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Roman Algeria - Outposts of Empire
9
days
from
US$5,240
Book today with a deposit of
US$786
3rd - 11th May 2027
Tour highlights
- Tipasa, Djemila & Timgad: among the finest Roman sites in North Africa, remarkable for their preservation and tranquillity.
- Algiers, a striking coastal capital of elegant nineteenth & early twentieth-century architecture and a deeply atmospheric Casbah.
- Outstanding selection of mosaics in some excellent museums.
- Three nights in Constantine, widely regarded as Algeria’s most captivating city.
Algeria is at the heart of any understanding of North Africa, or indeed of our modern world. The fearsome eight-year long battle for its independence stands beside the Vietnam War and Suez as one of the watersheds of late twentieth century realpolitik, while the decade-long Algerian emergency of the 1990’s increasingly reads like a preface to what is now happening in Egypt and Syria. Fascinating though this recent history is, especially when viewed through a largely intact if crumbling backdrop of French colonial architecture, it is the aesthetic lodestone of the ruins built by the armies of Rome that lures the traveller into the Algerian hinterland.
The magnificently complete city ruins of Djemela and Timgad are very different in mood, though not in culture. One was built on the edge of the Kabyle mountains, the other on the margin of the arid steppe, though both were established as colonies for discharged veterans of the III Augusta Legion planted into the Berber landscape. They stand together as incontrovertible tactile proof of the Golden Age of the Roman Empire. For these are not Imperial capitals designed to dazzle the world but provincial cities built solely for the use of their citizens.
That these are the two best preserved out of the six hundred that once stood proudly throughout the breadth of Roman North Africa is a matter of chance, though nurtured by their romantic isolation. But this allows their nearly intact libraries, fountains, their painterly profusion of triumphal arches, choice of market squares, their theatres, baths, mosaics, processional ways and squares to speak to us in a very direct and moving way. Nothing can quite match this tangible eloquence of carved stone, though the little Roman mountain hamlet of Tiddis, the ruins of Hippo that were watched over by St Augustine and the coastal ruins of Tipasa, so beloved by Camus, all have their own haunting and beguiling charm.
To give variety to our antique palette we have added walks through the vibrant, ever fascinating cities of Algiers, Constantine and Annaba. Evening talks and discussions will open up windows into Carthage and Berbers, French Orientalist artists and writers, Islam and Arabs, Barbary Corsairs and travellers ancient and modern.
Itinerary
Fly at c. 5.00pm (British Airways) from London Gatwick to Algiers. First of three nights in Algiers.
Drive west to the picturesque Roman site of Tipasa. Stop en route at the immense circular Numidian Tomb with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and coast. Visit the Cherchell archaeological museum before lunch in Tipasa followed by a full afternoon exploring one of North Africa’s most picturesque Roman sites. Founded by the Phoenicians and located on the shores of the Mediterranean, the town was once a flourishing commercial centre.
Morning walk through the narrow and vibrant alleys of the Casbah of Algiers, one of the most atmospheric historic quarters in North Africa. After lunch, visit the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts, before a walking tour of central Algiers, exploring its distinguished colonial architecture, including the Grande Poste d’Alger and the elegant Rue Didouche Mourad. Third and final night in Algiers.
In the morning drive eastwards through the rolling landscapes of northern Algeria to Djemila. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a remarkably well-preserved Roman town, originally founded as a colony of soldiers. Also visit the archaeological museum, with its exceptional display of Roman mosaics and artefacts from the surrounding area. Continue to Constantine for the first of three nights.
The picturesque City of Bridges (Constantine) sits high above the Rhumel Gorge and makes for a fascinating walking tour (some bridges may not be suitable for vertigo suffers) which includes impressive colonial architecture, the Palace of Ahmed Bey and the Constantine Museum. The afternoon is spent visiting the concentrated site of Tiddis (Castellum Tiditanorum) and the curious tomb of Quintus Lollius Urbicus, the Governor of Britain under the emperor Antoninus Pius. Return to Constantine for dinner in the infamous Cirta Hotel. Overnight Constantine.
Early departure for the vast site of Timgad (Colonia Marciana Trajana Thamugas), whose scale and state of preservation make it one of the most impressive Roman sites to be found anywhere. A short drive away are the interesting and rare ruins of the headquarters of the 3rd August Legion, Lambaesis. We also stop at a nearby Numidian tomb, comparable in form to that seen at Tipasa but earlier in date. Final night in Constantine.
Leave Constantine for Khemissa (Thubursicum Numidarum), known for its impressive hillside theatre and extensive civic remains. Overlooking a wide valley, it preserves the layout of a prosperous provincial town. After lunch drive to ancient city of Annaba, formerly Hippo Regius.
Founded by the Phoenicians and later developed under Roman rule, Annaba became an important centre of Christianity. Augustine of Hippo (St. Augustine), one of the most influential theologians of the Western Church, served here as bishop (c.395–430). Visit the ruins of Hippo Regius and the archaeological museum, which houses an impressive collection of mosaics. In the afternoon, fly back to Algiers and overnight here.
Morning flight Algiers to London Heathrow (Air Algerie) landing c. 1.30pm.
Please note that the outbound flight departs from London Gatwick (British Airways), while the return flight arrives at London Heathrow (Air Algérie). We are sorry for the inconvenience, however, based on current schedules, these look the most suitable options. Returning to London Gatwick (British Airways) would involve a late arrival at 22.15, while outbound flights from London Heathrow (Air Algérie) would arrive in Algiers at 21.30. Alternative options with other airlines involve flights with stopovers.
Expert speaker
Mr Barnaby Rogerson
Historian, writer and publisher specialising in the history and cultures of North Africa and the Middle East. He studied History at the University of St Andrews and has travelled widely since childhood, an experience that has shaped his writing and lecturing. He is the author of numerous guidebooks and works of history, including The Prophet Muhammad: A Biography and The House Divided: Sunni, Shia and The Making of the Middle East. Alongside his writing, he is also a lecturer, television presenter, and book reviewer. He is also co-director of Eland Books, the publishing house he runs with his wife, which specialises in classic works of travel literature. (barnabyrogerson.com)
More tours led by Mr Barnaby Rogerson
Practicalities
Two sharing: US$5,670 or US$5,240 without flights. Single occupancy: US$6,390 or US$5,960 without flights.
Travel by private coach; accommodation as below; breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners with wine, water, coffee (not all restaurants serve alcohol); all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, a tour manager and a local guide.
Hotel Aurassi, Algiers: Set on a hilltop in the heart of the city, this hotel overlooks the Bay of Algiers and is within walking distance of key sites. Novotel, Constantine: a modern, business-style hotel in the city centre, offering comfortable rooms. Seybouse Hotel, Annaba: A well-established hotel in central Annaba, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the city’s principal sites. Single occupancy rooms are doubles for sole use.
British, American, Australian citizens and most other foreign nationals require a tourist visa to enter Algeria. This is not included in the price of the tour and must be obtained independently. We will provide guidance on the application procedure (please also refer to the Essential Tour Information document), but you will be required to submit your passport to the Algerian consulate responsible for your place of residence prior to departure. Processing times vary, but you should expect to be without your passport for approximately 10–15 working days.
This is a demanding tour and a good level of fitness is essential. It involves regular walking over uneven ground, steps and some extended periods on foot, so participants should be confident and steady on their feet. The itinerary also includes several longer coach journeys, and some facilities may be limited and of poor quality. Many sites are open and exposed, and the Algerian sun can be strong. Average distance by coach per day: 90 miles.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to Travel.State.Gov to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting. As a British company we follow the advice of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Dates & prices
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2027
Date
Speaker
Price
Date:
3rd - 11th May 2027
Speaker:
Mr Barnaby Rogerson
Price:
from US$5,240
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