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Algeria: Roman Ruins & Mediterranean Shores (Eclipse Special)
Group Tour
Overview
Our journey through northern Algeria offers a detailed exploration of one of North Africa's most fascinating and least-visited destinations. Algeria combines a rich cultural legacy spanning millennia with spectacular landscapes, from Mediterranean coastlines to dramatic mountain cities.
Our adventure takes us through ancient Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the vibrant colonial architecture left by centuries of Spanish and French influence. We'll discover the influences ...
Our journey through northern Algeria offers a detailed exploration of one of North Africa's most fascinating and least-visited destinations. Algeria combines a rich cultural legacy spanning millennia with spectacular landscapes, from Mediterranean coastlines to dramatic mountain cities.
Our adventure takes us through ancient Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the vibrant colonial architecture left by centuries of Spanish and French influence. We'll discover the influences of Berber, Roman, Ottoman and European civilisations that have shaped this remarkable region over the centuries.
Beginning in Algiers with an exploration of the historic Kasbah we then travel to the magnificent Roman site of Djemila before experiencing Constantine's dramatic cliffside setting and architectural marvels. Heading west we discover Oran's Spanish colonial heritage and witness a remarkable total solar eclipse. The tour concludes with visits to Tlemcen's Moorish architecture and Tipasa's ancient port.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
2 nights x Standard
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in comfortable hotels throughout. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour Starts in Algiers
Day 1 Tour Starts in Algiers
The tour begins this evening in Algiers, those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 Algiers: Historic Kasbah & Modern Museum
Day 2 Algiers: Historic Kasbah & Modern Museum
We will spend today in Algiers taking in some of the sights of the city beginning in the Kasbah, the historic heart of the capital. Dating from the 9th century it has evolved through various periods of history and is a network of winding alleys and white washed buildings including traditional houses, Ottoman palaces and ancient mosques. After exploring the narrow streets we will explore Algeria’s more recent history with visits to the Marty’s Monument and the National Museum of El Mujahid to learn about the Algerian War of Independence.
Day 3 Algiers – Djemila – Constantine: Roman Architecture & Mosaics
Day 3 Algiers – Djemila – Constantine: Roman Architecture & Mosaics
A drive east today brings us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djemila. Set on a high plateau, this Roman city was founded in 96AD and is still an excellent example of Roman urban planning and adaptation to the landscape. We will explore the forum, temples and theatres as well as the triumphal arch of Caracalla. There is also a stunning museum where we can see the amazing mosaics of the city. Continuing on we will reach Constantine, dramatically set on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges and ravines, crossed by the city’s famous bridges. Founded over 2200 years ago, the city has borne witness to the various dynasties and empires that have made the region their home over the centuries.
Driving time: Approx. 5hrs
Day 4 Constantine: Tiddis & the City of Bridges
Day 4 Constantine: Tiddis & the City of Bridges
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 – Oran: Spanish Influences & Architecture
Day 5 Constantine – Oran: Spanish Influences & Architecture
We’ll transfer to the airport today and fly west to Oran, Algeria’s second largest city set on the Mediterranean coast. Oran has a significant Spanish flavour to it after more than two centuries of occupation before the French took over in the 19th century. We will see evidence of the Spanish rule as we explore the city over the next few days taking in the Santa Cruz Fortress, Cathedrale de Sacre Coeur, Bey’s Palace, Place de 1er Novembre and the original home of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Day 6 Oran: Tlemcen & Moorish Influences
Day 6 Oran: Tlemcen & Moorish Influences
Near to the Moroccan border lies the old regional capital of Tlemcen, famed for its Moorish architecture. We will drive around 2.5 hours to the site where we will discover the impressive historical legacy of Tlemcen including the Mechoaur complex, the 12th century Mosque of Sidi Bel Hassan, the 11th century Grand Mosque of Tlemcen, the 13th-century ruins of ancient Mansourah and the Sidi Boumediene Mausoleum. We’ll return to Oran in the afternoon where you may like to take a stroll along the Corniche.
Day 7 Oran: Solar Eclipse & City Tour
Day 7 Oran: Solar Eclipse & City Tour
This morning we will witness the total solar eclipse with the longest totality this century. The eclipse will begin this morning at 08:44 with the totality lasting for 5 minutes at 09:51. The eclipse will end at 11:09 and we will pick up our sightseeing of the city taking in more of the sights and enjoying the Mediterranean air.
Day 8 Oran – Tipasa – Algiers: Roman Port
Day 8 Oran – Tipasa – Algiers: Roman Port
Leaving Oran this morning we’ll drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipasa on the Mediterranean coast. Considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in North Africa, this old Roman port rose to prominence under the emperor Septimus Severus (AD193-211), and provides a remarkable collection of Punic, Roman and Numidian temples and monuments. We’ll also visit the nearby Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. This imposing tomb is the final resting place of Berber Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II, who were the last king and queen of the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania. Later we’ll continue east arriving back in Algiers and enjoying a final dinner in the city.
Driving time: Approx. 5hrs
Day 9 Tour ends in Algiers
Day 9 Tour ends in Algiers
The tour ends this morning after breakfast, there will be some time for further exploration of the city under your own steam before those on the suggested group flights are transferred to the airport for the return flight.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Hotel El Aurassi, Algiers
Hotel El Aurassi boasts views of the Bay of Algiers from its higher floors and Luxury rooms. With over 400 spacious rooms and suites, the bigger-sized hotel benefits from a large outdoor pool (open from June to September) with an outside brazier; three restaurants serving Algerian and International cuisine; a coffee shop, tearoom, lounge and winter garden; tennis and squash courts; and a gym, hammam and sauna. Guests can experience a bit of the Algerian high life at Aurassi which utilises opulent, Middle Eastern designs.
Novotel Constantine, Constantine
One of the best hotels in the city, the Novotel Constantine offers travellers an excellent location in the heart of Constantine, close to the Bey's Palace, the Cirta Museum and the iconic Sidi M'Sid bridge. The 117 rooms are all ensuite with mountain or city views however amenities are minimal and the rooms and furnishings are starting to feel a bit dated. The buffet restaurant serves international cuisine and there is also a bar and a fitness centre.
Royal Hotel, Oran
Since 1920, this luxury hotel has occupied a privileged place in the heart of Oran. The hotel is part of the M-Gallery collection and is definitely the top hotel in Oran. It is only a short walking distance from both the city's main boulevards/beautiful buildings (historic district hall and theatre) and cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and port. The hotel itself boasts a lovely restaurant, clean well kept rooms and great staff.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Events
Total Solar Eclipse
On 2nd August 2027, North Africa and parts of the Middle East will witness a rare and spectacular total solar eclipse, with up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds of total darkness—making it the longest eclipse visible from land this century. As the moon completely covers the sun, daylight will turn to twilight, stars may become visible and the sun’s corona will glow in the sky. This dramatic celestial event will be visible across much of the region, with ideal viewing conditions expected due to the region’s typically dry summer climate.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.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
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, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 2816 | London Gatwick (LGW) 15:15 | Algiers HB Airport (ALG) 18:05 |
| BA 2817 | Algiers HB Airport (ALG) 19:45 | London Gatwick (LGW) 22:35 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visaequire a visa for Algeria.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Algerian visas require authorisation from the Ministry of Algeria before they can be issued. This can be a little unpredictable in terms of timeframes so we strongly recommend that you apply as soon as possible (no earlier than 3 months prior to departure) once you receive your visa supporting documents from us. Due to these variable timeframes, we also advise against making any foreign travel plans for at least 6 weeks prior to the tour start date.
Please note that Letters of Invitation can only be issued when pre and post tour arrangements are booked through Wild Frontiers. This is because our local partner in Algeria acts as your sponsor during your visit. Unfortunately, obtaining a Letter of Invitation becomes impossible if independent travel arrangements are made outside of the services we offer. We kindly recommend speaking with a member of our team before finalising any travel plans to ensure all necessary documentation can be secured.
NB. It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having been born in or having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) is likely to be denied a visa for Algeria.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
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.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
In July and August, northern Algeria experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often soaring above 30°C, especially inland. Coastal areas are slightly milder due to Mediterranean breezes, but humidity can make the heat feel more intense.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
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.
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. The heat of the summer will be in full force with temperatures expected to be over 30°C.
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.
NEW TOURS
Never complacent, here at Wild Frontiers we are continually on the look-out for new tour ideas. Each year we aim to put on a selection of new tours in order to continually provide our clients with a fresh and varied choice of some of the best journeys on the planet. Although a lot of fun, these tours will often involve a greater element of unpredictability than our better-established tours, so please come prepared.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
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.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 2058 Wild Miles
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 & 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
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
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.