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Spiekermann
Tour Itinerarys...
ROMAN AFRICA...TUNISIA and ALGERIA Itinerary
April 08 & 09 Depart US for TUNISIA or Border Crossing
Fly from JFK to Tunis via Europe. You will be met the following day and taken
overland to Tataouine to join with the group arriving from Libya. If you are
extending your Libya tour you will cross the border intoTunisia (9th) and
continue to the region of Chenini. Tour the villages, fortified granaries and
Ksar Ouled Soltane, one of the best preserved ksours in Tunisia. Head to the
Hotel Sangho Privilege (or similar) in Tataouine for dinner and overnight. (D)
April 10 TATAOUINE to SOUSSE
Return to a time when Imperial Rome’s reach extended to Thysdrus in North
Africa where they built the splendid amphitheater El Djem. Though smaller than
Rome’s Coliseum, it is in a better state of preservation. Head to Sousse and
the Diar El Andalous (or similar) surrounded by lovely gardens. (B,L,D)
April 11 KAIROUAN and MONASTIR
Drive to Kairouan, once the Arab capital for all of North Africa and still one
of Islam’s most sacred sites. In the old city you will find the great mosque,
the oldest religious monument still in use in North Africa, and the Barber’s
mausoleum with superb Andalusian décor. Have lunch in Kairouan then depart for
Monastir. Tour the city with its 8th century Arab Fortress and the exquisite
Museum of Islamic arts. Return to Sousse. (B,L,D)
April 12 SOUSSE to TUNIS
Head north to the ancient Roman town of Thuburbo Majus. Tour the forum and the
peristyle houses with their well-preserved mosaics. Continue to Zaghouan, with
its monumental nymphaeum at the source of the 90 km aqueduct that supplied
Carthage with water. Follow the Hadrianic aqueduct to Tunis. Check into the
Hotel Tunisia Palace or similar. (B,L,D)
April 13 CARTHAGE and SIDI BOU-SAID
Visit the Bardo Museum, containing important antiquities of the country such
as the spectacular Roman mosaics, Punic stelae and jewelry. Then on to
Carthage to explore the Roman and early Christian Museum at Dermech, the
Antonie baths, Roman villas, theater, odeon, amphitheater and the early
Christian pilgrimage church at Damous el Karita. Drive to the picturesque 17th
century village of Sidi Bou Said, located on a promontory overlooking
Carthage. Tour the small museum exhibiting traditional musical instruments.
This evening attend a typical dinner show in the medina. (B,L,D)
April 14 NABEUL and KERKOUANE
Visit the Punic town of Kerkouane, the only archaeological site never
influenced by the Romans or Byzantines. Head to Nabeul (ancient Neapolis), a
Carthaginian town occupied by the Romans during the Third Punic War, to view
its unique fish ponds. Return to your hotel in Tunis. (B,L,D)
April 15 TUNIS to DOUGGA, BELLA REGIA and AIN DRAHAM Travel
through the countryside to the Andalusian town of Testour and stop at the
Byzantine fortress of Ain Tounga. Spend the morning at the magnificent hilltop
site of Dougga, which flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The glory of
Imperial Rome is evoked in its temples, baths, theater, roads and arches.
After lunch continue to Bulla Regia to explore baths, the forum, a theater,
temples and three underground villas housing beautiful mosaic-tiled floors.
Drive through the pine and cork forests to a typical mountain hunting lodge,
Hotel Nour El Aïn or similar. (B,L,D)
April 16 Border Crossing
Cross into Algeria and head to El Kala National Park located just 10 miles
from the Tunisian border. The park exhibits an ecosystem that is unique to the
Mediterranean basin. It was created in 1983 and recognized as a biosphere
reserve by UNESCO in 1990. Embark on a wildlife tour with your expert local
guide to view the rich diversity of flora and fauna. Visit the museum and mini-
zoo to learn about endemic and threatened species in this unique habitat.
Continue to the Sabri Hotel or similar in Annaba. (B,L,D)
April 17 ANNABA to CONSTANTINE
Tour the site of Hippo Regius, with its Roman agora, basilica and museum.
Visit the church of St. Augustine which is built on the site of an ancient
Roman theater. Depart after lunch for Constantine stopping enroute to see the
fascinating ruins of Tiddis situated on the side of a hill. It is believed to
have been an ancient Berber settlement before it was occupied and developed by
the Romans early in the 1st century and used primarily as a military outpost.
Upon arrival in Constantine check into the hotel. (B,L,D)
April 18 CONSTANTINE to BATNA
Tour the ancient city of Constantine beginning with the exterior of the Great
Mosque then head to Sidi M’cid for a spectacular view of the gorge. Visit the
Cirta Museum and the Mausoleum of Massinissa. Depart after lunch for Medracen,
the tomb of Imadghassen, Berber king of Numidia. Have dinner and overnight in
Batna at the Hotel Salim or similar. (B,L,D)
April 19 TIMGAD and LAMBAESIS
Explore the spectacular well-preserved Roman site of Timgad. Built around the
1st century it had an important role in the control of commerce. Marvel at the
remains of the basilica, library, the Capitoline Temple, the Corinthian
colonnade and Trajan’s Arch. Next head to Lambaesis which was the camp of the
3rd Augustan legion. The site houses some very interesting mosaics at its
local museum. Return to the hotel in Batna for dinner. (B,L,D)
April 20 BATNA to SETIF and ALGIERS
Drive to the Roman ruins of Djemila, possibly the most outstanding site in
Algeria. One can still see the theater, basilica, forums, arches, and many
city walls in this former military garrison town once known as Cuicul. Time
permitting, visit the impressive museum in Setif. Have dinner and overnight at
the historic and elegant St. George Hotel (or similar) in Algiers. (B,L,D)
April 21 CHERCHELL and TIPAZA
Head to Cherchell, the former Roman port of Caesarea, to visit the theater,
stadium and museum. Continue to Tipaza, a Phoenician trading post that later
became a military stronghold for the Romans. Return to Algiers stopping to
view the Mausoleum of Mauretania orTomb of the Christian. (B,L,D)
April 22 ALGIERS
Spend the day exploring the city including the famous Kasbah with its narrow
winding alleys, medieval houses and courtyards. Continue to the Museum of
Popular Arts, the Botanical Gardens, the Monument of the FLN and the Bardo
Museum. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
April 23 ALGIERS to USA
Bid farewell to Africa as you depart Algiers for the U.S. (B)
We (STS) reserve the right to change hotels, restaurants or the order of
activities if/as needed.
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