Your first impressions of Algiers will start with a visit to the Historic El Djazaïr Hotel, formerly the St. George which is a jewel of Algerian cultural heritage. Leaving the hotel, you will visit the Bardo Museum which showcases Algeria’s rich prehistoric heritage.

This is followed by a stroll through the city center to get acquainted with the Berber, Arabic and French heritage whilst walking towards La Grande Poste, one of the local most whimsical buildings.

After lunch, explore the legendary whitewashed old city, the Casbah, a UNESCO-listed site and an outstanding example of a historic Maghreb city. Wander the winding cobbled streets and imagine what this old medina might have been like with bustling markets and tiny shops in its labyrinthine alleys.

Past the three Mosques at Martyrs Square, we will get to the Rais Palace which is a real treasure, typifying the architecture of the Ottomans in Algiers.

Start the day, with an excursion to the awe-inspiring World Heritage site of Tipaza, a place of great universal value that combines nature, beauty and architecture located on the shores of the Mediterranean. The site was a Punic trading post later conquered by the Romans. Follow your guide on a pleasant walk to learn more about the beautiful remains of basilicas, baths, theatres and villas, some of which still contain original mosaics.

After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Roman baths, you will have a short drive to the nearby Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania to unravel the secrets behind this enigmatic structure. Also known as the ‘’Tomb of the Christian’’ thought to be a tomb of Numidian Berber kings, estimated to be dating back to the 2nd century BC. It is also rumoured that the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is buried here. Built on a hill overlooking the plains below, it consists of a circular building topped with a pyramid, and is one of the most interesting sites in Algeria.

Enjoy an excursion in the city of Algiers, starting with the Martyrs Memorial followed by a visit to the Fine Arts Museum situated down below. Inaugurated in 1930, this little sanctuary of fine arts houses a treasure of paintings and sculptures including several “chef-d’oeuvres” belonging to some renowned international artists.

In a short walking distance, just opposite the Museum you will have a leisurely stroll across the Botanical Park. It is a place of outstanding beauty where an impressive tropical flora skirts along with a beautiful French style garden. You will visit the jungle part which has been used to shoot sequences of the original Tarzan movie.

Leaving the gardens, you will view the Grand Mosque of Algiers to admire the splendour of the Islamic architectural art. This is the third biggest mosque in the world after the holy mosques of Mecca and Medina.

Lunch is taken in the city center before you get to the neo-Byzantine Basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa), perched on a promontory and commanding panoramic views. Note the Moorish architectural influences in the tile work and stained glass, and the inscription requesting prayers for both Christians and Muslims.