This trip is about exploring the cultural and Archeological sites of Algeria and Tunisia. Visit to the best preserved Roman ruins in Dougga and also world’s best-preserved coliseum in El Jem.
The highlights of the holiday in Algeria and Tunisia 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 to Algiers, the guide from Afrikan Wildlife Safaris will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, we can go for the city tour, by visiting sites such as 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 after your breakfast, you will go for the Roman sites of Tipaza. Here you will visit the museum and the archeological site. You will find the largest basilica in North Africa and the Basilica of St Salsa, who was a local martyr in the 4th century. Have lunch at Tipaza and the depart for the 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: Djemila and Setif
Have early morning breakfast and head to Kabilye mountain range and then on 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. If time permits, proceed 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: Timgad and Constantine
On this day, will travel south to the large site of Timgad. At this site you will see 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. Then proceed to north to Constantine. If time permits, check on the museum of Cirta, which holds a number of early Christian artifacts. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cirta or Hotel Ibis or Hotel Novotel
Day Five: Guelma , Madarous, Souk Ahras, Annaba
Another exciting to travel in the ‘footsteps of Augustine. You will 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. The proceed to Madarous, which is where Augustine studied when he was young. Don’t miss out the Christian basilica here as well. You will then 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. Lastly, you will travel to Annaba. Given time, you will enjoy the views from the lighthouse at Cape De Garde and return back to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Rym Djemil or Hotel Sabri
Day Six: Tunisia Border and Tabarka
Get your breakfast and 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 then travel to the coastal town or Tabarka for an afternoon of rest. You may check on the unique rock spirals found in Tabarka. Relax 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. After the visit, you will travel 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. After your tour you will travel to the coastal town of Sousse. Dinner will be in the hotel.
Day Eight: Sousse, El Jem, Hammamet
Today, go 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 tour, you will return to the costal town of Hammamet for some rest. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day Nine: Hammamet, Carthage, Bardo Musuem
This morning, you will travel to Carthage in order to tour the historical sites such as the Roman Amphitheater (where Felicity and her companions were martyred in March 207AD), the Roman baths, and early churches. Don’t miss out the Carthage Museum found on Bysra Hill with beautiful views of the Sea. You will have lunch in picturesque Sidi Bou Said and then travel back to Tunis to visit the Bardo Museum in the afternoon. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 10: Depart
After breakfast your guide 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
Letters to apply for Algeria tourist visa
Security Escort when needed during tour your Algeria portion of the tour