ALGERIA in Antiquity September 21 – 27, 2013 SPECIAL OFFER: Combine your Algeria tour with a TunisUSA program in Tunisia and TunisUSA will pay your one-way airfare between Algiers and Tunis.

Algeria in Antiquity

Algeria is a country little known to tourists, yet its history has left the country with legacies of its many “residents”, ranging from Numidian, Punic, Roman, Islamic and French.  The capital of Algier’s is a treasure of French and Art Nouveau architecture, Tipasa, Timgad and Djemila of Punic and Roman architecture and burial tombs of the indigenous Numidians in Mdracen and near Tipasa are but a few of the sights that await visitors to Algeria.

While the absence of tourism results in a tourism infrastructure that is in need of considerable improvement, the warmth and welcome extended to visitors, coupled with much to see makes Algeria a destination that any spirited traveler will enjoy…
Americans and other tourists are warmly welcome!

Art-deco era staircase in Algiers

Saturday, September 21 – Algiers
Upon your arrival in Algiers, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in central Algiers, overlooking the port. After having a bit of time to refresh yourself, you touring begins with the rest of the day devoted to an orientation of Algiers, the capital of Algeria. A truly Mediterranaean city with building after building reflecting the strong French legacy from 1830 to 1962. You tour will include walking among the streets to see various architectural gems from French Art-Deco

View of Algiers, "The White City"

More of Art-Deco Algiers

Sunday, September 22 – Algiers/Chercell and Tipasa
Today’s touring takes you west of Algiers, some 100km. You visit the town of Chercell, where Roman remains were discovered in the heart to the town, resulting to a halt in any commercial progress and rather, trying to excavate the site.

Along the Mediterranean, visiting some of the archaeological sites of the reason. Sites will include Tombeau de la Chrétienne (Mausoleum of Mauritania), Cherchell (archaeology museum) then UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipasa: amphitheatre, 4th century basilica, forum, museum. Late day return to Algiers. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Monday, September 23 – Algiers
This morning touring begins with the Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts, where highlights include history of Algeria over 2000 years with special emphasis on Punic heritage, Roman era and Islamic North Africa (impressive statues of Baachus, Ceres and Isis, artifacts found at some of the sites your tour will visit, local pottery and ceramics) and also, the Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of paintings left from the French era, as well as paintings from contemporary Algerian artists. The highlight of today is the Casbah of Algiers. A UNESCO World Heritage, the Lunch will be in a private home within the Casbah. Addition visits will include  the “name” mosque, the  Arts and Crafts Museum the Church of Notre Dame d’Afrique. Dinner and overnight in Algiers. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 24 – Mdracen and Lambaesis
This morning you have a flight to Batna, arriving 11AM. Your visits include Mdracen, the royal mausoleum-temple of the Numidians’ kings, the indigenous inhabitants of the region.

Burial tomb for Numidian kings

Wednesday, September 25 – Timgad/Constantine
Following breakfast, you check out of your hotel for a drive to Timgad, approximately forty-five minutes from your hotel. Timgad is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with one of the best examples of the Roman city grid plan.

Founded by the Roman Emperor Trajan around 100AD, highlights of Timgad include the library, the colonnaded  of Timgad (huge library, colonnaded streets, temples, amphitheater, arch of Trajan, basilica).

Roman theater at Timgad

The city was conquered by the Vandals in the 5^th century AD and subsequently occupied by the Byzantines in the first half of the 6^th century, AD. before continuing to the delightful Roman site of Tiddis (monumental gate, baptistery) and Constantine for overnight. Dinner and overnight in Constantine. (B, L, D)

Djemila main entrance

Thursday, September 26 – Djemila/Algiers
This morning you depart Constantine to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila, known in earlier times as Cuicul. Djemila was established as a Roman colony during the reign of Nerva, between 96 – 98 AD.

Djemila's expansive and scenic site is a Roman treat!

Located on a mountain, which brings its own constraints in construction, your visit will include: the forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches, superb mosaic museum followed by Béni Fouda (on ancient border of Numidia and Mauritania, time permitting.)

Djemila's Capitol and colonnaded street

Continue by road to Algiers for return flight. “Farewell dinner” and overnight in Algiers. (B, L, D)

 

Within the kasbah of Algiers

Friday, September 27 – departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Algiers, to Europe, Tunis or back to the U.S. (B)

Map of Algeria

HOTELS

Algiers: El Djezair ★★★★★
Located amidst the greenery of the hills above central Algiers, near many foreign embassies and chic shopping districts, the El Djezair, known historically as the St. George, is filled with history. Celebrity photos abound, General Dwight Eisenhower based himself here for a year during W.W. II and the spacious rooms and beautiful terrace provide a hideaway to enjoy a nice glass of Algerian wine.

History abounds at the beautiful Hotel Djezair (formerly, the St. George)

Batna: Hotel Salim
Like most hotels in Algeria, particularly out of Algiers, clean, but relatively Spartan. The best hotel in Batna.

Constantine: Hotel Certa
Like most hotels in Algeria, particularly out of Algiers, clean, but relatively Spartan. The best hotel in Constantine.

Cost per person based on double occupancy:  $3,795.
Single supplement: $295,

What is included

• Meals included as indicated by B, L, D. Any other references to meals are for logistical purposes, only.
• Bottled water at group, sit down meals…Not at Half Board buffets!
• Itinerary as shown, including domestic air
• Hotels as described or comparable properties
• English speaking guide

What is not included

• International air travel.
• Algerian visa. TunisUSA will help arrange visa and provide a letter for application
• Any purchases of a personal nature, hotel expenditures such as laundry, mini-bar, business center related expenses and spa expenses. All expenses in addition to included room and breakfast.
• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Alcoholic drinks not included during group meals.

NOTE:
TunisUSA reserves the right to make itinerary changes, if necessary.

SPECIAL OFFER: Combine your Algeria tour with a TunisUSA program in Tunisia and TunisUSA will pay your one-way airfare between Algiers and Tunis.