Algeria & Tunisia

Overview

The extraordinarily rich history, art and architecture of the Roman Empire had a deep impact on the African countries of Tunisia and Algeria. Its influential trading outposts, grand amphitheatres and life-giving aqueducts gave rise to the wealthiest province in the Western Roman Empire outside of Italy, a legacy that’s visible today.

This 17-day tour offers a comprehensive survey of Roman North Africa, in addition to highlights of later Ottoman and Byzantine cultures in both countries. Starting our journey in Tunis, ancient Carthage, we explore the Roman cities of Carthage, El Jem, Dougga, Ammaedara and Bulla Regia, each one distinctive and fascinating. Our visit to the holy Umayyad city of Kairouan, whose huge mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and heralds the rise of Islam in the region. Heading west we visit the largest marble quarry in ancient North Africa at Chemtou, with its impressive museum and mountains of pink-yellow marble (giallo antico). On the border with Algeria, we’ll picnic in the desert at the virtually unknown site of Haidra (Ammaedara).

We cross the border to Algeria, Africa’s largest country, to visit Constantine, the city of bridges, and the ancient Roman baths at Khenchela which are still in use after 2000 years. Then after visiting two of the most breathtaking Roman cities in North Africa, Timgad and Djemila, we continue to the capital Algiers. Here we explore the colourful Casbah, enjoy the wild and romantic site of Tipasa much beloved by Camus, and visit the astonishing museum at Cherchell, ancient Caesarea before our journey concludes back in Algiers.

Highlights

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

• Admire 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 at the largely intact colosseum in El Djem

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

• Discover the evocative remote outpost of ancient Ammaedera (Haidra) and its impressive Byzantine fortress, mausoleums and underground baths

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

TOUR LEADER

Dr Helen Pope’s passion for Rome and the ancient world began from her very first Latin class in high school when she was 11 years old! This led her to study Classics at Monash University, where she earned a B.A. (Hons) and PhD in Latin.

After living and travelling for two years in Greece and Italy in order to deepen her knowledge of the Greco-Roman world, she returned to Monash and took up a position in the Visual Arts Department, where she taught Classical, Renaissance and baroque art and architecture for five years. Helen then moved permanently to Rome, where she has taught a full Classics program at St Stephen’s International School for 35 years.

Helen retired in 2018, but has actively continued to pursue her fascination for travel and the ancient world as a lecturer and tour leader.