Algeria Tours & Vacations
Small Group Tours
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Overview
Since Sudan’s division in 2011, Algeria has been elevated to the position of Africa’s largest country, with some 80% of it covered by the sands of the Sahara. Without doubt its most striking feature, the desert is what draws many travellers to the country, but Algeria has so much more to offer the inquisitive and the adventurous alike. From its striking Mediterranean coastline to the spectacular mountains of the Fezzan, the landscape is awash with desert lakes and sand seas, archaeological ...
Since Sudan’s division in 2011, Algeria has been elevated to the position of Africa’s largest country, with some 80% of it covered by the sands of the Sahara. Without doubt its most striking feature, the desert is what draws many travellers to the country, but Algeria has so much more to offer the inquisitive and the adventurous alike. From its striking Mediterranean coastline to the spectacular mountains of the Fezzan, the landscape is awash with desert lakes and sand seas, archaeological treasures and a rich cultural heritage that makes it one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa.
Little known in the UK, Algeria is just ripe for discovery. Its northern landscapes once echoed to the sound of Phoenicians ships and Roman boots and the architectural reminders of those once mighty empires lie scattered across the desert vistas.
The architecture is a particular highlight of any visit to the country, with the ancient Roman ruins at Djemila providing a particularly fine example of its rich historical pedigree. Then there is Algiers, the country’s bustling, whitewashed capital, whose captivating Medina offers up an intriguing contrast with the modern city that surrounds it. And never far away lies the magic of the vast, empty Sahara - nine million square kilometres of legend, myth and adventure.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Algeria with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ALGERIA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Visit the ruins of Djemila & Tipasa
Two of the most important archaeological sites in North Africa, a visit to the Roman cities of Djemila and Tipasa is a must. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, home to a remarkable collection of Punic, Roman and Numidian temples and monuments.
Find hidden gems in the Sahara
Venture into the Sahara desert and explore the Grand Erg Occidental, discovering the ‘red city’ of Timimoun and the abandoned village of Tindjillet, as well as the 'white oasis' town of Beni Abbes.
Explore Algiers' impressive kasbah
Get lost in the historic kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once described by Le Corbusier as "a masterpiece of architecture and town planning", home to a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, made up of tiny shops, museums and market traders.
Discover more
WHEN TO GO
The temperatures in Algeria, particularly in the Saharan summer can be scorching. Therefore the best time to visit is October through to May when the cooler days make sight seeing more enjoyable. Do remember though that temperatures in the desert can go down to zero in the mid winter and surprisingly there is a high chance of rain at the end of the summer.
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Algeria though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Algeria so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Algeria the official unit of currency is the Dinar.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
In mosques and conservative areas in the south of Algeria, women may be expected to cover their arms, legs and heads and men should abstain from wearing shorts at all times.
Language & Religion
In Algeria, Arabic is the official language and Berber is also considered a nationally recognised language. French is also widely spoken although it holds no official status.
Most Algerians adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam and in addition there is a small Christian minority.
Time
Algeria is 1 hour ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Whilst Algerian cuisine is not as diverse as neighbouring Morocco, you can still expect to find tasty soups, freshly baked bread, tagines and couscous in places.
Alcohol is not widely available throughout Algeria except in the larger cities in the north. Local Algerian wine is available in places and rated as being pretty good! It is permitted to bring alcohol into the county, but you should be very discreet about when and where you consume it.
Travelling Solo In Algeria
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.