ALGIERS WHITE CITY

First steps in Algiers
Today, we will discover the essentials of Algiers, the white. Direction the Memorial of the Martyr, or Maqam Echahid, starting point of our Algiers immersion. We board the cable car to enjoy the panoramic view of the bay of Algiers and descend to the Hamma trial garden. Then, we continue our stroll through the alleys of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers. Nestled on the boar hill and overlooking the lush trial garden, it houses more than 8,000 works made of paintings and other treasures. Its sumptuous collection, made up of paintings by French and Dutch masters as well as sculptures by Rodin and Bourdelle, is considered the most important in Algeria, the Arab world and the entire African continent. Leaving the museum, we only have to cross the road to reach the Hamma garden, considered one of the most important acclimatization gardens in the world, quoted in the writings of Karl Marx, André Gide, Albert Camus or Jacques Derrida. Lunch.

In the afternoon, we go to meet Notre-Dame d'Afrique, one of the few Christian basilicas in Muslim land. Perched at an altitude of 124 m and overlooking the city of Bologhine, it is the work of the French architect Jean-Eugène Fromageau who completed it in 1872 after 14 years of work. We can admire this superb Byzantine-style building on the outside and its Hispano-Moorish architecture on the inside. Free time in the center of Algiers.
Typical dinner and night at the hotel.

ALGIERS - TIPAZA

From Tipaza, the Phoenician to the tomb of the Christian
This morning, we will take the road towards Tipaza. Founded by the Phoenicians, this city was a trading post on the shores of the Mediterranean. Today, it is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Algeria. Facing the Mediterranean Sea, we will stroll through the alleys of this unmissable place to discover its Greco-Roman remains. Classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, Tipaza is above all a wonderful testimony to the architectural traditions of the ancient Maghreb and the Punic and Roman civilizations of the time. Seaside fish lunch.

To complete this trip back in time, we will resume our journey towards Sidi Rached to admire the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, more often called here the "tomb of the Christian". This impressive circular funerary building is the result of an architectural mix, on the one hand local in the “basina” spirit and on the other in Pharaonic style. Then, we take the coastal road towards Dellys. Installation at our hotel then, stroll in the alleys of this beautiful village of the great Kabylie. Dinner at the locals and overnight at the hotel.

SETIF - DJEMILA, Cuicul

Roman ruins and superb panoramas in Djemila
This morning, departure for Djemila. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is home to the Roman remains of ancient Cuicul. Perched at an altitude of 900 m, this strategic site was not chosen at random since it was at the crossroads of north-south roads. Nestled on a mountainous promontory surrounded by ravines, Djemila was difficult to access but above all today offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding peaks. We will wander through the remains of this Roman city made up of columns, arches, forums, theaters, etc. Lunch before resuming our journey to Constantine, a major city in Mediterranean history. Capital of Numidia from 300 to 46 BC. J.-C., the old Cirta ends up coming under Roman domination. Its current name was the work of Emperor Constantine I since 313. Today it is better known as the city of suspension bridges. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Distance traveled: 180 km / approx. 3:30. in the hotel

CONSTANTINE - TEBESSA

In the footsteps of the Romans in Tébessa…
This morning, we leave Constantine for Tébessa. Along the way, we will stop at Khemissa, known to house one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the country. Further on, we will also stop at Ksar Tifech, protected by a rampart with 10 square towers and at M'Daourouch known for its Byzantine fort and its Roman theatre. In the background, the rolling and green hills of the region. We will eventually reach Tébessa. This former outpost, territory of the Carthaginians in the 7th century BC. AD, became a large Roman military garrison in 146 BC. Today, it retains an important ancient historical and archaeological heritage, the most emblematic of which remains its Byzantine wall in the heart of the medina. We will explore major sites such as its Roman theatre, its amphitheater built in the 4th century AD. BC, the temple of Minerva and its walls decorated with mosaics, the arch of Caracalla, the remains of the Basilica of Saint Crispina and the wall of King Solomon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Distance traveled: 240 km / approx. 4h.

BATNA - BISKRA

Balconies of Ghoufi or the Algerian Grand Canyon
Today, we will go deep into the famous Aurès region to explore one of the most beautiful natural curiosities in the country. We will stop at the impressive Balconies of Ghoufi, more often called “Rhoufi”. We will be enchanted by the beauty of this long canyon at the foot of which soar as far as the eye can see, countless fruit trees and other centuries-old palm trees. Carved by the Abiod river, this canyon of about 3 or 4 km long is dominated by 200 m high cliffs with, carved in cascades in its rock, troglodyte dwellings which are uninhabited today. These now offer passing visitors a unique view of the geological layers of the slopes of the canyon. Lunch.

We will continue our journey towards Biskra, the first Saharan urban center and capital of the Zibans. We will stop to contemplate the oasis of Sidi-Okba whose gardens are irrigated by water from the Foum El-Gherza dam. Visit of the Oqba Ibn Nafaâ mosque, part of which dates from the 8th century, like the cedar door. The mosque is considered one of the oldest in the country. Upon our arrival in Biskra, we will settle in the thermal complex Sidi Yahia. Dinner and night in the complex.

Distance traveled: 245 km / approx. 4.3 hours.

KAHNGT SID NADJI - Oued SOUF

Visit Oued Arabi for a safari in the heart of a unique nature. We discover the beauty of the region of large date palms before sitting down around a delicious barbecue prepared by our local team. At the end of the day, transfer to El Oued. Night at the hotel.

Distance traveled: 235 km / approx. 3h.