This journey will introduce you to the historical riches of two Northern African gems: Algeria and Tunisia.

Algeria stands as a testament to the layers of civilisations it has embraced, from the Numidians and Phoenicians to the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans… culminating in French colonial rule. Our exploration begins in Tipaza, where remnants of Phoenician commerce, Roman influence, and Byzantine Christianity converge. Timgad and Djémila offer glimpses into the opulent urban life of Imperial Rome, while Constantine, cradled within the rugged Wadi Rummel gorge, narrates a saga of resilience against dramatic landscapes. We will visit Tipaza, with its ruins of a Phoenician trading post, Roman port and Byzantine churches, and see the perfectly preserved Roman cities of Timgad and Djémila, which provide insight into sophisticated urban living in the wealthiest of imperial Roman provinces. Constantine, The Roman ‘City of Bridges’, is renowned for its unique topography. The river Oued Rhumel has carved out deep gorges, around the city perched on a rocky outcrop, creating a natural fortress. After a domestic flight, we head 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 but diverse country situated across the Mediterranean from Sicily, with Algeria as its western neighbour. First settled by the Berber tribes, Tunisia has hosted several cultures. Sited close to present-day Tunis, where the Phoenicians founded our tour starts, the rich and powerful city of Carthage in the tenth century BCE. Following its destruction in 146 BCE, Rome re-established 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. 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 sandy deserts: seaside cities and fishing villages, jagged hilltops and canyons, salt lakes, lush oases, and the world's 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

• Ground transportation as per itinerary
• Internal flights: Algiers - Ghardaia / Ghardaia - Constantine
• 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
• Escorted by an Australian host (subject to a minimum number of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights to Algeria and from Tunisia
• International flight Algiers to Tunis
• 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
• Transfers to and from airports if not travelling on our group flight

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
• No more than 16 clients
• 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