Tunisia & ALGERIA: CIVILISATIONS OF NORTH AFRICA

• Survey the great Phoenician trading port of Carthage, the powerful Mediterranean city of antiquity that rivalled Rome

• Explore the immense wealth of African and Roman art and history at the superlative archaeological museums including the Bardo, El Djem, Sousse and Setif

• Imagine the deafening roar of 35,000 spectators baying for blood and bear witness to the outstanding Roman architecture of the colosseum in El Djem

• Chart the rise of Islam at the Great Mosques of Kairouan and Constantine

• Admire the tranquil beauty and natural setting of Djemila and Timgad, often called the “Pompeii of Algeria”

• Wander through the lively Souk in Kairouan and the colourful Casbah in Algiers

MONDAY 26 JANUARY – ARRIVE IN TUNIS (D)

An arrival transfer from Tunis-Carthage International Airport is included for all participants; contact us for further information. Meet tour leader Dr Helen Pope and your fellow travellers at 5.00pm in the lobby of our hotel in Tunis for welcome drinks and dinner. Overnight Tunis.

TUESDAY 27 JANUARY – THE MEDINA, BARDO MUSEUM & SIDI BOU SAID (B, L, D)

As the capital of several influential dynasties, including the Almohads and Hafsids, Tunis was considered one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the Islamic world. On our morning walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Medina we encounter historic palaces, mosques, madrassas, mausoleums and houses, lavishly decorated with reflective tiles and stucco, as well as a busy souk laden with all manner of merchandise. Housed in a nineteenth-century Ottoman palace, the National Bardo Museum is an impressive showcase of Tunisian heritage. The staggering number of exceptional Roman mosaics, Hellenistic sculptures and Punic jewellery on display paints a fascinating portrait of North African civilisation. We then take the coast road along the Gulf of Tunis to the pretty clifftop village of Sidi Bou Said, overlooking the Mediterranean. Named after a thirteenth-century Sufi saint, the colourful village is a distinctive mix of Ottoman and Andalusian architecture. The narrow lanes are lined by whitewashed houses with cobalt blue doors and lattice window grills, residences that have played host to European musicians and artists such as Paul Klee. Afterwards, we return to the hotel for dinner together. Overnight Tunis.

WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY – CARTHAGE & SOUSSE (B, L, D)

Today is a day of iconic monuments, as we check out and travel to the fallen city of Carthage. The ancient Phoenician city was founded in the ninth century BCE and rose to become a powerful, rich and influential trading metropolis and key maritime power throughout the Mediterranean. It was vanquished and torched by the Romans in 146 BCE, as part of the ongoing Punic Wars. Rebuilt a century later as Roman Carthage, it became the Empire’s major city in North Africa. We explore the vestiges of Punic, Roman, Vandal, Christian and Arab civilisations here, including the massive necropolis, Roman theatre and residential areas that comprise this extensive archaeological site. Archaeological finds can be examined on our visit to the Carthage Museum, which sits atop Byrsa Hill and displays sarcophagi from the Punic era, Phoenician amulets and pottery, and Roman bas reliefs and mosaics. After lunch we travel to the coastal city of Sousse to visit the small but splendid museum and explore the medina, a fine example of Islamic architecture. We depart for El Djem and check in before meeting for dinner in the hotel. Overnight El Djem.

THURSDAY 29 JANUARY – EL DJEM (B, L, D)

After checking out this morning, we encounter the full extent of the grandeur of imperial Rome in North Africa on our visit to the Amphitheatre of El Djem. Built in the third century, the impressive free-standing three-tiered amphitheatre is constructed of stone blocks with no foundations. It was modelled on its famous counterpart in Rome and had a capacity of 35,000 spectators. The Archaeological Museum is built on the footprint of a Roman villa and displays an exceptional collection of mosaics, including scenes depicting gory gladiatorial battles from the amphitheatre, mythical gods and Roman-era art. Mosaics were an important decorative feature across the Roman Empire, in public spaces as well as private homes, and we gain a sense of the craftmanship required for this medium on a visit to a local artisan’s workshop. After lunch we travel to Kairouan, a holy city for Islam, and check in to our hotel. Dinner is in the hotel this evening. Overnight Kairouan.

FRIDAY 30 JANUARY – KAIROUAN (B)

Kairouan has long been the Maghreb’s most ancient and holy city, with the Grand Mosque lying at the heart of Islam in northern Africa and the fourth holiest site for the faithful after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Founded in 670, the expansive complex we visit today was rebuilt by the Aghlabids in the ninth century. A large minaret looms over the courtyard, its more than 400 pillars and horseshoe arches displaying influences of Roman, Islamic and Byzantine architecture. We continue to the National Museum of Islamic Arts, which houses Tunisia’s largest collections of Islamic artefacts, including friezes and calligraphy from the ceiling of the Grand Mosque and a rich collection of decorated Quranic manuscripts on parchment. The afternoon is at leisure for exploring the narrow streets of Kairouan’s souk, with its characteristic whitewashed houses sporting arches and shutters vibrantly painted in blue and green. Overnight Kairouan.

SATURDAY 31 JANUARY – DOUGGA (B, L, D)

The combined Allied forces concentrated a heavy presence in North Africa, enabling their defeat of the Axis forces in northern-eastern Tunisia in April 1943. Today we check out and then visit a Commonwealth War Cemetery that commemorates the fallen soldiers of the First Army. We also call in at Dougga, an ancient hilltop settlement that is a fine example of Numidian, Punic, Hellenistic and Roman cultures and influence. The well-preserved site comprises bathhouses, an imposing capitol and theatre, exemplifying how inhabitants flourished under Roman rule. We enjoy lunch together today, as well as dinner in our hotel this evening. Overnight Dougga.

SUNDAY 01 FEBRUARY – HAÏDRA (B, L, D)

Haïdra or ancient Ammaedara is a remote border outpost with few tourists, and is considered one of the earliest Roman cities in Africa. While the site is not fully excavated, the partially reconstructed Basilica of Melleus can be explored, with rows of columns made from Chemtou marble. There is also a triumphal arch of Septimus Severus, a Byzantine fort built around 550 on the orders of Emperor Justinian, and mausoleums with the distinctive shape of towers. Following lunch at the site, we return to Dougga for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight Dougga.

MONDAY 02 FEBRUARY – BULLA REGGIA (B, L, D)

Today we travel to Chemtou, an ancient quarry that was the source of a pink-veined marble with a high value throughout the Roman Empire – including in Rome itself – thanks to its resemblance to gold. At the excellent archaeological museum, we learn of the mechanisms used to carve out and transport the delicate stone blocks and admire examples of quarried marble. Continuing to Bulla Reggia, we find the first known Roman villas that were constructed underground to escape the heat. These subterranean villas can be visited, their intact plumbing and mosaic-covered colonnaded courtyards offering a superb insight into life at the time. The city also contains a beautifully preserved theatre, forum and temple of Apollo. We continue to Tabarka and check in before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Tabarka.

TUESDAY 03 FEBRUARY – TO CONSTANTINE (B, L, D)

Today we depart Tunisia and cross the border into Algeria. Having completed immigration formalities, we take a break for lunch before arriving at Constantine, the so-called city of bridges and our destination for the next two nights. After checking in, there is dinner in the hotel. Overnight Constantine.

WEDNESDAY 04 FEBRUARY – CONSTANTINE (B, L)

Our day commences at the Cirta Constantine Museum, which displays finds from the period in which the city formed part of the Kingdom of Numidia. There are also artefacts from the nearby Roman city of Tiddas, including an exquisite second-century BCE marble bust of a woman known as the Beauty of Djemila. A stroll through the city brings us to the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the ruler of Constantine who constructed a fine Ottoman-era palace decorated with French and Tunisian tiles and celebrating his pilgrimage to Mecca. After lunch we head out of town to the dramatic site of Tiddas, situated on a barren mountain slope. Settled by Neolithic Berbers, it was developed into a fortress town during the Augustan era. Returning to Constantine, we visit the city’s most prominent monument, the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, distinguished by twin 107-metre-high minarets and a prayer hall that can host up to 10,000 worshippers. We return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight Constantine.

THURSDAY 05 FEBRUARY – TO TIMGAD (B, L, D)

After checking out of our hotel, we call in at the Mausoleum of Massinissa. An imposing structure of massive stone blocks which rises incongruously above the flat plain, the royal tomb has intrigued archaeologists: they have not been able to determine who it was built for. Before lunch in Khenchela there is the opportunity to emulate the Roman lifestyle and bathe in the rejuvenating mineral waters at Hammam Essalihine. We then continue to Timgad and check in before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Timgad.

FRIDAY 06 FEBRUARY – TIMGAD (B, L, D)

Situated on the slopes of the Aurès Mountains, the well-preserved city of Timgad was founded by the Emperor Trajan as a Roman military colony. We visit the museum to admire its outstanding collection of sizeable mosaics, including depictions of Neptune in his chariot and the Triumph of Venus. The archaeological site demonstrates the advanced urban planning techniques of the Romans, with streets organised into perfect grid patterns of rectangular blocks that allowed for ease of mobility. Walking down along the Cardo Maximus we come to the Great Baths, public library, market, 3500-seat theatre and Trajan’s Arch. We arrive in Setif in the late afternoon and check in. Dinner this evening is in the hotel. Overnight Setif.

SATURDAY 07 FEBRUARY – SETIF (B, L)

This morning we visit the wonderful Archaeological Museum in Setif, which houses a superb collection of mosaics. These include the Triumph of Dionysus, a masterpiece of Roman craftmanship that features a procession of exotic animals and the god’s conquest of India. We call in at the sixth-century Byzantine Citadel on the way to lunch in Djemila. Our visit to the museum here lends context to the mosaics recovered from the House of Bacchus at the archaeological site at Djemila. We explore the ruins of Roman Cuicul (as it was known), including the square, Arch of Caracalla, grandiose Temple of the Severan Family with its rows of Corinthian columns, old forum and Christian Quarter. Returning to Setif, dinner is at leisure. Overnight Setif.

SUNDAY 08 FEBRUARY – TO ALGIERS (B, L, D)

Today before departure, we take a stroll to the El Fouara Fountain, a significant historical landmark and water source carved from white marble and arrive at the peaceful Emir Abdel Kadir Garden. It is endowed with steles inscribed in Latin, documenting the history of the region. There is a break for coffee before we commence the journey to Algiers, stopping for lunch on the way. After checking into our hotel, we familiarise ourselves with Algiers on an orientation walk past the modernist Sacred Heart Cathedral, Maurice Audin Square and Moorish-inspired Grande Poste. Dinner is in a local restaurant. Overnight Algiers.

MONDAY 09 FEBRUARY – ALGIERS (B, L)

The Casbah of Algiers is an outstanding example of a historic Maghreb city, with the citadel forming part of the ramparts. We walk through the labyrinthine streets, past Ottoman-style palaces and the seventeenth-century Ketchaoua Mosque, noted for its blend of Moorish and Byzantine architecture. At the magnificent Palace of Mustapha Pacha we encounter its fascinating collection of illuminations, miniatures and calligraphy, concluding our walk at Martyr’s Square before lunch. Adjacent to the Jardin d’Essai of El Hamma is the esteemed National Museum of Fine Arts, preserving Algeria’s cultural legacy and national identity. Comprising three levels, the collection covers the arts and crafts of the Arab world, Algerian artists and the works of Dutch and French masters, such as Matisse and Gauguin. We return to the hotel for an evening is at leisure. Overnight Algiers.

TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY – TIPASA & CHERCHELL (B, L, D)

On the Mediterranean coast lies Cherchell, an illustrious former Roman colony known as Caesarea and the capital of the Kingdoms of Mauretania and Numidia. Here, we can see what remains of the theatre built by Juba II, the forum and the western baths. In contrast, the museum creates a detailed picture of life in the colony through displays of sculpture, mosaics and marble busts of the royal family – including a portrait of Juba’s mother-in-law, Cleopatra of Egypt. We follow the coast to Tipasa for our farewell lunch and visit the small museum before continuing to the scenic archaeological park. One of North Africa’s finest, it is set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. The day concludes with a visit to the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. The grandeur and architecture of the circular structure, decorated with Ionic columns, gives credibility to the belief that this was the burial place of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s daughter, Selene II and her husband King Juba II. We return to the hotel and gather for drinks to farewell new friends and reflect on our extraordinary journey. Overnight Algiers.

WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY – DEPARTURE (B)

The tour ends after breakfast. A departure transfer to the airport is included for all participants.

Radisson Blu 5* Tunis, 2 nights

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-hotel-convention-center-tunis

Hotel Julius 3* El Djem, 1 night

https://julius.tn/en-gb/

Hotel La Kasbah 5* Kairouan, 2 nights

https://www.goldenyasmin.com/fr/

Hotel Thugga 3* Dougga, 2 nights

Website information unavailable

Hotel Thabraca Thalasso & Diving 5* El Tabraka, 1 night

https://www.magichotelsandresorts.com/region/tabarka

Protea Hotel Constantine 5* Constantine, 2 nights

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/czlmc-constantine-marriott-hotel/overview/

Trajan Hotel Timgad 4* Timgad, 1 night

http://www.trajan-hotel.com/

Park Mall Hotel 4* Setif, 2 nights

https://www.parkmallhotel.com/

Hotel Ralf 5* Algiers, 5 nights

https://hotelralf.com/

• 16 nights’ accommodation at 3*, 4* and 5* hotels

• All breakfasts and 26 lunches or dinners

• All ground transport, guided tours and entrance fees to sites as mentioned in the itinerary, and tipping

• Arrival and departure transfers

• Cost of a visa for travel into Algeria, for all Australian passport holders (contact us if travelling on another passport)

• Expertise of and commentary by an Australia tour leader throughout, including talks in the hotel

A $1,500pp deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your place on tour.

A second deposit of $2,500pp is due on 30 July 2025.

We will invoice you for final payment for the tour, due on 12 November 2025.

When you book on one of tours, we ask you to accept our terms and conditions. You can read our terms and conditions here.