ALGERIA…The Garden of the Sahara
May 11-May 28, 2023
Led by Historian and Anthropologist Mohamed Halouani

Algeria is a vast country of breathtaking scenery, well-preserved Roman ruins, pre-historic cave paintings, impressive museums, and a strong Berber culture. This journey will take you from the sweeping shores of the Mediterranean, to the green majestic mountains, through the vast Sahara Desert, and into the palm-fringed oases. Explore the Roman ruins of Timgad, the former Roman port of Caesarea, the oasis town of Bou Saada, the Kasbah of Algiers, and the unique fortified town of Ghardaia and its Mozabite villages. No tour of Algeria would be complete without a visit to the dramatic city of Constantine, the “city of gorges and bridges.” From here, the tour travels to the western region of Algeria to the tranquil Mediterranean city of Oran and on to Tlemcen, a beautiful town with a rich diverse culture and lush vineyards and olive plantations. The trip ends on a high note in the heart of the Algerian Desert to explore the oases, ksours (fortified villages), ancient and holy cities, massive sand dunes, and much more in and around Timimoun, the “Red Oasis,” the oasis town of Béni Abbès home to seven castles, and the ancient desert city of Adrar.

Trip Grade:
II Active - Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some very long rides. A few times you may be delayed by the security personnel at some check points and this necessitates a tolerant and patient attitude.

LODGING Level:
** - **** Standard to Deluxe- Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars) and some are deluxe – typical, large, western standard hotels with ample venues, and full amenities (4 or 5 stars). Some hotels will be basic, especially in the desert of Algeria, but all will have private toilet/shower facilities.

Special Trip Remarks:
We recommend packing light for this tour as porters may not be available at some of the guesthouses and you may be required to carry your own luggage from the hotel to the vehicle. Tourist facilities are very limited in the remote regions of the desert and small villages you will be visiting. In the desert of Algeria, there are few first-class hotels. Hotel A/C’s do not cool a room to American standards of comfort.

Participants should understand that this trip involves long drives in hot weather sometimes in 4x4 vehicles. The physical shape you are in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of the trip. There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote regions such as sickness and lack of modern medical facilities. Knowing the nature of traveling to remote areas, all travelers on this tour will require a high level of flexibility, tolerance, and willingness to go with the flow if things change.

By signing up for this tour, you are acknowledging a full understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions and are admitting that you are in good physical and mental health and are equipped with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a tolerant and patient spirit to cope with the tour. Domestic flights may change last minute, forcing us to make necessary changes to the itinerary and the sequence of visits. We have the full right to make changes to the hotels and sites or activities previously described in the itinerary without notice due to possible circumstances beyond our control. It is highly advisable to purchase travel protection insurance for this tour.