Tones of Algeria

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) 
• Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sahara
• Experience the magic of the rugged peaks of the Hoggar mountains 
• 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 – Explore Algiers 🕌

Our journey begins in Algiers, the lively Algerian capital where we will start by exploring the Casbah, the beating heart of the city. The entire Casbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ensuring its whitewashed walls and 18th century buildings are maintained. After enjoying lunch in a traditional Algerian restaurant on a roof terrace overlooking the city and the Bay of Algiers ,we'll explore the narrow alleyways and learn about the central role the Casbah played in the uprising against the French. We'll also discover more of Algiers, including the harbour, the Ketchaoua Mosque and the Grande Poste, before transfer to Algiers airport for the evening flight to Ghardaia* You will be transferred to a guest house or hotel in the city centre of Ghardaia where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Please note that flight times (and therefore exact itineraries) are subject to change but the 1hr 30 min flight to Ghardaia usually departs at about 18:30 meaning that we'll transfer directly to the guesthouse on arrival in Ghardaia 

Day 02 -Exploration of the rich heritage of Ghardaïa

Located 600 km south of the capital Algiers Ghardaia is nestled at an altitude of 500 metres Classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1981, the M'zab valley is made up of 5 thousand-year-old “Kasr” villages (El Ateuf / Bounoura / Ghardaia / Melika / Beni Isguen) our local guide will reveal to you all the secrets of the Ibadi civilization of trades from each “Ksar” to the architectural rules as well as the social organisation of the Mozabite community. After breakfast, visit the ksar of Ghardaïa and discover the casbahs of the central mosque and the large market square. 

We will stop for lunch and a short rest. In the early afternoon we will venture to the village of Beni Isguen, the “Boulila” tower, the old mosque and “lala Achou” square and its famous fish market. A delicious traditional dinner accompanied by folk entertainment awaits you in the evening at the guest house.

Day 03 -Unveiling of cultural treasures

Embark on a morning visit to the legendary k’sar of El-atteuf, nicknamed the “mother of cities” in the pentapolis, and pay homage to the mausoleum of Sidi Brahim, after a tasty lunch we will follow with a visit to the Ghardaïa palm grove and its underground water sharing system. After dinner we will transfer to the airport for the late night flight to Tamanrasset. receive a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the guesthouse for a restful night . 

*Please note that flight times (and therefore exact itineraries) are subject to change but the 1hr 15min flight to Tamanrasset usually departs at about 23:50 meaning that we'll transfer directly to the guesthouse on arrival in Tamanrasset in the early hours of Day 4.

Day 04: Adventure in the heart of Hoggar

Start your day with breakfast, before embarking on an exhilarating excursion into the heart of the Hoggar massif, climbing towards the inspiring peak of Assekrem overlooking the “Attakor” massif and the iconic Hermitage of the Father of Foucauld (built in 1910). Enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Guelta of Afillal. End your day with a 15-minute walk to the summit of Assekrem to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets. Tasty dinner at the refuge and overnight stay.

Day 05: Assekrem mesmerised by nature Tamanrasset

Sunrise, serenity and Tamanrasset Exploration - An early rise to witness the enchanting sunrise from the plateau. After breakfast, we explore more of the iconic rock formations on our return to Tamanrasset for a quiet lunch at the guesthouse. Feeling revived we head to downtotown Tamanrasset, the capital of Ahaggar, with it’s bustling African market and fascinating blacksmiths’ quarter. After that we visit the Tagmaret museum and the famous Giraffe and Elephant rock paintings nearby. Return to your lodgings for dinner and a charming folklore evening. overnight stay.

Day 06: Cultural immersion and ancient art

In the morning Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the fort and the church, followed by a special meeting with The White Fathers. After lunch, venture to Tagmarte to explore an “open-air museum” Featuring ancient rock carvings, testimony to the origins of calligraphy dating back to More than 6000 years old. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a rest before your early morning flight back to Algiers*

Please note that flight times (and therefore exact itineraries) are subject to change but the 2hr 30min flight to algiers usually departs at about 03:25 meaning that we'll transfer directly to the hotel on arrival in Tipaza in the early hours of Day 7.

Day 07: Back to the Med

Depart Tamanrasset airport at 3:25 a.m. arrival in Algiers at 5:55 a.m. You will be transferred to your hotel in Tipaza, around 50 km west of Algiers. Tipaza is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Mediterranean coast. Post check in at the hotel we continue to the Roman town of Tipaza with its unmissable museum where magnificent mosaics are exhibited. A former punic trading post, was occupied by Rome, which made it a strategic base for the conquest of the Mauritanian kingdoms. It includes a unique set of Phoenician, Roman, Paleo-Christian and Byzantine remains, alongside indigenous monuments, such as the Kbor er-Roumia, the great royal mausoleum of Mauretania. We will then take lunch with fresh Mediterranean fish on the menu at a local restaurant. After lunch we take the coastal road to Cherchell, located on the other side of the Chenoua massif on the coast, it was once recognised as the capital of Mauritania under King Juba II. Visit the National Museum and its collection of ancient sculptures with its famous Apollo. Returning to the hotel by the early evening before heading out for dinner.

Day 08: The end of the adventure

The tour ends this morning in Tipaza after breakfast we will transfer to Algiers for short souvenir shopping before getting into the airport 

Those on the suggested group flights will transfer in time for the early afternoon departure.

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. 

This tour includes only one night of wild camping, giving you a short but exciting taste of the outdoors.Whether you're nestled under a canopy of stars or waking up to the serene sounds of nature, this experience promises a memorable adventure. Our dedicated team ensures that you have all the essentials to make your night comfortable and safe, even in the wilderness. For the rest of the journey, you'll be staying in charming lodgings that reflect the local culture and history, adding a unique flavor to your travel story. Each location is carefully selected to provide a genuine connection to the area, making your travels as enriching as they are enjoyable. 

to sprinkle a bit of comfort in the desert, we’ll provide camping tables and chairs. But let’s be clear—this isn’t glamping with all the bells and whistles! You’ll have sleeping mats and pillows at your disposal, but don’t forget to pack your trusty sleeping bag. 

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.