Magic of Algeria: St. Augustine’s Footprints ♂️

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

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be taken to the ancient city of Hypona for an exciting visit that will include its archaeological museum. Founded by the Phoenicians as a colony and often chosen as a residence by the kings of Numidia, Hippo experienced remarkable economic development during the Roman imperial era and became a prominent bishop in the 4th century, being his most notable bishop Saint Augustine (396-430). You will explore the significant Basilica of St Augustine before continuing your journey to Souk Ahras, the ancient Tagaste, built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Here Saint Augustine was born on November 13, 354 in a family of small landowners. After his initial Christian education, Augustine turned to philosophy after reading Cicero's Hortensius and adopted Manichaeism. His spiritual journey took him to Milan in 387, where the decisive encounter with Saint Ambrose culminated in his baptism. After the death of his mother, Augustine moved to Hippo, where he was ordained priest and bishop.

At the end of the afternoon, we will go to Constantine for dinner and lodging.

After breakfast, visit the Musée National Cirta, one of the main museums in the region. It takes its name from Cirta, the ancient name of Constantine in Roman times. This museum houses a rich collection of archaeological and historical objects that highlight the ancient history of the region. In its rooms, sculptures, coins, ceramics, jewels and other objects are exhibited that illustrate the cultural and historical diversity of Constantine. Then there will be a transfer to the airport and a domestic flight to Ouargla.

Arrival in Ouargla and bus transfer to Ghardaia

Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Full day dedicated to visiting the oasis. The visit to the Mozabican Pentapole, which includes the capital, Beni Isguene, the sacred city, Melika, Bou Noura, the luminous city, and El Atteuf, famous for the harmonious combination of simplicity of forms and styles used in the name of rigor inherent in the way of Mozabites' life. that invites to a sweet way of life. For urbanists around the world, the pentapole represents the cultural synthesis of this austere and pure people; each building element is linked to everyday life, from which the great Le Corbusier was inspired to perform some of his architectural works in France. These fortress cities stood within great walls, becoming large enough villages to hear the call of the muezim from anywhere. At the top was the mosque, which, besides being a religious center, served as a cultural and social center.

Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Transfer day to Timimoun. We will make a stop in El Goléa to visit the Church of the P pèrere de Foucauld, a place of deep spiritual and cultural significance. This sanctuary, located in El Goléa, is known for its connection with the life and legacy of Father Foucauld. In this sacred place, visitors have the opportunity to explore the church and pay homage in the tomb of Father Foucauld, who is in an almost ethereal environment, surrounded by the lush gardens of the oasis and the boundaries of the vast desert. The visit to this place offers not only a unique spiritual experience, but also the opportunity to appreciate the quiet and serene beauty of the surroundings. Then we continue to Timimoun for dinner and hotel accommodation.

A day dedicated to exploring the surroundings of Timimoun through trails that cross sublime landscapes, revealing villages carved on the red rock or serpent among the dunes to reach small oases. You will discover the charming villages of Badriane, Ighzer, Kali, Aghlad and Ouled Said, as well as the picturesque places of Zaouiet Debbagh, Fort Tabelkoza and Fatis.

At the end of the day, I return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

In the morning, we will visit the oasis of Timimoun. Surrounded by extensive dune fields and a desert landscape, this oasis offers an oasis of life amidst the arid desert environment. Characterized by lush palm trees and scattered oases, the area is a testimony to nature's ability to thrive even under seemingly inhospitable conditions. The oasis of Timimoun is also a place of cultural and historical importance, with traces dating back to ancient times. Life in this oasis is closely linked to intelligent water management, highlighting the importance of traditional irrigation systems. Then departure for Adrar for the domestic flight to Tamanrasset.

Arrival in Tamanrasset, dinner and accommodation at the hotel

In the morning, we take a jeep to Assekrem, a remarkable spot in the Hoggar massif in southern Algeria. It is known mainly for its impressive mountainous landscape and for being the site where the hermit Charles de Foucauld built his hermitage in the 1910s. Then we continue to cross the mountain trails and enter the heart of Hoggar's massif. Lava peaks occur in a lunar landscape, reaching altitudes of up to 2700 meters, where the hermitage is located. Once on site, we will have the opportunity to visit this place loaded with spirituality. Lunch on the way. Then we continue with the 4X4 vehicles to explore the Assekrem area, which offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the desert, making it a unique destination for those looking for experiences in nature and moments of spiritual reflection.

Dinner and camp in the desert.

After a memorable night in the desert, we continue our journey after breakfast, exploring the Hoggar region in all-terrain vehicles. This area is distinguished by its impressive desert landscapes, unique rock formations and prehistoric rock art. Our route takes us to Tamanrasset, a city recognized for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Tamanrasset houses several communities, including the Tuaregs, a nomadic people who played a crucial role in regional history and culture.

We then headed to the airport to take a domestic flight to Algiers. Once in Algiers, we will enjoy a dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will explore the Casbah of Algiers, a historical and cultural enclave in the heart of the city. This old neighborhood stands out for its traditional architecture, narrow and labyrinthic streets, and a rich history that precedes French colonization. The Ottoman and Andalusian houses, with internal courtyards and distinctive decoration, reflect the influence of various cultures over the centuries. UNESCO recognizes its historical and cultural value, declaring it a World Heritage Site. Among its highlights are the El Jedid Mosque, the Ketchaoua Mosque and the Palace of Dey, which offers panoramic views. Then we will enjoy a walk through the colonial city, characterized by French-style buildings, tree-lined avenues and squares that evoke European architecture. Colonial architecture displays wrought-iron balconies, ornamented fa faades and typical details of the time. Later, we will visit the Church of Notre Dame d'Afrique, a neo-Byzantine basilica designed by the French architect Jean Euggènene Fromageau and completed

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

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

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