The Romans in Algeria

Departing: March 2027 - November 2027

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 1-800-759-7715 to find out more.

Discover a fascinating and little-explored chapter of the ancient world in Algeria, where Numidian, Roman and Byzantine remains reveal a remarkable story of North Africa through the centuries. Explore the remarkably preserved Roman cities of Timgad and Djémila, wandering their streets and imagining life within their carefully planned settlements. In Sétif, admire the exquisite Triumph of Dionysus, one of the finest mosaics to survive from the Roman world, before discovering Constantine, the extraordinary ‘City of Bridges’. At Hippo Regius, explore evocative ruins associated with the ancient city and its fascinating history, while visits to little-publicised museums reveal an astounding collection of artefacts. With an expert Guide Lecturer bringing context and insight to the sites, this is an opportunity to look beyond the ruins and understand the civilisations that shaped Algeria.

Included

Explore Timgad & Sétif Archaeological Museum, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Expert Guide Lecturer & professional Tour Manager
4 nights at the Lamaraz Hotels, Algiers, 1 night at the Sheraton Annaba Hotel, Annaba, 2 nights in Constantine, 1 night at the Park Mall Hotel & Conference Centre, Setif, 1 night at the Trajan
Hotel, Batna & 1 night at the Vescera Hotel, Biskra
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 10 dinners
Tea or coffee with dinner
Private air-conditioned coach travel
Field notes, taxes & gratuities for local staff

Highlights

Wander perfectly preserved streets at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Roman Djémila and Timgad with its immaculate gridded plan
In Sétif, admire one of the most exquisite mosaics in all of the Roman world – the Triumph of Dionysus
Explore the extraordinary ‘City of Bridges’, Constantine, and the evocative ruins of Hippo Regius
Visit museums, which have been little-publicised, contain some astounding artefacts, displayed with great simplicity

Tony O'Connor

Graduated in Ancient History and Archaeology, specialising in the Roman Empire and the Phoenicians. He spent several years excavating as a field archaeologist in the Mediterranean, UK and North Africa before becoming a Museum Curator and subsequently Museum Service Director.

Dr Fares Moussa

Researched and published on Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman and Ancient Amazigh Cultures in North Africa and the Central Mediterranean; and on Rock Art in North Africa and Saudi-Arabia. He is especially interested in Religious Art, Spectacle and the History of Thought.

Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Algiers and meet your expert Guide Lecturer and fellow travellers at your hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lamaraz Arts Hotel

This morning, we visit two of the city-centre museums: the Bardo Museum, housed in a neo–Moorish Villa with collections which focus on prehistory, and the Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts. After lunch, we explore the  Kasbah, built on the ruins of old Icosium, a Phoenician commercial outpost later overtaken by the Romans. Little remains of its ancient past but having survived bombardment and civil war, the Casbah of Algiers remains the largest old walled city or ‘citadel’ in North Africa and was put on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 1992.