Algeria Cultural Discovery
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Algeria Cultural Discovery 9 Days Algeria Cultural Discovery Take the road less traveled on this incredible adventure in Algeria — one of the least visited countries in the world! Experience the rare beauty of cosmopolitan Algiers, with its historic Casbah and labyrinthine old quarter. Then explore the impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins at Tipasa, beautifully situated on the Mediterranean, and Timgad. Travel deep into the heart of the M'Zab Valley and explore its enchanting fortress cities rising from the dunes. With deep history and ancient UNESCO-listed relics at every step, you'll find yourself in a fascinating land wondering why it wasn't on your radar sooner. Details Testimonials Arrive: Algiers, Algeria “We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail Depart: Algiers, Algeria as we did with MT Sobek.“ Dennis G. Duration: 9 Days Group Size: 4-12 Guests “I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me—widening my view of the Minimum Age: 14 Years Old world and its peoples.” Jane B. Activity Level: . REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 MT Sobek captures the best Our team of local guides This 9-day adventure has been of Algeria on this unique and are true experts and have crafted to pair effortlessly with immersive insider adventure decades of experience leading a 6-day extension to help you spanning the country's guests through Algeria. maximize your time in Algeria. historical and cultural wonders. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE In-depth cultural touring, including Luxurious 4- and 5-star hotels Algeria's coastal areas have a exploring five UNESCO World with elegant rooms and typical Mediterranean climate Heritage wonders and enjoying scenic locations - all carefully with warm, dry summers authentic local encounters. selected by our Africa experts. and mild, rainy winters. Kader developed his love of history by studying archeology Born in Constantine, Karim worked at the Cultural Institution in Greece before returning to his home in the ancient city of where he learned about his passion for teaching by helping Cherchell. He has been guiding for over 15 years, introducing manage the Cirta Museum, Palace of the Bey, Tiddis and the people from around the world to all regions of Algeria. Mausoleum of Massinissa. He has been guiding groups in Algeria for over five years, introducing tourists from around the Kader Bensalah world to his country. Karim Souiki Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN ALGIERS Welcome to Algeria! Arrive in Algiers and transfer to your five-star hotel, located close to the vibrant city center. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meals: D DAY 2 EXPLORE HISTORIC ALGIERS Go deep into the heart of Algiers on a guided city tour, starting at the UNESCO-listed Casbah. Explore the labyrinthine alleys of this storied hillside citadel and the historic quarter clustered around it. Visit its illuminating museums and ancient mosques, including the Bardo Museum and 15th-century Ketchaoua Mosque, and see the 18th-century Dar Hassan Pacha palace. Lunch at a traditional house in the Casbah before continuing your tour, meeting local artisans along the way. Dine in the city tonight. Meals: B, L, D DAY 3 ANCIENT WONDERS OF TIPASA & CHERCHELL Head to Tipasa for an unforgettable look at its UNESCO-listed complex of ruins, including a beautifully situated ancient Roman city - one of Algeria's most impressive archeological sites. Explore the amphitheater, basilicas, and forums while taking in dazzling views of the Mediterranean. Then visit the monumental Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, the resting place of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony's only daughter. Enjoy a seafood lunch in the town of Tipasa before exploring the small fishing port of Cherchell. Tour the archeological museum, home to many well-preserved ancient artifacts from the region. Return to Algiers for dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 4 VISIT DJEMILA & THE ANCIENT ROMAN CITY OF CUICUL Drive to the small mountain village of Djemila, originally the Roman city of Cuicul, and explore some of the best- preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Originally dating back to the 1st century, these UNESCO-listed ruins include well-preserved baths, temples, and forums, and the impressive Arch of Caracalla - all spread out over a pretty meadow. After the tour, enjoy lunch in Djemila before heading to the atmospheric city of Constantine, where your next hotel awaits. Meals: B, L, D DAY 5 GO BACK IN TIME IN TIMGAD Head out to explore the UNESCO-listed Roman military colony of Timgad, built in the 1st century during the reign of Emperor Trajan. This 2,000 year old city has an incredible grid design and is remarkably well intact, especially the triumphal Arch of Trajan which soars elegantly above Timgad. Next visit the Roman ruins of Lambaesis, a short drive west of Timgad near the village of Tazoult, and explore the museum. Your last stop is the massive cone-shaped mausoleum of Medracen, built for the Berber Numidian Kings between 200-400 BC! Enjoy dinner back in Constantine tonight. Meals: B, L, D DAY 6 EXPLORE CONSTANTINE & FLY TO GHARDAIA See the spectacular sights of Constantine on a guided walking tour. Marvel at its cliffside location and impressive bridges, including the Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge with its dizzying span over the gorge. Learn more about the city's history with a visit to the Cirta Museum, the Ottoman-era Bey's Palace, and El Kantara — the old Roman bridge. Learn more about the people of Constantine by meeting local copper and brassware makers, and visiting a WWI memorial dedicated to Constantine soldiers. Finish the tour at the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, an architectural gem. After lunch, fly to Ghardaia in the heart of the M'Zab Valley and transfer to your hotel. .. Meals: B, L, D DAY 7 MARVEL AT THE PENTAPOLIS OF M’ZAB Explore the incredible UNESCO-listed towns of the M'Zab Valley in the northern Sahara. Known as the Pentapolis of M'Zab, the five fortified towns are a wonder to behold - rising enigmatically from the dunes in terraces centered around a central mosque. On your journey, you'll visit Ghardaia, Melika, age-old El Atteuf, and the holy city of Beni Isguen. Return to your residence in the late afternoon and enjoy a quiet stroll in the palm grove before dinner. Meals: B, L, D DAY 8 RETURN TO ALGIERS & EXPLORE THE BOTANICAL GARDEN Take an early flight back to Algiers and explore the Basilica "Notre Dame d'Afrique" and the stunning Test Garden of Hamma - a 94 acre botanical garden dating from 1832. Have lunch at the botanical garden before visiting the army museum, which retraces Algerian history until independence in 1962. End your adventure with a farewell dinner at your hotel. Meals: B, L, D DAY 9 DEPART FROM ALGIERS After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward-bound flight. Or, explore further on our 6-day extension, including the Tadrart Rouge mountains and UNESCO-listed Tassili n'Ajjer - famous for its extensive prehistoric cave art. Meals: B Feb 14 - 22, 2022 Apr 22 - 30, 2022 Sep 16 - 24, 2022 Oct 28 - Nov 5, 2022 2022 from $3,995 per person dbl. occ. Additional Cost from $225 Internal Airfare from $800 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expertise and services of our experienced International airfare, airport taxes, and excess adventure guides baggage fees All accommodations as noted in the itinerary Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events) All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers Snacks and water between meals Travel Protection Program Additional regional guides and experts on many Personal expenses trips Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary All gratuities at hotels and restaurants Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner) Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary Baggage transfers and porterage .