Tunisia and Algeria

Upon arrival in Tunis, our staff will be at the airport to greet you and assist you with transfer to our hotel. Meet fellow travelers this evening at a welcome dinner.

This morning, walk through the old town of the capital, where we see the Al-Zaytuna Mosque and the Madrasas of Tunis. After a lunch of local specialties, the remainder of the afternoon is free. This evening we meet with a columnist for Tunis Hebdo magazine, who shares firsthand experiences from the Jasmine Revolution, its origins, and its effect on today’s Tunisian society. Enjoy dinner tonight in a converted palace in the medina.

Venture to the suburb of Le Bardo to explore the incredible archaeological and Islamic collections of the National Bardo Museum, situated in a former palace of the Bey of Tunis. Then, drive to ancient Carthage, founded in the 9th century BCE on the Gulf of Tunis, for a tour of the extensive archaeological site. After lunch, visit the lovely, whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Saïd and the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace, the former home of Baron d’Erlanger that now houses an acclaimed collection of North African musical instruments. Return to Tunis for an evening at leisure.

Depart Tunis for the Romano-Berber city of Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the valley of Oued Khalled. The complete ruins of the antique city, dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, are considered the best-preserved example of an Africo-Roman town in North Africa. Continue to Kairouan, stopping en route for lunch and arriving in the afternoon.

Kairouan was once the Arab capital for all of North Africa and, as one of Islam’s most sacred cities, serves today as an important religious pilgrimage site. Marvel at the Islamic architecture, from grand mosques and tombs with ornate decoration to the medina alleys, lined with candy-colored houses. Visit the Great Mosque, considered one of the oldest and most important Islamic buildings in North Africa. Next, visit the Barber's Mosque with its madrassa and mausoleum, which showcases beautiful tile decoration. Stop to see the impressive 9th-century Aghlabid Basins before driving to Tozeur.

Today, we take 4WD vehicles to the golden triangle of Chebika, Midès, and Tamerza. Perched in the mountains above the Sahara, these desert oases have served as the filming location for movies such as Star Wars and The English Patient.  Return to Tozeur, traversing the striking landscape of Chott el Gharsa, a salt lake that stretches nearly 400 square miles. Enjoy lunch on our own before regrouping to tour the Dar Cherait Museum with its large collection of crafts, jewelry, and traditional dress. Tonight, watch the magnificent sun set on the Sahara as we dine in a tented camp in the desert.

This morning, venture to El Djem to see the the Roman amphitheater that is the largest colosseum in North Africa. Stop in the El Jem Archaeological Museum before continuing our drive to Sousse.

Begin today in the Sousse Archaeological Museum, which boasts an extraordinary collection of 2nd- and 3rd-century Roman mosaics and is located inside an 11th-century kasbah. Return to Tunis for lunch on our own and the afternoon free for independent exploration.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Algiers. Check in to our hotel, situated in the city center. If time permits, take a guided stroll in the city center.

Embark on a full-day tour to take in the city’s many highlights, including the Place des Martyrs, Jamaa El Jedid (New Mosque), Emir Abdelkader Square, the Grande Poste, and the Bardo Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography. Enjoy lunch in Jardin d’Essai among avenues of palms and other exotic plants.

This morning, drive to Djémila, the ancient Roman colony of Cuicul founded during the reign of Nerva in the 1st century CE. As we explore the forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches, and houses, we gain valuable insights into Roman town planning adapted to a mountain landscape.

This morning, head outside the city, stopping at Madghacen, a royal mausoleum built in the 4th century for an unknown Numidian king. Continue to Timgad, a sprawling and well-preserved Roman city built in the 1st century CE. Wander the limestone-paved roads, taking in impressive stone structures, including the Trajan Arch and city gates, testament to the city's continual restoration and importance throughout the Empire. We also see remnants of daily Roman life, from the 14 public baths to private homes decorated with stunning mosaics. Before returning to Constantine, we stop at Lambaesis to examine the ruins of this former military camp.

Visit the Roman ruins of Tiddis this morning, then return to Constantine to explore this city of Phoenician, Numidian, and Roman heritage, built on a rocky plateau and surrounded on three sides by dramatic gorges and bridges. Visit Sidi M'Cid Bridge, a monument to those who died in World War I; the Bey's Palace, dating back to the Ottoman era and restored in 2015; the Cirta Museum, dedicated to the city's history during the Roman period; and the Mosque of Emir Abdelkader, an Islamic architectural gem. End the day with a performance of Ma'luf music during dinner at a traditional restaurant.

We drive back to Algiers today, stopping in Sétif, the scene of a mass massacre of Algerians who demonstrated peacefully for independence on May 8, 1945. Visit the archaeological museum and walk around the Ain El Fouara Fountain. If time permits, stop at the Emir Abdelkader Garden to see the stelae that commemorate the 25 men who died in captivity in Amboise under the reign of Napolean.

Spend today in the nearby towns of Cherchell and Tipaza. Cherchell, or ancient Cesarea, was founded in the 4th century BCE by the Phoenicians and from 40 CE served as the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania Caesarean. Visit the famous archaeological museum, then continue to Tipaza, which served as a Punic trading post before it was turned into a military colony by Emperor Claudius for the conquest of the kingdoms of Mauretania.On our way back to Algiers, stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania that historians believe was built by King Juba II and his wife, Queen Cleopatra Selene. Gather this evening to toast our journey at an elegant farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights returning home.