Roman Algeria tours

[Al-khiyal]

Tipaza, Roman ruins

"The commercial and military importance of North Africa to Rome cannot be overestimated: it was the granary of the Empire. Emperor Trajan established a frontier along the coast, and remains of settlements can be seen at Setif, Tipaza and Djemelia, which is an excellent example of town planning adapted to a mountain location."

CONTACT: The Traveller (020-7436 9343; the-traveller.co.uk) offers classical tours to Algeria, its 10-day Roman Algeria trip costs £1,950 per person including flights.


Timgad was a large Roman city founded in the 2nd century AD in what is now Algeria. The city was named for the Roman emperor Trajan’s sister. Many well-preserved remnants of Roman buildings have been found in the area.

Algeria: The Roman Era


1950's photograph captioned 'Roman ruins, Lambese, Algeria'


Roman ruins at Djemila, west of Constantine

[HOUDA-K]

This tour looks amazing.

[phylay]

This tour looks amazing.

When r u gonna visit DZ Houda? Now that u spent years with DZrians on this forum, u must look forward to going there

[HOUDA-K]

Saha Phylay,

I'm going to visit your beautiful country ISA, when I find the right company. So I can enure I enjoy every part of the journey.

[phylay]

Saha Phylay,

I'm going to visit your beautiful country ISA, when I find the right company. So I can enure I enjoy every part of the journey.

Sahiti Houda, I am sure there are many who can do the job

[Al-khiyal]

The coast of Algeria contains come of the most magnificent ruins of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Carthage the area became a vassal state under the authority of Roman-supporter King Juba II whose wife was the daughter of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. He was installed on the throne of his Kingdom in 29 BC and from this time Rome received wheat and olive oil from this naturally productive area. The intrigue and Imperial plans of Caligula caused the murder of Juba’s son, King Ptolemy, some 70 years later. There followed five centuries of Roman domination in which their culture flourished and left us a legacy of timeless architecture. The volume of artwork and fabulous mosaics that can be seen today attests to the rich cultural life that the province came to enjoy and that is still perceptible in the modern country.

Lecturer

Prof Roger Wilson

Itinerary

Day 1 - London/Algiers

Fly to Algiers for a 2-night stay. Introductory evening lecture.

Day 2 - Tipaza, Cherchell, Algiers

Visit the ‘Tomb of the Mauritanian Woman’ en route to the Roman ruins at Tipaza set on the shores of the Mediterranean, the centre of transit trade for the Roman Empire. In the middle of the first century BC Numidian Bocchus II ruled the kingdom but in 25 AD it was taken by Juba II. On to Cherchell, the former Roman provincial capital and port of Caesarea, with its museum.

Day 3 - Algiers, Setif

City tour of Algiers including the Museum of Antiquities containing ancient sculptures and mosaics; the Cathedral of Notre Dame d’Afrique which mixes Roman and Byzantine styles; and the famous Kasbah built in the early 16th century as an Ottoman Fort and palace of the local ruler. After lunch drive to Setif, for overnight.

Day 4 - Djemila, Constantine

To perfectly preserved Djemila ‘the Beautiful’, Roman Cuicul, considered to be the most outstanding Roman site in Algeria, an excellent example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location. The city was founded by the Emperor Nerva for veteran soldiers in 96-98 AD. On to Constantine, ‘city of bridges’, for a 2-night stay.

Day 5 - Tiddis, Constantine

Excursion to the Roman site of Tiddis, Roman Castellum Tidditanorum, a completely excavated minor town complete with tiny forum and baths, set on a hill in a quite beautiful landscape. Return to Constantine for an afternoon tour of ‘old’ Constantine, including the excellent museum, the bridge suspended over the spectacular gorge of Sidi Mcid, the memorial arch, the Kantara Bridge, the aqueduct ruins and the Great Mosque (exterior only).

Day 6 - Constantine, Guelma, Anaba

Visit Guelma, founded by Numidians, conquered by Rome and sacked by the Vandals to view the museum with its impressive Triumph of Amphitrite mosaic and the restored Roman theatre. On to coastal Anaba, ancient Hippo, to visit the remains of Hippo Regius, including the ruins of the Christian basilica in this town where locally born St Augustine became bishop. Also view the modern basilica and stay overnight.

Day 7 - Anaba, Medrassa, Batna

Drive to Batna for a 2-night stay with an en route visit to ‘le Medracen’ tomb.

Day 8 - Lambaesis, Timgad, Batna

En route to Timgad, visit the Roman site of Lambaesis, to explore the legionary fortress and amphitheatre. Continue to Timgad with its splendidly preserved Roman Town founded in 100AD by Emperor Trajan. The site offers a full picture of its life and times, a city built to the best of Roman plans. As no new settlement was built here after its abandonment, much of the site remains in good condition and there is nothing quite like this elsewhere in the Roman world. Just south of the Roman centre is the superbly preserved Byzantine fort, a witness to harsh military government in the sixth century. Return to Batna for overnight.

Day 9 - Beni Hamad, M’Sila

Drive via the castle at Beni Hamad to M’Sila for an overnight stay.

Day 10 - Ghardaiya

Travel across the stony desert to the oasis of Ghardaiya for overnight. The area has a unique beauty and charm, the city of Ghardaiya being founded in 1053 and in appearance resembling the shape of a pyramid. In Ghardaiya visit the city sights including the Mosque, the Cave of Daia and the lively market with its spectacular stone archways. Also see the carpet market and gardens.

Day 11 - El Ateuf, Algiers

Further exploration of the oasis area with a visit to El Ateuf. Time permitting, also visit the region’s holiest city of Beni Yezguen with its marketplace, mosque and towers. Drive to the airport for the flight to Algiers.

Day 12 - Algiers/London

Visit the Bardo museum for its pre-historic and ethnographic exhibits. Time to walk to the ‘Grande Poste’ before transfer to the airport. Return flight to London.

Tour notes

Inclusive of flights, tour lecturer/manager and 3-5 star accommodation on a full board basis. Lunch will sometimes be a picnic.

Tour length
12 days

Price

£2,350 per person sharing

Supplements
Single room : £395

Inclusive of
Airport taxes
Flights
Full board
Gratuities
Tour lecturer/Manager

Not included
Insurance (18 - 65) : £62
UK departure tax : £40
Visa : £28
Visa procurement fee : £45

Extensions
On request

Departure date
Fixed dates : | 01-May-2007 |
Flight file
BA 2884 - 1135/1415
London Gatwick to Algiers
BA 2885 - 1745/2030
Algiers to London Gatwick


Roman Algeria (May 2007)

[Al-khiyal]

Lecturer

Mr John Wilkes

Itinerary

Day 1 - London/Algiers

Fly to Algiers for a 2-night stay

Day 2 - Tipaza, Cherchell

Drive to Tipaza, set on the shores of the Mediterranean to view the Roman ruins, via the ‘Mauritanian Tomb’. Afternoon visit Cherchell, the former Roman port of Caesarea.

Day 3 - Algiers, Setif

City tour of Algiers including the Museum of Antiquities containing ancient sculptures and mosaics; the Cathedral of Notre Dame d’Afrique which mixes Roman and Byzantine styles; and the famous Kasbah built in the early 16th century as an Ottoman Fort and palace of the local ruler. After lunch drive to Setif, for overnight

Day 4 - Djemila,Constantine

Excursion to Djemila, one of the most outstanding Roman site in Algeria. The site is an excellent example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location. Continue to Constantine for a 3-night stay.

Day 5 - Tiddis, Constantine

Excursion to the Roman site of Tiddis. Afterwards visit the excellent museum in Constantine, ‘the city of bridges’.

Day 6 - Guelma, Constantine

Drive to and visit the Roman Theatre at Guelma. Return to Constantine. Afternoon tour of ‘old’ Constantine including the bridge suspended over the spectacular gorge of Sidi Mcid, the memorial arch, the Kantara Bridge, the aqueduct ruins and the Great Mosque.

Day 7 - Timgad, Batna

Drive to Timgad, with its splendidly preserved Roman Town founded in 100AD by Emperor Trajan. Return to nearby Batna, where we stay for 2 nights.

Day 8 - Medrassa, Lambaesis

Drive to and visit the Medrassa tomb. Afterwards return to Batna for lunch. Afternoon visit the nearby major Roman site of Lambaesis, to explore the legionary fortress and gladiator theatre, amongst other remains interspersed by the town.

Day 9 - Algiers

Travel to Algiers for overnight at hotel.

Day 10 - Algiers/London

Morning visit to the Bardo museum for its pre-historic and ethnographic exhibits. Time to walk to the ‘Grande Poste’ before transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.

Tour notes

Inclusive of flight, Tour Lecturer/Manager, 2-5 star accommodation on a full boards basis.

Tour length
10 days

Price
£2,295 per person sharing

Supplements
Single room : £315

Inclusive of
Airport taxes
Flights
Full board
Gratuities
Tour lecturer/Manager

Not included
Insurance (18 - 65) : £62
UK departure tax : £40
Visa : £28
Visa procurement fee : £45

Extensions
On request

Departure date
Fixed dates : | 20-Oct-2007 |

Flight file
BA 2884 - 1135/1415
London Gatwick to Algiers
BA 2885 - 1745/2030
Algiers to London Gatwick


Roman Algeria (October 2007)