Rejser til Algeriet
Algeriet er det største land i Afrika. Det strækker sig fra Middelhavet til det store hav af sand, Sahara. Landet rummer en forbløffende mangfoldighed.
Algeriet giver den rejsende mulighed for at udforske et land, der har været ignoreret alt for længe til fordel for sine bedre kendte naboer.
I Algeriet kan du opleve byerne langs kysten med deres koloniale arkitektur, de gamle romerske ruiner, kosmopolitiske atmosfære og ude i ørkenen er de frodige oaser gemt væk blandt mægtige klitter af rødt sand.
Udforsk historie og kultur i Algeriet. Oplev påvirkninger fra den franske charme og det romerske herredømme, og så må vi endelig ikke glemme den tyrkiske og berberiske kulturindflydelse.
Der venter lækkerier i Oran, der kaldes ”Lille Paris” og med sine rester af spansk indflydelse går byen Tlemcen under navnet ”Algeriets Andalusien”. De mødes alle sammen her i Algeriet, hvilket gør en rejse hertil til et uforglemmeligt eventyr.
Grupperejse 1 ► Algeriet - Ørken og historie
Generel information om grupperejser i Algeriet
Happy Lama Travels eksklusive grupperejser i Algeriet foregår i små internationale grupper med lokal engelsktalende rejseleder. Derfor er rejsebeskrivelserne på engelsk.
En lokal rejseleder kender sit land bedre end en dansk rejseleder. Det er desuden vores erfaring at en lokal rejseleder giver dig et bedre indblik i, hvordan livet leves i Algeriet.
Passer rejsedatoerne dig ikke eller vil du selv have maksimal indflydelse på dit rejseprogram – Kontakt os hvis du ønsker et tilbud på en individuel rejse i Algeriet.
afrika@happylamatravel.com
Trip Summary
As the largest country in Africa, Algeria remains off the tourist map, visitors discouraged by a difficult recent history that has discouraged all but the most intrepid of travellers. Thankfully the country has now put its troubles behind it and is open to people keen to explore one of the most diverse and exciting countries on the continent. Starting in Algiers we explore the legacy of French colonialism and ancient Roman ruins that are easily the rival of better known sites, and delve into the varied histories of cities such as Oran and Tlemcen with their Andalusian and Ottoman heritage. In the desert oasis of Taghit we uncover a way of life that has changed little in centuries.
Fitness** | Adventure**** | Culture***** | History***** | Wildlife*
Day 1 – Algiers
Arrive in Algiers and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Algiers including the Place des Martyrs and the neo-Moorish ‘Grande Poste’ building. Overnight ST Hotel or similar
Algiers
Perched on the edge of the Mediterranean, opposite southern France, Algiers has long been an important city for trade between Europe and Africa. Over the years it has been home to numerous different civilisations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans and the Ottomans, but was captured by France in 1862 in one of its first forays into colonising Africa. The legacy of French colonisation is still evident in the capital, with whitewashed colonial architecture making this a most striking and unusual African capital. Algiers has many sites to explore – perhaps the most interesting being the old casbah quarter of the city, an incredibly atmospheric district and full of traditional buildings, although still not somewhere to venture without a guide. Within the casbah are several zaouias (religious schools) and tombs as well as good examples of old Ottoman buildings.
Day 2 – Tipasa
Today we head out of the capital to Tipasa, home to an amazing collection of archaeological remains. We visit the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, believed to date back to the 3rd century BC and belonging to the Numidian people. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fantastic collection of Roman ruins overlooking the sea including villas and an ancient amphitheatre. Overnight ST Hotel or similar (BL)
Tipasa
Seventy kilometres west of Algiers lies Tipasa, a pleasant enough town in its own right but better known for its collection of ancient ruins. The Roman ruins at Tipasa are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include many different structures – there are three ancient churches, the remains of an old port, an amphitheatre and villas, some of which contain some splendid mosaics. Further afield near Sidi Rachid lies the ‘Tomb of the Christian’ or Qabr er Rumia, thought to be a tomb for Numidian Berber kings dating back to the 3rd or 4th century BC. It is also rumoured that the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is buried here. Built on a hill it consists of a circular building with a pyramid on top, and is one of the most interesting sites in Algeria.
Day 3 – Algiers - Constantine
We continue to delve further into Algiers with visits to some world class museums including the Bardo museum housed in a neo-Moorish villa. We will also explore the unique Kasbah of Algiers, an outstanding example of a historic Maghreb city. We will take a lunch in a local house and visit a mosque inside the Kasbah. Later depart by air to Constantine. Overnight Hotel Ibis or similar (BL)
Day 4 – Timgad
Today we head south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Timgad. Witness the huge library, colonnaded streets, temples, amphitheatre, arch of Trajan, and the basilica. Later return to Constantine. Overnight Hotel Ibis Constantine or similar (BL)
Timgad
A strong and prosperous colony, Timgad must have served as a compelling image of the grandeur of Rome on Numidian soil. Buildings, constructed entirely of stone, were frequently restored during the course of the Empire: the Trajan Arch in the middle of the 2nd century, the Eastern gate in 146, and the Western gate under Marcus-Aurelius. The streets were paved with large rectangular limestone slabs and, as attested by the 14 baths which still may be seen today, particular attention was paid to the disposition of public conveniences. The houses, of varying sizes, dazzle by their sumptuous mosaics, which were intended to offset the absence of precious marbles. During the Christian period, Timgad was a renowned bishopric. After the Vandal invasion of 430, Timgad was destroyed at the end of the 5th century by montagnards of the Aurès. The Byzantine Reconquest revived some activities in the city, defended by a fortress built to the south, in 539, reusing blocks removed from Roman monuments. The Arab invasion brought about the final ruin of Thamugadi which ceased to be inhabited after the 8th century.
Day 5 – Constantine
Today we explore Constantine including the museum, Casbah, suspension bridge, and the Palace of Ahmed Bey. Overnight Hotel Ibis or similar, Constantine (BLD)
Day 6 – Djemila
A whole-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Djemila and the ancient garrison of Cuicul. You will view the forum, temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and museum followed by a visit to Sétif and the archaeological museum with splendid Bacchus mosaic. Later that day we continue to Algiers. Overnight ST Hotel or similar (BL)
Djémila
Known under its antique name Cuicul, Djémila is an establishment of an ancient Roman colony founded during the reign of Nerva (96 – 98 A.D.). Cuicul is one of the flowers of Roman architecture in North Africa. Remarkably adapted to the constraints of the mountainous site, on a rocky spur which spreads at an altitude of 900 m, between the wadi Guergour and the wadi Betame, two mountain torrents, the town has its own Senate and Forum. Around the beginning of the 3rd century, it expanded beyond its ramparts with the creation of the Septimius Severus Temple, the Arch of Caracalla, the market and the civil basilica. The site has also been marked by Christianity in the form of several cult buildings: a cathedral, a church and its baptistery are considered among the biggest of the Paleochristian period. The site of Djémila comprises an impressive collection of mosaic pavings, illustrating mythological tales and scenes of daily life.
Day 7 – Bechar/Taghit
Today we travel by air South-West to Bechar and then onward to the desert oasis of Taghit. Depending on our arrival time in Taghit we should have time to explore. Overnight El Bordj (traditional guesthouse) or similar (BLD)
Day 8 – Taghit
We spend the whole day in and around Taghit exploring the old ksar and wandering through the old town through its winding streets and narrow alley-ways with the imposing dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental looming over the oasis. We will also visit some nearby cave paintings. Overnight: El Bordj (traditional guest house) or similar (BLD)
Taghit
Situated around 100km south of Bechar on a rocky plateau stands the picture-postcard perfect oasis of Taghit. The oasis is a natural wonder at the Western gateway to the Sahara where the Hamada and Grand Erg Occidental meet. Mountain like dunes which stretch for over 600km loom large over the oasis. The old ksar is a fascinating place to wander with the red ochre buildings contrasting with the golden dunes.
Day 9 – Taghit - Tlemcen
A long driving day today where we will make the journey from Taghit to Tlemcen which contains a superb collection of historic buildings. Overnight Hotel Residence Pomaria or similar, Tlemcen (BLD)
Tlemcen
Surrounded by hills, the town of Tlemcen has an illustrious past and in its heyday was one of the most important cities of North Africa. Today a university city, it was first settled by Romans in the 4th century but rose to prominence in the 11th century under the Almoravid dynasty who held sway over much of the region including Morocco. As with many coastal towns it provided an important conduit for trade between Africa and Europe, with slaves, gold and other goods from south of the Sahara being traded here. It was also home to a large Jewish population, although none remain now. The city contains an imposing fortress known as the Mechouar as well as a collection of ancient mosques and tombs and is a fairly relaxed place to walk around and explore.
Day 10 – Tlemcen - Oran
This morning we explore the important sites of Tlemcen including the Grand Mosque, one of the most important Islamic buildings in North Africa, the ruins of 13th century Mansourah and the tomb of Sidi Boumedienne. This afternoon we drive along the coast to Oran, Algeria’s second city. We spend time exploring the city including the Bey’s Palace and the 18th century Grand Mosque. Overnight Hotel Ibis or similar, Oran (BL)
Oran
Founded in the 10th century by the Moors of Andalucia, Oran has had a varied past which has seen it being ruled by Spain, the Ottoman Empire and France – today remnants of that Spanish heritage still linger giving it rather a different feel to its larger cousin Algiers. The city is a mixture of different styles of architecture and is renowned as being one of the more liberal places in Algeria. Some of its key sights include the Grand Mosque, the delightful area of Santa Cruz and the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur. Within Algeria, Oran is renowned as being the birthplace of rai music, a quite distinctive genre with its roots in the poor and dispossessed community. Oran is a great place to wander along the seafront and stop for a drink in the numerous cafes for a spot of people watching.
Day 11 – Oran - Algiers
We continue our exploration of Oran including the colonial era theatre and the picturesque Santa Cruz area with its pretty church and fortress, with great views over the whole of the city. Later we take the train back to Algiers. Overnight ST Hotel or similar, Algiers (BL)
Day 12 – Departure
Today is at leisure until the time comes to transfer to the airport for your international flight. (B)
Kontakt os for priser og datoer eller et tilbud på en individuel rejse til Algeriet
afrika@happylamatravel.com