Algeria: Crossroads Of The Maghreb
12 Days Starting and ending in Algiers, Algeria
Visiting: Algiers, Constantine, Timgad, Touggourt, Ghardaia, Timimoun
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ACM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Algeria, a land rich in history and culture, on the "Algeria: Crossroads Of The Maghreb" tour. Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Roman-era Djemila and Timgad, and explore the medieval desert pentapolis of Ghardaia in the M’Zab Valley. Discover the dramatic "City of Bridges," Constantine, and the "red city" of Timimoun in the Sahara Desert. Wander through Algiers' Ottoman-era Casbah and admire its French colonial architecture. Experience the diverse landscapes from coastal plains to the Sahara, all while enjoying the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader and local guides. This tour includes meals, transport, and accommodation, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Algiers
Location: Algiers
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Aurassi or similar
The tour starts early this evening in the Algerian capital. Overlooking the waters of the Mediterranean, Algiers began life as a Phoenician trading post, but it was the 10th century Berbers under Bologhine ibn Ziri who began the city’s rise to prosperity. Over time it fell to the Almohades, the Ottomans and the French, before a bloody struggle for independence finally saw the Algerians wrestle control from their colonial overlords in the early 1960s. Much of the historic heart of the city dates back to Ottoman times and includes the impressive facade of the Ketchaoua Mosque.
Day 2: In Algiers: Casbah, Corsairs And Conflict
Location: Algiers
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Aurassi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
By way of an introduction to this fascinating country, we’ll start with a tour of the oldest part of the capital, focussing upon the historic Casbah, one of the most impressive in all of North Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site was described by Le Corbusier as "a masterpiece of architecture and town planning" as we’ll discover after wandering around its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, made up of tiny shops, museums and market traders. Later we’ll visit the imposing Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Monument) and the National Museum of El Mujahid to learn about the Algerian War of Independence.
Day 3: Algiers - Constantine: Discovering Unesco Djemila
Location: Constantine
Accommodation Name: Novotel Constantine or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive east out of the hustle and bustle of the capital to the impressive ancient Roman city of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the finest in North Africa. The wheel-rutted streets of ancient Cuicul, founded by the Emperor Nerva to house his subjects, are lined with elaborate houses, a forum, basilica, triumphal arches and temples. It is a fascinating example of Roman town planning adapted to suit its mountain location. Equally impressive is Djemila's stunning museum, where every square inch of the immense walls are plastered with mosaics. After wandering around this charming site we’ll continue our journey east to Constantine or ‘Cirta’ with its dramatic setting amongst precipitous cliffs and deep gorges. The French writer Alexandre Dumas called it ‘a fantastic city, something like Gulliver’s flying island’. Founded over 2,000 years ago, a plateau surrounded by deep ravines was a great place to build because the city could be easily defended. Since then Constantine has outgrown the plateau and spilled over into the adjoining areas, connected to the old city by seven high bridges, hence the title ‘City of Bridges’.
Approx 5hrs driving
Day 4: In & Around Constantine: Tiddis And The City Of Bridges
Location: Constantine
Accommodation Name: Novotel Constantine or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive a short distance north to the small Roman ruins at Tiddis. Also known as Castellum Tidditanorum, it’s perhaps Algeria's most impressively located Roman site. Originally believed to be a Berber/Amazigh settlement, Tiddis is an oddity in that it’s made up of winding pathways that climb the hillside to which it clings, as well as paved streets, a temple of Mithras, an impressive arch, cisterns and a small forum. From here we’ll drive back to Constantine for lunch before heading out on a tour of the city. Constantine boasts an excellent museum noted in particular for its Roman mosaics, as well as the delightful Palace of Ahmed Bey, a handful of impressive mosques (including the impressive Abdul Khader mosque, the second largest in the country), a traditional casbah with its local market and of course, the architectural triumph of the city’s bridges for which it’s so well known.
Day 5: Constantine – Timgad: The Pompeii Of Africa
Location: Timgad
Accommodation Name: Trajan Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we’ll drive south and pay a quick visit to the enigmatic mausoleum of Medracen, the royal temple of the Berber Numidian Kings, before heading for the UNESCO Roman ruins at Timgad. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pompeii of Africa’, this vast site was constructed under Emperor Trajan as a military base to defend against the Berbers. After the Vandal invasion in 430AD, Timgad was destroyed at the end of the 5th century. Centuries later, Timgad still represents the embodiment of Roman urban planning and is considered, along with Djemila, to be one of the Maghreb’s undisputed treasures of antiquity.
Approx 3hrs driving
Day 6: Timgad – Touggourt: Across The Saharan Atlas
Location: Touggourt
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tedjani or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing our journey southwards we’ll cross the Saharan Atlas, an extension of the mountain range more typically associated with neighbouring Morocco, and soon find ourselves in a completely different desert world. En route we’ll stop to explore the impressive Ghoufi Canyon with its welcome oasis and troglodyte dwellings before continuing onwards to our overnight stop in the simple oasis town of Touggourt, the starting point back in 1922 of the first motorised crossing of the Sahara.
Approx 6hrs driving
Day 7: Touggourt – Ghardaia: Exploring The Unesco M’Zab Valley
Location: Ghardaia
Accommodation Name: Hotel M'Zab/Gite Tarist or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning’s drive of approximately 4hrs takes us to yet another of Algeria’s UNESCO sites, the M’Zab Valley and its capital Ghardaia. Ghardaia lies in the heart of the traditional homeland of the Ibadi Muslim sect, and is today part of a preserved piece of medieval splendour, made up of five fortified settlements that occupy the highest hills in the valley, each one crowned by a lone towering minaret. A distinctive blend of white and red buildings, these snapshots in time still retain the customs and traditions of a culture that has endured since the Mozabite Berbers of the 11th century, providing us with a unique insight into a way of life that can trace its ancestry back a thousand years. During our time here we will have the chance to explore some of this remarkable valley, paying visits to a number of villages including Beni Isguen and Al Ateuf (the oldest of the fortified settlements), as well as stopping off to wonder through the markets and palm groves of the M’zab Valley.
Please note that depending on availability we may overnight in Ghardaia town or in a more remote guesthouse within the Beni Isguen palm groves.
Day 8: In & Around Ghardaia: Palmeraies And Markets
Location: Ghardaia
Accommodation Name: Hotel M'Zab/Gite Tarist or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a full day for exploring the pentapolis of the M’Zab Valley, we’ll learn more about the Mozabites and their houses that lie scattered around the hilltops and which seem to almost fuse with the surrounding landscape, with their courtyards and terraces picked out in white against the brilliant blue of the desert sky. Each of the villages follows the same principle, with the houses being built in concentric circles around a central mosque and minaret, which are then in turn protected by high walls and ramparts. Originally, these villages were fed by a unique water distribution system that was devised by the Mozabites themselves to capture rainwater and divert it to the oasis by way of underground tunnels. Despite living very traditional and conservative lives, the Mozabites remain highly innovative and control much of Algeria's commerice today, making them a fascinating ethnic group to meet and learn more about.
Day 9: Ghardaia – Timimoun: Deeper Into The Desert
Location: Timimoun
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gourara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To the south west of Ghardaia lies the red oasis town of Timimoun, a long day’s journey across the desert. Starting out early our journey today is truly spectacular and lies along the route taken by WF’s founder, Jonny Bealby, when he rode his motorbike around Africa as told in his first book ‘Running With The Moon’. Part of the Grand Erg Occidental, Timimoun is set amongst the sands of the Gourra region and noted for the red orchre colour of its buildings.
Today we will be covering a distance of approx 620kms, so please be prepared for a long drive day
Day 10: In & Around Timimoun: The Grand Erg Occidental
Location: Timimoun
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gourara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll visit some of the immediate area around Timimoun. Depending upon local conditions (ie weather and the authorities) we plan to visit various sites such as the deep red caves and the abandoned village of Tindjillet, before stoppoing for a picnic lunch in Ouled Aissa. We’ll visit the palmeraie where we’ll learn about the ancient irrigation system used there known as ‘fouggara’ and explore the remains of Berber settlements. We'll also discover the haunting sand dune landscapes of the Grand Erg Occidental, which provide a stunning backdrop for our time here, and have some free time to relax, perhaps taking a walk through the old town with its ancient ksars (fortified dwellings), admiring Sudanese influenced architecture as well as visiting the town’s market and handicraft shops.
Day 11: Timimoun – Algiers: Flying Back Over The Dunes
Location: Algiers
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Aurassi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As Timimun lies over 1000kms south of Algiers, we’ll take a flight back to the Algerian capital today. Depending on flight times this will either allow us some further free time this morning in Timimoun or this afternoon in Algiers. Tonight we’ll head out into the city for our final dinner of the trip.
Day 12: Tour Ends In Algiers
Location: Algiers
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depending on flight times there may be opportunities for some last minute exploration in & around Algiers before we bid a final farewell to this most intriguing of North African countries.
What's Included
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MEALS
11 x Breakfasts, 10 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibus, 4WDs and a domestic flight
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Premium, 7 nights x Superior, 1 night x Simple
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Tips
Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a combination of minibus, 4WDs, and a domestic flight, ensuring you reach each destination with ease and convenience.
Accommodation
Enjoy a mix of accommodations including 3 nights in premium hotels, 7 nights in superior hotels, and 1 night in a simple hotel, ensuring comfort and variety throughout your journey.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Due to the unpredictable timeframe required to obtain the necessary authorisation for Algerian tourist visa applications, we strongly recommend that you do not make any foreign travel plans for at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the tour.
Please note that when driving in Algeria it is often compulsory for tourist groups to be accompanied by a security convoy in places. The guards in the convoy will change over as we cross from one wilaya (province) to the next. This can significantly increase journey times, resulting in a number of quite long drives so please be prepared for this.
Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for quite well but the selection and variety for vegans and especially for gluten-free can be very limited in places. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour.
Algeria has minimal tourist infrastructure and receives far fewer visitors than neighbouring countries like Morocco or Tunisia. As such service levels cannot be compared and logistically Algeria remains a ‘challenging’ destination, almost guaranteeing that things are unlikely to always go according to plan! However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling in Algeria and anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
Although there are no major walks involved in this trip, please be aware that some of the Roman sites and city tours can involve a fair amount of walking uphill and downhill over uneven ground and on stairs.
Flexibility and the nature of travel in Algeria: For security reasons it might be necessary to change this itinerary at very short notice, and clients must be flexible enough to deal with this and acknowledge that this is an inherent part of travel to Algeria. While we will always try & visit as much of the itinerary as possible, we reserve the right to omit any destination due to security concerns and offer an alternative in its place.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a combination of minibus, 4WDs, and a domestic flight for transportation.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
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What types of accommodation will be provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in premium accommodation, 7 nights in superior accommodation, and 1 night in simple accommodation.
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Are entrance fees to the sights included in the tour cost?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour cost.
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What is the fitness level required for this tour?
The fitness rating for this tour is low, but some of the Roman sites and city tours can involve a fair amount of walking uphill and downhill over uneven ground and on stairs.
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Will there be any local guides during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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What should I consider regarding dietary requirements?
Vegetarians can be catered for quite well, but the selection and variety for vegans and especially for gluten-free can be very limited in places. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and discuss their needs before booking the tour.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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What should I know about the visa process for Algeria?
Due to the unpredictable timeframe required to obtain the necessary authorisation for Algerian tourist visa applications, it is strongly recommended that you do not make any foreign travel plans for at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the tour.
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What are some key aspects to consider when traveling in Algeria?
When driving in Algeria, it is often compulsory for tourist groups to be accompanied by a security convoy, which can significantly increase journey times. Algeria has minimal tourist infrastructure and receives far fewer visitors than neighboring countries, making it a 'challenging' destination. Flexibility is essential as the itinerary may change at short notice for security reasons.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 21, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.