departure heading east, along the Mediterranean coast. You leave Oran and its wine-growing hinterland to reach the Algerian coast and your first stop, Cherchell, the ancient Caesarea of Mauretania. Former capital of the kingdom of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene, Cherchell was an important cultural center of the Berber-Roman world. You visit the Cherchell archaeological museum, known for its collection of ancient sculptures and works from African Greco-Roman art. Discovery continues with the ruins of the thermal baths and the aqueduct that once supplied the city from Atlas springs.
Lunch in Cherchell.
In the afternoon, you continue to Tipaza (or Tipasa), an ancient Phoenician city that became a Roman colony and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Facing the Mediterranean, you explore its ruins that slope gently down to the sea and discover the forum, the theatre, the Christian basilica and the Villa of Frescoes. An atmosphere that also inspired Albert Camus, who loved to stay in Tipaza and evoked his "Tyrrhenian nuptials".
Algiers the White, from the Casbah to Notre-Dame d'Afrique
Morning visit to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, known as the "Tomb of the Christian Woman" — a misleading popular name since this monumental funeral monument, topped with a stepped cone, is said to house the sepulchers of Juba II and Cleopatra Selene. Overlooking the sea from an altitude of 261 meters, it echoes the mausoleum of Imedghassen that we will discover a week later.
You take the road to Algiers the White, a capital built in an amphitheater around its bay. Upon your arrival, lunch in the city before setting out to discover the Algerian capital. In the afternoon, you explore the Casbah of Algiers, a medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You walk through its winding streets, vaulted passages and staircases, from the port to the Ottoman citadel. Your discovery leads you notably to the Raïs Palace (Bastion 23), the Ketchaoua Mosque and the old Turkish patrician residences.
At the end of the day, you head up to the heights of Bologhine to visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Afrique, accessible by cable car. Built in 1872 in a Romanesque-Byzantine style by architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau, it is considered the twin sister of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille and is distinguished by its apse oriented towards the southwest rather than the east.
Discovery of Museums, Martyrs' Memorial and Jardin d'Essai
This full day in Algiers begins with a visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most important in Africa. Its collections, ranging from the 14th to the 20th century, bring together notably Orientalist paintings, works from the Algiers School and modern Algerian art. You then head to the Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid), an emblematic monument erected in 1982 for the twentieth anniversary of independence. Overlooking Algiers Bay, it consists of three concrete palms standing 92 meters high. You continue with a visit to the National Museum of the Moudjahid, dedicated to the history of the war of liberation.
Lunch in an Algiers restaurant.
In the afternoon, you discover the Hamma Botanical Garden, one of the largest botanical gardens in Africa. Created in 1832 and covering forty hectares, it brings together more than 3,000 plant species, among which are royal palms, giant fig trees, a bamboo grove and various exotic plants. It is also here that Tarzan was filmed in 1932.
At the end of the day, take a stroll through the Haussmannian center of Algiers. You discover the Grand Post Office, built in 1910 in a neo-Moorish style, then Didouche-Mourad Street, former Michelet Street, the arcades and the Floral Clock.
Dinner in a typical restaurant in the city.
Djemila: Discovery of the Ancient City of Cuicul
Early morning departure heading east via the East-West highway. You cross the high plateaus and foothills of the Atlas before reaching Djemila, the ancient Cuicul. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Roman city is located at 900 meters altitude, in the heart of a landscape of lush hills. It is considered by many as one of the finest Roman complexes in the world.
Lunch on site.
In the afternoon, you explore the site with your guide. The tour takes you to the civil forum and the Severan forum, the capitol, the great arch of Caracalla, the theatre with 3,000 seats, the Christian basilica, then to the Severan district and its rich villas.
You also discover the Djemila museum, located at the entrance to the site, which houses an important collection of Roman mosaics.
In the late afternoon, you continue your journey towards Constantine, located approximately 130 km away, which is 1 hour 45 minutes of travel. Arrival in the early evening, then check-in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Constantine: The City of Suspended Bridges
This day is dedicated to discovering Constantine, the ancient Cirta, perched on its rock above the Rhumel gorges, over 200 metres deep. Nicknamed the "City of Suspended Bridges", it reveals itself through its various neighbourhoods and viewpoints.
In the morning, you cross the iconic bridges of Constantine: the Sidi M'Cid bridge, the El Kantara bridge, the Mellah Slimane footbridge and the Sidi Rached bridge, which offer different panoramas of the gorges. You continue with a visit to the Ahmed Bey palace, built between 1825 and 1835 and representative of Algerian beylik architecture.
Lunch in a traditional restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, you visit the Cirta national museum, which houses collections of archaeology, ethnography and fine arts, then discover the Great Mosque, the oldest religious building in the city.
You end the day in the Souika, an old popular neighbourhood with winding alleyways descending towards the gorges, to discover a vibrant facet of Constantine.
Timgad: Discovery of the African Pompeii
You head south through the Aurès highlands. Along the way, the landscape evolves: the irrigated lands of the Tell gradually give way to a vast steppe announcing the Saharan landscapes. You arrive at Timgad, the ancient Thamugadi, a Roman city founded by Emperor Trajan in the year 100. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and nicknamed the "African Pompeii", it reveals today a vast collection of Roman ruins.
You embark on an in-depth tour of the city, organized around its grid layout and its two main axes, the cardo maximus and the decumanus. You discover the Arch of Trajan, the theater with 3,500 seats, the forum, the capitol, the baths, the library, and the Christian basilica. On the forum, an inscription humorously testifies to the Roman art of living: "Hunting, bathing, playing, laughing, that is living".
Lunch on the site, followed by a visit to the Timgad museum and its mosaics.
From the Aurès to Biskra via the Balconies of Ghoufi
Morning visit to the Royal Mausoleum of Imedghassen, a Numidian funerary monument dating from the 3rd century BCE, probably the tomb of a Numidian king ancestor of Massinissa. Its stepped cone structure and cylindrical drum are the architectural prototype that would inspire, two centuries later, the Royal Mausoleum of Mauritania that we discovered near Tipaza. Viewing it from the eastern side symbolically closes the great loop of ancient Algérie.
You head south through the Aurès, land of the Chaouias, a Berber population that keeps its traditions and language alive. As you travel, the landscape becomes more mineral and the high plateaus gradually give way to gorges and cliffs. You stop at the Balconies of Ghoufi, a deep canyon bordered by ochre cliffs where ancient troglodytic villages cling to the rock. At the bottom of the gorges stretches a narrow palm grove laid out in terraces, cultivated in this steep environment.
Lunch with a view of the Balconies of Ghoufi.
You then continue towards Biskra via the gorges of El Kantara, nicknamed the "mouth of the Sahara". This leg gradually marks your entry into a new environment: after crossing the bridge that spans the wadi, the climate, light and vegetation change. You now enter Saharan territory. Arrival at Biskra, nicknamed the "Queen of the Zibans" and known throughout Algérie for its Deglet Nour dates.
Bou Saâda: ksar and palm grove of the "City of Happiness"
Morning city tour in Biskra: visit to the palm grove with its countless gardens enclosed by mud brick walls, and discovery of the old town. In the 19th century, Biskra was a popular winter resort for European aristocracies — André Gide stayed there and wrote some pages of his "Immoralist" there.
You head west through the high steppic plateaus, towards Bou Saâda, nicknamed the "City of Happiness". The journey crosses steppe landscapes dotted with alfa grass, punctuated by flocks of sheep and adobe ksours.
Lunch on the road, then arrival in Bou Saâda in mid-afternoon.
Nestled at the foot of the Ouled Naïl mountains, this oasis was an important center of pictorial orientalism at the turn of the 20th century. French painter Étienne Dinet, who became Nasreddine Dinet after his conversion to Islam, lived there and drew much of his inspiration from it. He also made the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1929, where he died.
In late afternoon, enjoy a free exploration of the ksar and palm grove.
Dinner and overnight stay.
From the Saharan Atlas to Ghardaïa, Gateway to the M'Zab
Morning in Bou Saâda: visit to the Étienne Dinet museum, which preserves the painter's works, his notebooks, his photographs, and testifies to his deep immersion in Saharan culture. Discovery of the old ksar and further exploration of the palm grove.
You head south through the steppes of the Saharan Atlas. As you approach Laghouat, the landscape gradually changes: the roads become straighter, the horizon widens and the first vast desert expanses announce your entry into the Sahara. You arrive in Ghardaïa in late afternoon, in the heart of the M'Zab valley, an Ibadite territory classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 1982. The Mozabite pentapolis, founded by Ibadite Berbers in the 11th century, consists of fortified cities organized according to urban planning adapted to their environment.
Stay in a guesthouse in the heart of the palm grove, followed by dinner and your first experience with Mozabite architecture and cuisine.
Night in a guesthouse.
Immersion in the M'Zab Valley
This day immerses you in the heart of the M'Zab pentapolis. In the morning, you discover El Atteuf, the "eldest of the ksour" and the first Mozabite settlement in the valley, founded in 1012.
You visit the mausoleum of Sidi Brahim, recognizable by its austere architecture, white walls and curved forms. The place notably inspired Le Corbusier for his Ronchamp chapel in Haute-Saône.
Traditional Mozabite lunch with a local family or in a guesthouse.
In the afternoon, you explore Beni Isguen, a fortified city of the M'Zab founded in 1321. The visit is conducted in respect of community rules: presence of a local guide, modest clothing and prohibition of photographing people. No overnight stays are possible within the walls.
You then climb to the watchtower of Bordj Boulila to enjoy the panorama of the pentapolis. If your visit coincides with late afternoon, you witness the auction market, an auction of objects, clothing and local products organized daily in the marketplace.
The discovery continues at the Gardens of the World, with a presentation of the traditional water-sharing system that allows irrigation of the palm groves in this arid environment.
Return to the guesthouse in early evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
Arrival in Algiers and return international flight
Morning in Ghardaïa proper — the Mozabite apotheosis before the return. Visit to the old town dominated by the pyramidal minaret of the Great Mosque of the Ksar, an imposing building constructed at the highest point of the hill, from where the desert approaches were once watched over. Stroll through the lively souk under arcades: Berber carpets, pottery, dates, spices, ironwork. Trade has always been the soul of Ghardaïa, which was for centuries a major caravan crossroads between the Sahel and the Mediterranean.
Discovery of Bounoura and Melika, which complete the pentapolis. Melika is famous for its vast terraced cemetery overlooking the valley — the tombs aligned, austere, create a meditative atmosphere facing the immensity of the desert and offer a final look at this archipelago of fortified cities that will have been the highlight of our journey.
Lunch in Ghardaïa.
Transfer to Noumérat – Moufdi Zakaria Airport in the afternoon, then boarding your Air Algérie flight to Algiers at the end of the day.
Arrival at the Houari Boumediene airport in Algiers, then direct connection with your return international flight, according to the scheduled times.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights Europe → Oran and Algiers → Europe
- Algerian visa fees (≈ 185 € to be paid in cash upon arrival)
- Individual travel insurance (cancellation, repatriation, baggage)
- Beverages (mineral water outside trips, soft drinks, juices, wine, beers)
- Personal expenses, telephone communications and Internet access
- Tips for the tour guide and driver
- The options offered in the program (camel trek, quad tour)
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned in the "The price includes" section
Included
- Reception and assistance upon arrival and departure at Oran and Algiers airports
- All airport / hotel / airport transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Transport throughout the circuit in a recent and air-conditioned vehicle
- 4x4 outings in the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental
- Air Algérie domestic flight Timimoun → Algiers
- Accommodation in a double room in charming accommodations
- Full board (from dinner on D1 to breakfast on D17), excluding beverages
- The services of an English-speaking tour guide from Détours Algérie
- Local cultural guide services at major sites
- All entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums and monuments
- Assistance in obtaining the pass issued by Algerian authorities
- Local guides' tips at sites
- A bottle of mineral water per day per person during transfers
- Détours Algérie's Professional Liability Insurance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Algeria for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Algeria, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter Algeria for a tourist stay. There is no visa exemption for these nationalities.
The visa must be obtained before departure, from the Algerian embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. It is recommended to apply several weeks in advance, as processing times may vary.
Documents generally required for a visa application include:
a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity,
a completed and signed visa application form,
recent passport-sized photos complying with required standards,
a return flight ticket or booking,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
The authorized length of stay is generally 30 days, depending on the conditions mentioned on the visa issued.
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of their stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Health
No vaccination is officially required to enter Algeria for nationals of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure and to ensure that basic vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A).
It is also advisable to take out international health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Algerian embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to have assistance-repatriation and foreign medical expenses insurance.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required and must be requested from the consulate (consular fees apply, processing time 2-3 weeks). An invitation letter or accommodation certificate is required. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Conditions can be stringent. We strongly recommend verifying the rules applicable to your nationality with the Algerian consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (350-700 euros return) are additional. The Algerian Sahara (Tassili, Hoggar) requires a specific budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association of Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Western Oran
Pioneer of Algeria's great deserts, based in Ghardaïa / M'zab (puis Alger à partir de 2006)
The desert is not crossed with an itinerary alone. It demands listening, respect, and a certain inner availability.
— Louiza
