Algeria

Often overlooked by travellers, Algeria (Africa’s largest nation by area) is packed with a rich, multi-layered history. A crossroads for ancient civilisations and cultures, the richness of this history can be seen in the Numidian Pyramids of the Berber kingdoms and some of the best preserved Roman ruins anywhere on earth. The European stylings of capital city Algiers meanwhile provide a comparatively modern historical narrative and a window into life as a former French colony.

Our tour begins with the museums and monuments of the coastal capital, Algiers, before visiting the Roman settlements of Cherchell and Tipaza. A day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djémila gives you the chance to explore Roman ruins in a mountainous setting away from the tourist trail. As the tour moves deeper into the country’s interior, expect to see the dramatic gorge spanning bridges of Constantine before moving onwards to the endless dunes of the Saharan Desert and the market town of Taghit.

For those who want to see more, you can extend the trip to Djanet, an opportunity to experience overnight desert camping, the rugged Stone Forest of Tikoubaouine and the Guelta of Essendilene, a Garden of Eden-like nature spot in Tassili N’Ajjer National Park.