Echoes of the Sahara

Tour Price - £1895

Deposit

A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking. 

Highlights

• Explore the historic Casbah of Algiers & Roman ruins of Tipaza
  
• Discover the M’zab Valley & ksour of Ghardaia (UNESCO)
• Visit the Tomb of Charles de Foucauld in El Golea
• Experience the magic of Timimoun – the Red Oasis
• Tea on the dunes at sunset in the Sahara

At a Glance

Meals

Transport

Group Size

Carbon Contributions

Expert Team

Accommodation

Entrance Fees

Fitness Rating

* LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1- 2 hrs).

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Algiers

Welcome to Algeria! Upon arrival in Algiers, guests will settle into their hotel before starting their adventure with a guided visit to the legendary Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, the journey continues through the vibrant heart of the capital, with stops at the impressive Great Mosque of Algiers and the Maqam Echahid monument, offering a glimpse into Algeria’s rich history and cultural pride.

Day 02: Flight to Ghardaia 🌿

A short flight takes the group south to Ghardaia, where guests will settle into a guesthouse or hotel. The day begins with a visit to the Ksar of Ghardaia, a fortified town that forms part of the M’zab Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, the group will explore El Atteuf, the oldest of the M’zab towns, known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 3: Ghardaia & Beni Isguen 💧

This day is dedicated to the ingenious irrigation systems that sustain life in the desert. Guests will learn about the traditional water-sharing methods that have been practiced for centuries. After lunch, the journey continues into Beni Isguen, a living conservation area with it’s beautifully preserved ksar where traditions remain strong, offering a rare insight into daily life in the Sahara

Day 04: Journey to El Golea

Today’s journey takes us south to El Golea, a desert town often referred to as the “Pearl of the Sahara.” Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Church of Saint Joseph, a place of quiet reflection, before continuing to the tomb of Charles de Foucauld, the French explorer, scholar, and hermit who made El Golea his final resting place. Surrounded by palm groves and desert landscapes, this day offers a more spiritual pause in our adventure – a chance to reflect on the lives of those who sought peace and meaning in the vast stillness of the Sahara.

Day 05 : Drive to Timimoun

The journey continues to Timimoun, often called the “Red Oasis” for its striking desert landscapes and ochre-colored architecture. After settling into a guesthouse and enjoying lunch, guests will visit the Centre Algérien du Patrimoine Culturel du Bâti en Terre (CAPTERRE), dedicated to the preservation of earthen architecture. Dinner and an overnight stay in Timimoun complete the day.

Day 06: Timimoun – Ighzar & Sunset Tea

The morning begins with a visit to Ighzar, an ancient ksar and historic cave site that reveals the timeless traditions of desert life. In the afternoon, the group will discover the village of Talla, where they will be welcomed with mint tea on the sand dunes while watching an unforgettable Sahara sunset—a highlight of the tour.

Day 07: Oases & Ancient Ksour

The final day in Timimoun includes a morning visit to Ksar Faoun, its lush fougaras (traditional underground irrigation channels), and shaded palm gardens. In the afternoon, the group explores Aghlad, a site seemingly frozen in time for more than 11 centuries, followed by a visit to the fougaras of Ouled Said. In the evening or the next morning, guests will return to Algiers by flight, marking the end of an unforgettable Sahara adventure.

Day 08: Tipaza, ruins and coast

In the morning, the group will travel to Tipaza, an ancient Roman port city on the Mediterranean coast. Guests will explore the Roman ruins, amphitheatres, and basilicas that whisper stories from more than 2,000 years ago. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a nearby archaeological site and the local museum, deepening the understanding of Algeria’s remarkable Roman heritage.

Day 09: End of the tour

Breakfast & transfer to Algiers International Airport

Accommodation

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from trip to trip.

TRIP ACCOMMODATION SCOOP

For this journey, you’ll enjoy comfortable hotel nights throughout. Rooms are straightforward and welcoming, giving you a warm place to unwind after a day of exploring.The accommodations have been carefully selected to reflect the local charm and provide a genuine taste of Algerian hospitality. Each hotel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional touches, ensuring a cozy and authentic experience. You’ll find that the staff are always friendly and eager to share insights about the local culture and attractions, enhancing your adventure with personal touches and recommendations. Whether you're relaxing in the serene courtyard or enjoying a delightful breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, your stay will be both rejuvenating and culturally enriching.

Getting There

Visa on Arrival – Free Support Service 

To make travel easier, we also provide a free Visa on Arrival support service. There is no need to visit a consulate. You simply complete a short form and provide the required details, and we take care of the process for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival in Algeria.

If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. 

If you plan to book your own flights, please check with us first to confirm the trip is going ahead. We also recommend choosing flights that are flexible and preferably refundable, as adventure travel plans can change at any time. For full details, please see our booking conditions. 

Letters of Invitation can only be issued when your full travel plans, both before and after the tour, are arranged through us. ALGERIAN ADVENTURE serves as your sponsor during your visit, so we’re unable to provide this document if any part of your trip is booked independently. Our team is happy to guide you before you confirm any plans to make sure all required paperwork can be arranged. 

Extensions

If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.



Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.

Algiers & Coastal Charm (2 nights)

Stay longer in the capital. Visit the Bardo Museum, stroll along the Kasbah seafront, and enjoy a day trip to Cherchell or Zeralda for history and beaches.

Tipaza – Roman Coast (2 nights) 

Relax by the sea in Tipaza, where turquoise waves meet ancient Roman ruins. Explore the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean.

Oran – The Andalusian Spirit (2–3 nights)

A lively port city blending cultures. Visit the Santa Cruz Fort, wander the seafront promenade, and soak up Oran’s Andalusian music and vibrant nightlife.

Tlemcen – Granada of Africa (2–3 nights) 

Discover Tlemcen’s Islamic art and architecture. Visit the Great Mosque, explore the old medina, and enjoy cooler mountain breezes near the coast.

Annaba – Saint Augustine’s City (2–3 nights)

A coastal city with history and charm. Explore the Basilica of Saint Augustine, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Skikda – Hidden Coastal Gem (2 nights) 

Known for its unspoilt coastline and laid-back charm, Skikda offers quieter beaches, colonial architecture, and a chance to unwind away from the crowds.

Bejaia – The Pearl of Kabylia (2–3 nights) 

A stunning coastal city where mountains meet the sea. Explore Cap Carbon, wander through the old town, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views unique to Kabylia.

Jijel – Nature & Coast (2 nights)

Famous for its lush green mountains and dramatic coastline. Visit the Caves of Jijel, relax by sandy beaches, and enjoy a blend of nature and sea.

All extensions include guided visits, seaside accommodation, and airport transfers.

Climate

Algeria can be visted year round but summer temperatures in the desert can be intense (often exceeding 40 degrees C) and winter is likely to see snowfalls in the high mountains. During spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are likely to range from around 20-25 degrees C on the north coast, increasing to between 30- 35oC in the desert region. Night-time temperatures will feel cooler, especially in the desert where you’ll notice the change in temperature.

Key Aspects to Consider

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. 

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.

It is important to note that during the trip, some restroom facilities may be traditional squat toilets or long-drop toilets. We recommend bringing toilet paper and hand sanitizer. 

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. 



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.

What's Not Included

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 and Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality 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

Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs.

Dates and Prices

For any extensions that you wish to include on this trip, please contact the office for more details.