Tastes & Traditions of Morocco Tunisia & Algeria

This morning we transfer to the airport and soar across the breadth of Algeria’s northern coast to arrive in Tunisia. Here, we check into our palatial residence, the Four Seasons Hotel Tunis. Here, our rooms grant us boundless views across the Mediterranean. Tonight, we enjoy the exquisite dishes of one of our hotel’s restaurants.

A day of Your World experiences provides the opportunity for immersion:

— Pay a visit to the National Bardo Museum this morning. Some of Tunisia’s heritage is revealed here through collections of mosaics, jewels and Roman sarcophaguses. You will also encounter some of the cargo retrieved from an ancient Roman ship, including marble sculptures, bronze pieces and other works of Hellenistic Greek art. 

— Enjoy a morning discovery of Tunis during visits to its medina and local souks. Afterwards, head to the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, which features an extensive courtyard fringed with around 160 columns that support the elaborate structure’s roof. 

Absorb spectacular views across the Mediterranean during our lunch at Villa Didon. 

After lunch, Your World experiences further elevate your afternoon:

— Proceed to the region of Carthage for an exploration of its historic ruins. Within a period of a few hundred years, Carthage was ruled in turn by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines, and the Arabs. Head to the Roman amphitheatre and the thermal Antonine Baths, the largest of the Roman Empire. 

— Relax and rejuvenate during an indulgent treatment at our hotel’s spa this morning.

Select from one of the many fine local restaurants for dinner this evening.

Following breakfast, Your World experiences are again the order of the day:

— During this full-day experience, begin by heading inland to the town of Testour, within Tunisia’s Siliana Valley. Look upon the Great Mosque of Testour and its striking minaret before taking the road further to the one-time Roman settlement of Dougga. Wander among the well-preserved ruins, including the Roman Theatre and the Capitol. The distinctive form of the Libyco-Punic Mausoleum can also be seen nearby. Then, at the Bulla Regia archaeological site, see the Temple of Apollo, as well as two Christian basilicas dating from the sixth century. 

— Should you not have done so yesterday, perhaps visit the medina and souks of Tunis. Afterwards, head to the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, which features an extensive courtyard fringed with around 160 columns that support the elaborate structure’s roof.

— Our hotel’s spa is available again this afternoon, should you prefer to enjoy one of its treatments. 

We come together once more to wander the cobblestone streets of nearby Sidi Bou Said. The alluring seaside town is graced with an abundance of white buildings, adorned with traditional blue latticework, doors and awnings. We remain in Sidi Bou Said for dinner this evening, enjoying our choice of local restaurants.

Enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel, before boarding a coach for the drive to Tozeur in southern Tunisia. Catch sight of the impressive Atlas Mountains along the way. We pause momentarily for lunch, before arriving at our destination late in the afternoon. Our residence here, Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas, lies on the edge of the famous desert that shares its name. We dine within our hotel this evening, taking advantage of its chef’s culinary prowess.

Trace the walls of Tozeur’s medina this morning. From here, we discover the triumvirate of desert oases, Chebika, Tamerza and Midès. Palm trees line rocky embankments, leading gradually to idyllic pools fed by waterfalls. Return to our hotel for lunch before we make our desert pilgrimage to one of the locations from the Star Wars movies. Stand in the midst of this boundless landscape as the sun makes its daily descent beyond the dunes. A traditional Berber barbecue dinner awaits us back at our resort.

A chartered flight takes us north this morning to the Algerian city of Constantine. On arrival, we make a beeline for a local restaurant for a taste of Constantine cuisine. The city is renowned for its many bridges, so much so it goes by the moniker, ‘The City of Bridges.’ This afternoon, we visit the Allied War Memorial, before traversing one of the vertiginous bridges that stretch over the vast Rhummel Gorge. This evening, we stand witness as the sun sets majestically behind the imposing Emir Abdelkader Mosque. We share stories of some of our favourite sights over dinner this evening before adjourning to the Constantine Marriott Hotel.

After breakfast, a choice of Your World experiences is available:

— Take in the extraordinary sights of the Djemila Archaeological Park. Stand before the arresting Arch of Caracalla, the Christian Basilica, large thermal baths, and the fourth-century baptistery. These are some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world. At the Archaeological Museum of Djemila, see historical mosaics and excavated artefacts. Pause for lunch in the small city of El Eulma before returning to our hotel. This is a full-day experience. 

— The Cirta Museum recounts the history of Constantine, from prehistoric times, through to Roman rule and the modern era. During this morning experience, see the museum’s vast collection of mosaics, coins, statues and jewels, as well as ancient funerary furniture, art and weaponry. Following the tour, take the afternoon at leisure. 

Select from a range of flavourful Mediterranean dishes at our hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Wander the kasbah this morning, following bustling crowds along alleyways adorned with various coloured awnings. Here, remnants of the Ottoman era can still be seen in the local prison and mosque. Discover more local delicacies during lunch, before we board a scheduled flight for the capital, Algiers. 

On arrival, we begin with a walk along the waterfront, taking in the abundance of white French-colonial style buildings that wind their way along wide avenues. Admire the magnificent facade of the Grande Poste, the Algiers Central Post Office, which stands proud on the corner of Boulevard Mohamed-Khemisti. Further along the waterfront, we arrive at the Algerian National Theater Mahieddine Bachtarzi. Designed in the Baroque Revival style, its distinctive yellow exterior is a picture of symmetry, shaped by its many arches. We take a break, enjoying some tea and traditional cakes, before continuing to the vibrant neighbourhood of Bab El Oued. Following our explorations, we find ourselves eager to sample the local cuisine. After dinner, we retreat to the Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden, our home for the remainder of our journey.

A coastal drive this morning takes us to the archaeological sites of Cherchell and Tipaza. Here we see some of Africa’s finest examples of Roman and Greek antiquities. Visits to the National Museum, the Mosaic Park, and the Roman Baths, reveal discrete aspects of Algeria’s occupation. During lunch, we dine on some of Tipaza’s fresh seafood. The complex history of Tipaza is reflected in its various artefacts, be they Punic, Roman, Christian or African. We then return along the coast to Algiers, stopping to inspect the Tomb of the Christian. The circular stone structure is thought to have been erected during the pre-Roman Numidian era and was said to be the burial site of Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s daughter, Selene. Make your preferred selection from Algiers’ local restaurants this evening.

A discovery of Algiers’ kasbah begins our final full day. Later, at the nearby Church of Notre Dame of Africa, we admire the structure’s grand dome, amid other aspects of Neo-Byzantine architecture. Also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, the striking church occupies an enviable position along the shores of the Bay of Algiers. For lunch today, we dine in a palatial setting within the kasbah. 

Enjoy your final Your World experience today: 

— Delve further into the history of the region during visits to the Bardo Museum and the Museum of Antiquities. 

— Should the arts be more to your taste, the Museum of Fine Arts presents thousands of works by such artists as Brugghen, Renoir, Monet, Matisse, and Delacroix. From here, head to the Garden of Essay to relax in its lush grounds. 

Enjoy a final afternoon to hunt for that special keepsake or take the opportunity to rest at our hotel. Tonight, we adjourn to a local restaurant to celebrate our journey during a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast this morning, say farewell to your fellow guests and Tour Host Team and join your private transfer to the airport. Our fascinating exploration of northern Africa concludes here.