11,990 $

This tour combines two of northern Africa’s historical jewels - Algeria and Tunisia, which share common borders and intertwined history. Algeria is one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa, successively colonised by the Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Almoravids, Almohads, Spaniards, Ottomans and, finally, the French colonial empire.

On this tour we will visit Tipaza, with its ruins of a Phoenician trading post, Roman port and Byzantine churches. We will see the perfectly preserved Roman cities of Timgad and Djémila which provide insight into sophisticated urban living in the wealthiest of imperial Roman provinces. The Roman ‘City of Bridges’, Constantine, is encircled by the dramatic gorge of Wadi Rummel and proffers a dramatic history set in an equally dramatic landscape.

After a domestic flight we head away from the coast into the desert, beyond the limits of Roman control, to the ‘closed’ valley of the M’Zab, where a traditional way of life survives, little changed since medieval times when this was a remote refuge from war and religious persecution. With the Sahara as a backdrop, the ancient Ksars or fortified strongholds, with their surrounding mud brick villages still hold on to traditions that have endured the desert sands for centuries. Our tour of Algeria finishes back in Algiers the bustling capital, where the traditional Casbah is counterbalanced by a wonderfully engaging mix of Ottoman grandeur, French colonial chic and modern vibrancy.

As large as Algeria is, Tunisia on the other hand is a small, diverse country. Located across the Mediterranean Sea from Sicily, with Algeria its Western neighbour. First settled by the Berber tribes, Tunisia like Algeria, has hosted several cultures. Sited close to present day Tunis, where our tour starts, the rich and powerful city of Carthage was founded by the Phoenicians in the tenth century BCE. Following its destruction in 146 BCE, Rome reestablished the city, which grew to a peak population of 500,000.

Our tour of Tunisia will see us visiting Berber oasis villages with distinctive troglodyte houses, Roman cities with fine imperial monuments like el Djem’s huge amphitheatre, museums with magnificent antique mosaics, and beautiful Islamic buildings constructed over 1,500 years. Just one of these is Kairouan’s ancient mosque, which played a key role in the Islamisation of North Africa. We will also encounter the fascinating ribats of Sousse and Monastir, built to defend Islamic Ifriqiyya from European incursions. From blue seas to sand dunes, seaside cities and fishing villages, jagged hilltops and canyons, salt lakes, lush oases, and the worlds greatest desert.

These two countries offer lands of incredible hospitality and an intriguing and extraordinary history in an area that is rarely visited by English speakers making them both classic Blue Dot destinations!

INCLUDED

• All transportation as per itinerary
• Twin-share accommodation
• Transfers to and from hotels as per itinerary
• Meals as listed on the itinerary
• Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
• All tipping including drivers and guides
• Experienced English speaking local tour guide/driver
• Escorted by an Australian host (subject to minimum numbers of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights
• Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visas
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, hotel charges
• International and internal flights not indicated on the itinerary
• Transfers to and from airports if not travelling on our group flight

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour cost excludes international flights
• Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
• No more than 16 clients on any trip
• Tour extensions – before or after tour extensions can be arranged on your behalf
• International flights can be arranged by Blue Dot Travel
• Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
• To book and reserve your place on a tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP