North Africa (Mauritania, Tunisia, and Algeria)
October 05 - October 30, 2023
Led by Lecturer, Guide and Historian, Mohamed Halouani
Mauritania, once the seat of the Almoravid movement that spread Islam throughout North Africa, boasts many natural wonders and ancient cities. Highlights include bustling markets, fascinating “ksours” (fortified villages), isolated nomadic camps, medieval Berber trading centers, the mystical Guelb Errichat (Africa’s “Eye”), beautiful green oases, and impressive Neolithic rock cave paintings.
Few countries on earth match the historical, cultural, and natural splendor of Tunisia. Begin in the capital city of Tunis with its excellent museums, wondrous medina (ancient city), and fascinating souqs (markets). Explore ancient Carthage, one of the most important cities in the ancient Roman Empire and Dougga, the most well preserved archaeological site in Tunisia. Other important historical sites include Sousse, Oudna, Kerkouane, and the sacred Islamic site of Kairouan.
Algeria is a vast country of breathtaking scenery, well-preserved Roman ruins, pre-historic cave paintings, impressive museums, and a strong Berber culture. This segment of the 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.”
So come and join us on this amazing journey spanning three countries, or select the segments that are most appealing to you. For those who would like to expand their visit of Algeria, or are only doing the Algeria segment of the trip, consider adding the extension to Tlemcen, Timimoun, and Béni Abbès, and explore oasis, ksours, palaces, ancient cities, sand dunes, and much more in the far west and the desert of Algeria.
Extend Algeria tour (October 30 - November 05, 2023)
Tour cost (Land ONLY):
Mauritania: $2,995.00
per person sharing in double
Single supplement:$250.00
Tunisia: $2,995.00
per person sharing in double
Single supplement: $395.00
Algeria: $5,495.00
per person sharing in double
Single supplement: $950.00
Algeria Ext: $2,995.00
Single Supplement: $295.00
Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: **-****
Tour Includes
Hotel accommodations in Superior (4*) (except some 2-3 * hotels in parts of Mauritania & Algeria).
Arrival and departure transfers in private A/C vehicle.
Transfers/transportation by air-conditioned motor-coach and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Meals as per itinerary: B-breakfast, L-lunch and D-dinner.
Bottled mineral water on vehicles during touring.
Tipping to guide, driver, porters, hotel and restaurant staff throughout tours (with minimum participants).
All tours as per itinerary including entrance fees.
Local taxes and service charges on included items.
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare or any flights between countries.
Visa fees for Algeria (obtainable in USA for about $160 your passport must not include any Israeli stamps) and Mauritania (obtainable on arrival for $65.)
Meals not listed or beverages with meals.
Dayroom or overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules.
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled tour dates.
Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, camera fees, emails, excess luggage, etc.)
Tips to your accompanying lecturer/scholar (optional).
Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
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 Mauritania and the desert of Algeria, but all will have private toilet/shower facilities.
