Tragically, even the most seasoned traveler often overlooks Algeria… with so many wonders begging to be explored, come and discover the world of the Roman Empire, wander through desert oasis towns, and experience unrivaled Algerian hospitality.
For an authentic Algeria tour, travel with Mosaic North Africa. All the tours are accompanied by a full-time tour manager who specializes in taking care of travelers’ every need to maximize their enjoyment of this breathtaking country.
Here is a list of the top 5 sites to visit.
Algiers
Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and rolling hills, Algiers (or Alger) is a uniquely situated port city. Algiers dates back to Punic times and is rich in Berber, Roman, Arab, and French histories. Algiers boasts numerous must-see sites for any visitor including the monument Makkam Ech Chaid, the Casbah, and the Notre Dame d’Afrique. The National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts, and the Bardo Museum are institutions not to be missed. The historic Casbah is a mysterious labyrinth of narrow allies with a hodge-podge of traditional homes, mosques and shops.
Djemila
Beautifully nestled amongst rolling hills, the Roman site of Djemila is one of Algeria’s best-preserved Roman sites. Djemila, which means ‘beautiful,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located about 50km northeast of Setif. This Roman town, most likely built during the 1st century AD, was set up for commercial purposes and had a rich Christian history. An on-site museum displays some of the well-protected mosaics and the Arch of Caracalla, constructed in 216 AD in honor of the Emperor Caracalla, towers over the ruins. Make sure that you have plenty of time to enjoy the site and surroundings at Djemila.
M’Zab Valley
The M’Zab Valley was founded in the eleventh century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 1048, Ghardaia is known as the pearl of the oasis and the capital of the M’zab Valley. The city is part of a Pentapolis, a hilltop city amongst four others, built almost a thousand years ago. The M’Zab valley also is home to an exceptional concentration of ancient buildings which testify to the ingenuity of their builders. The valley is composed of five “ksours” or fortified villages built by Ibadhites during the years 1012 and 1353. Each city has its own palm grove. The M’Zab Valley is famous for its artwork… boasting jewelry, pottery and leatherwork, and beautiful handmade carpets.
Tipasa
On the shores of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, the Roman site of Tipasa, a UNESCO world heritage site, is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Claudius in 41-55 AD. The city of Tipasa, about 70 km from Algiers, was a Roman commercial center as well as a type of retirement community for veteran Roman soldiers who had spent their careers serving their empire. While visiting the site travelers will also be pleased to discover baths, an amphitheater, forum, villas, and a fish factory among other well-preserved ruins.
Timgad
Timgad is an impressive Roman site where one can walk through well-preserved ruins of an old Roman town. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. This city was built in about 100 AD under the reign of Emperor Trajan. As you enter the site you will pass by the museum, home to grand mosaics along and other important artifacts found at this site. As you continue walking down the Decumanus Maximus, or the east-west road, you will pass by one of North Africa’s last remaining ruins of a library. The site also contains a large theatre, the arch of Trajan, temples, and baths.