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.

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, with its museum.

Day 3 - Algiers, Setif

City tour of Algiers including 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 an overnight stay.

Day 4 - Djemila, Constantine

Visit Djemila, considered to be the most outstanding Roman site in Algeria. The site is an excellent example of Roman town planning adapted to a mountain location. Afterwards drive to Constantine, ‘the city of bridges’, for a 2-night stay.

Day 5 - Tiddis, Constantine

Drive to the Roman site of Tiddis. Return to Constantine. Visit the excellent museum, and tour ‘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 6 - 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 1 night.

Day 7 - Lambaesis, Constantine, Algiers

Morning visit the Roman site of Lambaesis, to explore part of the legionary fortress - the main gate and the gladiator theatre. Drive to Constantine for the flight to Algiers. Transfer to the Hotel El Djazair for overnight.

Day 8 - Algiers/London

Morning visit to the Museum of Antiquities containing ancient sculptures and mosaics; Bardo museum for its pre-historic and ethnographic exhibits. Afternoon return flight to London.


Tour notes

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

Desert extension available

Tour length
8 days

Price
£2,150 per person sharing

Supplements
Single room : £285

Inclusive of
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 : | 21-Dec-2007 |

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

Christmas in Constantine