Private tour itinerary
Eastern Algeria & Sahara Discovery — 6 Days
Six days across Algeria's east — Constantine's bridges, the Roman cities of Djémila and Timgad, a Saharan gateway at Bou Saada, and the Béjaïa coast. Private trip on your own dates, with a licensed local guide.
Day by day
Day 1Algiers to Constantine
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to Constantine, with its suspension bridges, the Emir Abdelkader Mosque and the old town; overnight in Constantine.
- Constantine's bridges — The 'City of Bridges' spanning the dizzying Rhumel gorge, the Sidi M'Cid footbridge slung high above it.
- The Emir Abdelkader Mosque — One of Africa’s largest mosques, its twin minarets a modern landmark of Constantine.
- The Souika old town — The tight lanes of Constantine’s old medina clinging to the rock.
Day 2Constantine to Sétif
Travel to Sétif and the UNESCO Roman ruins of Djémila, then explore the city center; overnight in Sétif.
- Djémila (Cuicul) — A UNESCO Roman city in green mountains, superbly preserved — forum, temples and a steep theatre.
- The Djémila mosaics — On-site mosaics among the richest in the Roman world, in the site museum.
- Aïn El Fouara, Sétif — The beloved 1898 fountain at the city's heart, Sétif's enduring symbol.
Day 3Sétif to Batna
Continue to Batna and the UNESCO Roman city of Timgad, with time at local heritage sites; overnight in Batna.
- Timgad — Trajan's grid-planned colony of AD 100 — the 'Pompeii of the Aurès', laid out across the open plain.
- Trajan's Arch — The triumphal arch framing Timgad's main street — the city's iconic silhouette.
- The Timgad library & theatre — The ruins of a rare Roman public library and a 3,500-seat theatre still in use today.
Day 4Batna to Biskra to Bou Saada
Cross to Biskra, the gateway to the Sahara, for its palm groves and oasis scenery, then on to Bou Saada and its traditional markets; overnight in Bou Saada.
- Biskra palm groves — The 'Queen of the Ziban' — a great date-palm oasis marking the true start of the Sahara.
- Bou Saada — The 'City of Happiness', an oasis town long beloved of painters.
- Bou Saada souks — Traditional markets for silver, wool and dates.
Day 5Bou Saada to Algiers
Visit Zaouia El Hamel and nearby heritage, then transfer to Algiers for a free evening; overnight in Algiers.
- The El Hamel zawiya — A hilltop Rahmaniyya Sufi shrine and Quranic school above Bou Saada — calm, austere and panoramic.
- Bou Saada and the Ouled Naïl foothills — The "city of happiness" — a palm oasis at the foot of bare ochre hills, and a painters’ town since the 19th century.
- The road north to Algiers — Up out of the steppe across the Hodna plain and over the Tell Atlas, arriving in the capital for a free evening.
Day 6Béjaïa & departure
A day trip to Béjaïa for its fortress, Cap Carbon and coastal views, then the transfer to the airport.
- Gouraya fort, Béjaïa — A fort high above Béjaïa with sweeping Kabyle-coast views.
- Cap Carbon — A dramatic cape and lighthouse on one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coastlines.
- The Béjaïa corniche — The cliff road between Gouraya and Cap Carbon, above the coves that made this stretch of the Kabyle coast famous.
Included
- Airport meet & assist and transfers
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Licensed tour guide
- All entrance fees
- Béjaïa day excursion
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Good to know
- Best season: Spring & autumn
- Pace: Moderate to active — touring with daily drives
- Style: Private, guided, 5 nights with breakfast
- Bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, a hat
How to book
- Your dates are held free for 72 hours while we confirm.
- Free cancellation up to 5 days before departure.
- 5% off when you book 60+ days ahead.
- Visa support included; full refund if your visa is refused.
https://algeriacompass.com/tours/algeria-eastern-sahara-discovery/