Ancient Algeria and Mawlid An-Nabi Festival

We will dedicate this day to discovering the capital of Algeria. We’ll take a walk through the oldest district — the famous Casbah, built between 1516 and 1830 on the ruins of ancient Icosium. We’ll view the Ottoman citadel from the outside (as it is currently used as a military fort), and then dive into a maze of narrow streets and alleys that still carry their unique charm, even in their current decay. Eventually, we’ll reach the elegant doors of former Ottoman palaces. Then, we’ll have lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Notre Dame d’Afrique cathedral, perched in a stunning panoramic position overlooking the Bay of Algiers. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at the hotel.

In the morning, we will head to the coast east of the capital. Our first stop will be the “Tomb of the Christian,” a unique circular monument set in a panoramic location on the Algerian coast. It is believed to be the mausoleum of King Juba II and his wife Cleopatra Selene.

Then we’ll continue to the city of Cherchell (around 80 km), formerly known as Caesarea. This city was part of the Phoenician maritime network and was later renamed by the Romans in honor of the emperor. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania, a key and loyal Roman ally. In the city center, we’ll visit an impressive museum that houses some of the finest Greek and Roman sculptures in North Africa.

After that, we will travel east to Tipasa, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and visit the archaeological site overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Tipasa was originally founded by the Phoenicians, then turned into a military colony by Emperor Claudius, and later became a Roman municipality. The ancient city is spread across three hills near the sea, and features ruins of three churches, two cemeteries, baths, an amphitheater, and a nymphaeum. In 1982, the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In the afternoon, we will return to Algiers. Dinner at a restaurant.

In the morning, we depart for Djemila — truly “the beautiful.” Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the best-preserved Roman city in North Africa. It lies on a rocky spur where two wadis meet at the base of a 1400-meter mountain. Founded at the end of the 1st century as a colony for Roman veterans, Djemila is one of the most breathtaking Roman sites, set in a stunning natural landscape. We’ll explore the forum of Septimius Severus, the temple dedicated to Mars — the city’s patron god — and the Arch of Caracalla. At the on-site museum, we’ll admire vibrant mosaics and ancient everyday objects.

After lunch, we’ll head toward Constantine. We’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.

In the morning, we will head to the small Roman town of Tiddis, nestled high in the mountains near Constantine. This unique site stands out from other Roman ruins in North Africa thanks to its dramatic landscape and striking red earth. As we follow winding trails through hilly terrain, we’ll explore this forgotten gem with its temples, thermal baths, and forum — just like in the heart of the Roman world.

We’ll then return to Constantine for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll discover more of the city — once known as Cirta Regia, the capital of Numidia and home to King Massinissa. Alexandre Dumas called it an "eagle’s nest" because the Casbah was built atop a rocky cliff, with dramatic bridges spanning the deep gorge carved by the Rhumel wadi. The Sidi M’Cid bridge leads to the Casbah’s promontory, offering breathtaking views from over 175 meters above the canyon.

Inside the Casbah, we’ll visit the palace of Hadj Ahmed, the last Turkish bey of Constantine who fiercely resisted the French invasion in 1848. Sadly, little remains of the old Casbah — much of it was demolished under Napoleon III to build military barracks.

In the evening, we’ll transfer to the airport. Dinner will be provided as a lunch box. We arrive in Ghardaïa at 00:05, then transfer to the hotel for the night.

Today, we’ll explore the M’Zab Valley, a remarkable cultural site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll begin with a visit to the city of Ghardaïa, known for its unique character and timeless charm.

Lunch will be served at a traditional guest house, where we’ll enjoy local flavors and hospitality. Afterward, we’ll stroll through the exotic souk, filled with vibrant colors and scents, and continue to the city of Beni Isghen — a fascinating place where residents continue to uphold centuries-old customs with deep respect.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in the M’Zab Valley.

Today, we set off on a long journey toward Timimoun, with a stop in El Goléa. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the National Museum and the Palace of Princess Zenete, which overlooks the city and its thousand palm trees.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a charming guest house before continuing on the road through the vast Western Erg — a true sea of sand — passing by the oasis of M’ghiden.

Upon arrival in Timimoun, we’ll check into the hotel and have dinner. In the evening, we’ll take a stroll through the old ksar of Timimoun and take part in the festive atmosphere of the Sbou3 celebration, which includes Baroud (gunpowder displays) and traditional religious chants. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, we’ll explore the red oasis of Timimoun. We’ll walk through the old quarter (Ksar of Timimoun) and visit its traditional market filled with craft shops. Then, we’ll continue on to see the Foggara — a historic hydraulic system dating back to the 11th century — followed by a visit to the local cultural center.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the oasis. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll head to the main city square to witness the spectacular Fantasia, with Baroud (gunpowder displays) and a procession to the Hofra of Zaouiette Sidi Belkacem.

After dinner, we’ll take another stroll through the old Ksar to join the Sbou3 festivities — a celebration full of religious chants and ceremonial Baroud. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Today is a day of discovery in the Gourara region. In the morning, we’ll head toward the Ighzer plateau to explore its cave, dramatic cliffs, and old fort.

Next, we’ll continue to Ouled Said, home to one of the largest palm groves in Gourara. There, we’ll see the ancient and ingenious irrigation system of Foggaras, still in use today.

We’ll also stop in Kali, known for its traditional pottery, and Aghlad, famous for its Ksour (fortified villages). Before heading back, we’ll pause to admire the desert sunset.

Dinner at the guesthouse. At midnight, transfer to the airport for our departure flight from Timimoun.

Our flight departs Timimoun at 01:35 AM, arriving in Algiers at 03:00. After transferring to the hotel, we’ll take the morning to rest and relax.

We may visit the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by a walk through the famous Jardin d’Essai — the largest botanical garden in Africa. Covering 40 hectares and home to more than 3,000 plant species, it was established in 1832 and considered one of the most important test gardens on the continent.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in town before spending the night at the hotel.

We’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight.

A tour to southern Algeria, to Timimoun, in honor of the Mawlid An-Nabi celebration.  

This region is one of the main tourist attractions for fans of the Sahara. Nicknamed "La Flamboyant," meaning "bright," it annually attracts many local and foreign tourists seeking adventure and a change of scenery.  

In this desert gem, we will visit the Ksours, immersed in an ocean of dunes, see the stunning clay structures typical of the region, and enjoy the beauty of the Algerian desert by 4x4 jeeps, quad bikes, or camels.  

Timimoun impresses with a striking contrast between the greenery of palm trees and the golden sand of the desert. We will walk through the shady alleys of the oasis and get acquainted with the traditional life of the local inhabitants.  

The nickname "bright" captures the essence of this amazing city in the heart of Algeria. The harmonious fusion of nature and culture creates a unique tourist attraction.  

In the local language, this socio-religious festival is called "S'Boue" or "S'Boue Ennabi." The event is very vibrant and colorful, following a ritual program that is a thousand-year-old heritage carefully preserved by the local population.  

In 2015, this festival was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  

During the festival, we will see processions led by the Sheikhs of the northern Ksours of Gourara. At a designated time, they will head to the zawiya (hermitage) of Ksar Massin, with flags waving in the wind. There, they will be welcomed for the reading of the Fatiha from the Holy Book and the performance of religious songs. Afterward, it's time for folk performances to the rhythms of Karkabu.  

Discover the culture, history, and crafts of the capital of Gourara!  

The program includes: an evening in the style of Mechoui with a musical group, picnics in the palm groves around Timimoun, excursions to the small Tassili, the Igzer cave, Fougara-de-Ouled-Said, Ksar-d’Aglad, Ksar-de-Faun, as well as a visit to the market for souvenir shopping.