Algeria – Special Hidden Gardens of the Saoura

Arrival at Algiers airport, assistance of our team and transfer to Algiers, dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will explore the picturesque and still unexplored west coast of Algeria, visiting the coastal towns of Tipasa and Cherchel, full of rich ancient history. Cherchel, the former capital under Juba II and Cleopatra, is located about 80 km from Caesarea, the Phoenician capital of the 4th century BC. Over time, Cherchel experienced a varied history with Phoenician, Numidian and Roman influences. Its museum displays impressive Greek and Roman sculptures from North Africa. Then we head for Tipaza, a city that presents a fascinating mixture of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Paleochristian ruins on three hills. Here, we will discover the ruins of ancient churches, such as the Basilica Grande, the Basilica of Alexandre and the Basilica of Santa Salsa, along with traces of cemeteries, thermal baths, a theatre and an amphitheatre. This tour will offer an enriching view of Roman architecture.

At the end of the day, we return to Algiers for dinner and hotel accommodation

Departure for Algiers airport to catch the flight to Oran. Upon arrival in Oran, we will begin our exploration by going to the top of Djebel Murdjadjo to enjoy the visit to the chapel and the fort of Santa Cruz, thus offering an impressive panoramic view of the bay and the city of Oran. In the Spanish quarter, our itinerary will include a visit to the Bei Palace and the Hassan Pacha Mosque, built in 1796 under the reign of bei Mohamed El-Kèbir, by order of the pacha Baba Hassan of Algiers. We had lunch in the picturesque P pêcherie neighborhood, famous for its culinary delights. The afternoon will be dedicated to discovering the Sidi Houari Association, highlighting its valuable work in restoring the heritage of old Oran. Then you will have the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace for a free time.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

After breakfast, the day begins with an enriching visit to the Zabana Museum. He then explores Oran's Karguentah train station, a neo-Moorish-style building designed by Albert Balu. Its ingenious architecture incorporates symbols of the three main monotheistic religions. Outside, it evokes a mosque, with a clock shaped like a minaret, and the motifs of the doors, windows and ceiling remind of the star David of Koubba (the dome). Then we set out to discover the Oran Sands and the bustling commercial avenues of the city. At the end of the afternoon, we headed for the airport for a flight to Béchar. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed, followed by a trip to the Taghit oasis, known as one of the most beautiful in the Great Western Erg.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

The morning will be dedicated to exploring in depth the charming oasis of Taghit, with its ancient ksar, an architectural and heritage jewel built in the 11th century. The other ksour (singular: ksar) stand out for their Arab-Muslim architecture. The valley of the Ksour and its rock paintings date from approximately 40,000 BC. and represent animals and everyday scenes of primitive man's life. It is essential to climb the great dune to contemplate the oasis in all its splendour. Subsequently, we continue to Beni-Abbés, known as the "white oasis", located in the heart of the Saoura valley and with origins dating back to the 11th century. Upon arrival, we will visit the chapel of P pèrere de Foucault, which was established there after he was ordained a priest in 1901. The visit continues with the exploration of the Blanche palm in the form of a scorpion, where the tail is dominated by a large red dune and the heart houses the ancient ksar, which we will also explore.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Early departure towards Timimoun, the Red Oasis, crossing the Great Western Erg, an 80,000 km² stretch of sand, with stops planned in various oases such as El Ouata, Kerzaa and Charouine. A picnic lunch is planned in the dunes or in an oasis. Upon arrival in Timimoun, a city located in the heart of the Sahara desert and famous for its impressive desert landscapes and oasis. The city is surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees, creating a visually striking scenery.

Check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time to stroll through the palm tree. Dinner and overnight in charming hotel.

In the morning, we explore the Red Oasis starting with a visit to the ancient city (ksar) of Timimoun and its traditional market, which houses craft shops. Then we dive into history exploring Fogagara, a hydraulic system dating from the 11th century, and visit the local cultural center. We had a picnic at Ouled Said's oasis. In the afternoon, we explore the Gourara region, visiting the cave and cliffs of Igzher, the locality of Kali known for its pottery, and Aghlad with its ksour (fortified populations). Before returning to the guest house, we took the opportunity to enjoy the sunset in this picturesque setting.

Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Early departure towards El Golea with a planned stop at M'Ghiden Oasis. In El Goléa, we start the day by visiting the National Museum and the palace of Princess Zenete, which offers a panoramic view of the city of the 1,000 palm trees. We explored the church of St. Joseph and the tomb of Charles de Foucault. In the afternoon, we dive into the library run by a local association, followed by an enriching meeting with its members. Then we went to the salt lake of the oasis to observe the refuge of migratory birds, such as flamingos and storks. We have the opportunity to contemplate an impressive sunset while enjoying tea prepared on wood fire.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Exit to Ghardaïa. We begin our visit to the market square, also known as the carpet market, which has a rectangular shape. This square, covering approximately 3,400 m m, is surrounded by a gallery of arcades of different dimensions and shapes, housing numerous shops and shops. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the underground irrigation system of the palm grove, also known as the "Fogra". This system, which used to store water, allowed its redistribution to irrigate the famous family gardens, recognized worldwide and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. This ancestral heritage bears witness to the distinctive architectural style and an exceptional civilization, where water is a precious resource in this arid region.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

After the flight to Algiers and the transfer to the hotel, you will explore the fascinating Casbah. You will begin with the Palace of Dey, known as "Dar Essoltane", diving into its history through its rich architectural details. Then you will visit the Maison du Centenaire, imbued with a historical setting. You will continue with the Ketchoua Mosque, a historical jewel erected in 1436, and explore the Mustapha Pacha Palace, another prominent example of Algerian architecture. Don't forget to visit the workshops of craftsmen at Casbah to discover the authenticity of their traditional crafts. After this cultural immersion, you will climb up to explore the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, which offers an impressive place of worship and a panoramic view of B bâb el Oued.

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

In the morning, he explores Algiers and its architecture, highlighting the works of the architect Le Corbusier. Discover the Aéro-Habitat building of Miquel, Bourlier and Ferrer-Laloë, a disciple of Le Corbusier, as well as the famous lmbule-pont Bordeaux by Pierre Marí, built according to the principles of Le Corbusier. After lunch, visit the Grande Poste d'Alger, built in 1913 in neo-Moorish style, and then the old Algiers Opera, designed by the architects Chassériau and Ponsard in 1853, transformed after Independence in the Algerian National Theatre, with a magnificent room of 750 seats. Then explore the streets of Algiers and the park to reach the Place des Martyrs, where the Arts and Culture Centre is located. To close the day, explore the Palais des Raïss (Bastion 23), one of Algiers' most important historical monuments, which witnesses the physical extension of the Medina de El Djazair (Casbah) towards the sea, from the Ottoman era to the 19th century. Then we go to the Jardin d'Essai by metro, Africa's largest botanical garden, with 40 hectares and 3,000 different species. Founded in 1832, it is recognized as one of the most important in Africa, offering an impressive contrast between the French and English gardens on site.

Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel and, according to flight schedule, departure for the airport for the return flight.