Algiers, the dazzling capital nicknamed "Algiers la Blanche", isa jewel of the Maghreb that unfolds before the eyes of visitors in search of authenticity. Over the course of four intensive days, we invite you to explore this metropolis where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. With over 6 million inhabitants, one of the most beautiful Mediterranean bays in the world and a rich cultural heritage, Algiers promises an unforgettable experience. From historic districts such as the mythical Casbah, to wide modern boulevards, stunning natural beauty and splendid Roman ruins, every day offers a new facet of this dynamic city. Not only is Algiers one of the largest metropolises in the Maghreb , it's also a place where the hospitality and generosity of its people will make you feel at home, while you marvel at its spectacular urban and natural landscapes. Join us for a four-day adventure that will reveal all the charm and beauty of Algiers, a city that never ceases to seduce and surprise.
Day 1: Algiers between Sky and Sea - First Impressions
The first day of your Algerian adventure begins as soon as you arrive from France, where Algiers welcomes you with its fascinating contrasts, revealed by a panoramic tour. The city stretches across the different levels of a hill, offering a spectacle where tradition and modernism blend harmoniously.
Your day continues at the Hotel EL Aurassi, an icon of Algerian hospitality. Located in the heart of Algiers and overlooking the bay, this hotel combines luxury, comfort and breathtaking views, promising an unforgettable stay right from the start.
Once you've settled in, you' ll plunge into the heart of Algiers through its wide avenues, discovering the many facets of this metropolis nicknamed "la Blanche". Your first stop will be the Notre-Dame d'Afrique cathedral, a veritable jewel overlooking the Bab el Oued district, before heading to the Algiers fishery to enjoy a typical lunch.
In the afternoon, the Jardin d'Essai opens its doors to you. One of the most beautiful gardens in the world, this green space will transport you with its three thousand plant species spread over forty hectares, in a setting reminiscent of tropical forests. Nearby, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, with its rich and varied collections, offers an enriching cultural break.
Your exploration continues in Belcourt, the district that marked the youth of Albert Camus, before concluding on the effervescent rue Didouche Mourad. Here, Chaabi music enlivens the streets, surrounded by stores and buildings of diverse and fascinating architecture.
Dinner will be held at the restaurant of the Hotel El DJAZAIR, built on the foundations of a former palace in the purest Moorish style. A favorite since its opening with the likes of Winston Churchill, it promises a memorable culinary experience in a setting steeped in history and authenticity.
This first day in Algiers is a true immersion in the city's rich cultural, historical and architectural fabric, offering a perfect preview of what awaits you in the days to come.
Day 2: On the Tracks of History - The Kasbah and its Mysteries
The second day of your exploration of Algiers promises to be just as captivating as the first, with a visit to the Casbah, a historic and architectural jewel.
The morning begins with a plunge into the labyrinthine Casbah, which stands proudly under the protection of its citadel, a reputedly impregnable fortress designed by Barberousse. This maze of alleyways and terraced houses reveals the imprint of the Turkish and Spanish periods between the 16th and 18th centuries. Admire this unique architecture, now honored by a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The tour, which lasts around two hours, is a real adventure through time, requiring good shoes to navigate the ups and downs.
For lunch, we'll head to the vaults of the port of Algiers, where an authentic meal awaits you in a setting steeped in history.
The afternoon is devoted to a visit to Bastion 23, also known as the Palais des Raïs. This beautifully restored 18th-century architectural gem will amaze you with its rich decoration, from sculpted ceilings to mosaics, testifying to the splendor of the Ottoman period. Nearby, a visit to the Pêcherie district and the new mosque, "Djamâa el-djedid", will reveal a fascinating mix of styles, notably Byzantine.
Your walk will then take you through the "European" city, where historic ramps and staircases link the Casbah to the waterfront. You'll admire emblematic sites such as the neo-Moorish-style prefecture of Algiers, the Place de l'émir Abdelkader, the Galeries de France, the Esplanade d'Afrique, the Palais du Gouvernement, and finally the Grande Poste, a magnificent edifice designed by architects Voinot and Toudoire.
The day concludes with dinner in a popular restaurant, where you can sample tasty grilled meats, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved night's rest. This second day enriched with culture, history and architecture offers a deeper perspective on the heritage and beauty of Algiers, setting the stage for the adventures of the following days.
Day 3: Tipaza, between ancient ruins and the sea
The third day of your trip takes you away from the bustling streets of Algiers to explore the tranquil and historic Tipaza, a coastal town where nature and history meet in a spectacular setting. The shadow of Camus hangs over this small town, which has been a refuge from the winds since antiquity, nestling at the foot of the Chenoua massif. Once a Phoenician trading post before becoming a flourishing Roman colony, Tipaza invites you on a journey through time in its seaside archaeological park. The remains, including temples, a theater, a forum, a nymphaeum, thermal baths and a basilica, bear witness to the grandeur of antiquity and captivate the imagination.
Lunch will be a moment of relaxation and culinary pleasure, with grilled fish freshly prepared on the Tipaza harbor, offering you an authentic taste experience overlooking the sea.
Your day of adventure continues with a stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, an ancient and mysterious monument that stands solemnly in the landscape. Known erroneously as the "Christian woman's tomb", this circular monument impresses with its size and unique architecture. It holds the stories and mysteries of a Moorish royal family between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, and continues to inspire legends about a treasure hidden within its walls.
Weather permitting, a trip out to sea will crown this day rich in discovery, offering you a different perspective on the natural beauty of the region.
Dinner will be held at the traditional Algerian restaurant DAKDAK at the Hotel El Aurassi, where you can enjoy local specialties in a warm and friendly setting. This third day, combining archaeological exploration, culinary delights and immersion in Algeria's natural beauty, promises to be a highlight of your stay.
Day 4: Goodbye Algiers - Treasures of the Bardo and Uptown
The fourth and final day of your tour of Algiers begins with a visit to the Bardo Museum. This cultural landmark not only houses a fascinating collection dedicated to prehistory and ethnology, but also plunges you into the refined world of the Bey's 18th-century palace, revealing the splendors of a bygone era.
The morning continues with an exploration of the chic districts of Algiers, such as Hydra, El Mouradia and El Biar, where modern architectural elegance meets discreet luxury. It's in these peaceful neighborhoods that you'll have lunch, enjoying a moment of relaxation before departing.
In the late afternoon, an organized transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight to France, marking the end of this exceptional adventure. Our local guides, experts and enthusiasts, will have been at your side throughout this trip to enrich your experience and share Algiers' secrets with you.
Who organizes this trip?
This unique trip is proposed and organized by the local agency ITINERANCE TOURISME, with 24 years' experience in organizing authentic trips. Lodging at the Hotel El Aurassi, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view over the Bay of Algiers, in a setting where comfort and Algerian hospitality meet.
How much does it cost?
The tours, designed for small groups of 2 to 6 people, have been conceived to guarantee an intimate and authentic experience, discovering Algiers and its treasures all year round, thanks to its mild climate. With prices starting from 1700 euros per person, excluding airfare, and the possibility of extensions to Oran or Constantine, this holiday promises a complete immersion in the culture, history and beauty of Algeria.
For those wishing to extend this adventure or explore other Algerian wonders, Itinérance Tourisme offers the flexibility to tailor the trip to your desires. Don't hesitate to contact the agency for more information and to personalize your experience, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the heart of Algeria.
To book this holiday idea
For further information or to request a quote for this holiday, visit the ITINERANCE TOURISME website or contact them by :
- Telephone: +213 29 311 214, +213 555 916 520 or +33 683 618 937
- E-mail : [email protected]
