The highlights of this tour includes Walk in the footsteps of St. Augustine, Visit North Africa’s largest basilica, Experience the world’s best-preserved coliseum in El Jem, Marvel at the numerous baptisteries spread across these lands, Enjoy world class museums
Day One: Arrival in Algiers
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomes by the guide from Afrikan Wildlife Safaris who will then transfer you to the hitel for the overnight. Depending on your arrival, you can go for the optional city tour and visit sites like the Notre Dame d’Afrique, the French colonial architecture, and the Palais des Rais. If you have an early morning arrival you will visit the Kasbah in the afternoon. Dinner will be taken at your hotel.
Day Two: Algiers and Tipaza
This morning, you will go for the Roman sites of Tipaza and visit the museum and the archeological site. Here you will find the largest basilica in North Africa and the Basilica of St Salsa, who was a local martyr in the 4th century. Then have lunch at Tipaza. After lunch, proceed to Tombeau de la Chrétienne (royal mausoleum of Mauritania). In the afternoon you will visit the Museum of Antiquities which hosts numerous Christian mosaics. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day Three: Algiers / Djemila / Setif
After an early breakfast, you will head to Djemila. The site of Djemila has two basilicas and a covered baptistery. You will have guided visit of Djemila, including the museum and site. Given enough time, you can return to Setif and visit the National Museum of Archaeology which hosts the remarkable and intact mosaic Procession of Bacchus. Dinner will be at the hotel while you enjoy traditional Algerian music and cuisine. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rabi
Day Four: Djemila / Timgad / Constantine
On this day, you will head south to the large site of Timgad. At this site you will check on the library, temples, amphitheatere, and arch of Trajan. The city was an important center of Christianity in the 3rd and 4th centuries and the site contains basilicas and baptisteries. After your visit you will travel north to Constantine. If you have time upon your arrival you will visit the museum of Cirta, which holds a number of early Christian artifacts. Dinner will be at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cirta, Hotel Ibis, Hotel Novotel
Day Five: Constantine / Guelma / Madarous / Souk Ahras / Annaba
After breakfast, you will go and walk in the ‘footsteps of Augustine.. Drive to Guelma to visit the large theatre and musuems. Guelma was where Possidius, Augustine’s friend and Bishop of Guelma, lived during the 5th century. After your stop in Guelma you will travel to Madarous, which is where Augustine studied when he was young. There is also a Christian basilica that you will not want to miss. When you have completed your visit you will travel to Souk Ahras (Thagaste)for lunch. Souk Ahras was the birthplace of both St. Augustine and his mother St. Monica. There is a small museum and olive tree that supposedly dates back to when St. Augustine was in Thagaste. After your visit you will travel to Annaba. If there is time upon arrival you will enjoy the views from the lighthouse at Cape De Garde and return back to your hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rym Djemil or Hotel Sabri.
Day Six: Annaba / Tunisia Border / Tabarka
On this day, you will visit the archeological site of Hippo Regius. Here you will find the Basilica of Peace where Augustine was bishop from AD 395-430. You will also tour the museum, and the Cathedral of St. Augustine, which was renovated and reopened 2012. A relic of St. Augustine’s forearm is enclosed in a large statue of Augustine. When you have completed your tour you will travel to the Algeria/Tunisia border. You will then travel to the coastal town or Tabarka for an afternoon of rest. You may want to see the unique rock spirals found in Tabarka. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day Seven: Bulla Regia / Dougga / Sousse
After breakfast, you will visit Bulla Regia, where you will find a basilica and a theatre that Augustine spoke out against in one of his sermons. Here you will also explore unique underground villas. The drive to Dougga for lunch and a site tour. Dougga, the Roman Archaeological site is one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then proceed to the coastal town of Sousse. Dinner will be in the hotel.
Day Eight: Sousse / El Jem / Hammamet
Today, you will go underground to the Sousse catacombs. Here you will learn about the early church in Sousse. Although only 100 meters is open to the public, it should not be missed. Then you will enjoy the Sousse archeological museum, which has a room, dedicated to the early church in the area long with a Byzantine baptistery. The next stop is the El Jem coliseum and museum. This coliseum is said to have had seating for 30,000 spectators and is the best preserved in the Roman world. After your visits you will return to the costal town of Hammamet for some rest. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day Nine: Hammamet / Carthage / Bardo Musuem
On this day, you will drive to Carthage in order to visit the sites such as the Roman Amphitheater (where Felicity and her companions were martyred in March 207AD), the Roman baths, and early churches. The Carthage Museum found on Bysra Hill with beautiful views of the Sea. Have lunch in picturesque Sidi Bou Said and then drive back to Tunis to visit the Bardo Museum in the afternoon. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day Ten: Fly Out
After breakfast your driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Trip Includes
Service of a French Speaking tour manager in Algeria
English Speaking Translator/Guide
All Transportation and driver fees
All Hotels at Half board rates
Site and Museum Entrance Fees
Water in the vehicle
Security Escort when needed during tour your Algeria portion of the tour