Algeria is one of North Africa’s most surprising destinations. This is a country with a coast, desert, ancient ruins and cities that feel ‘alive’ rather than curated for visitors.
If you’re looking at tours in Algeria and trying to work out where to go, here are the places that show off the country at its best. These highlights match the routes offered by Rocky Road Travel, so you get a clear sense of what the best trip looks like.
Algiers: A Capital Full of Mystery
Most tours start in Algiers, a city that reveals itself slowly. The Casbah is the obvious first place to visit. Lanes twist up the hillside, past Ottoman-era houses and small workshops. You can wander from Dar Mustapha Pacha to the Ketchaoua Mosque before dropping down to Martyrs Square.
The city also possesses a modern side. The Basilica of Notre Dame d’Afrique sits on a bluff with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. The Botanical Gardens offer a quiet break from the traffic.
The War Museum and the nearby Revolutionary Monument give helpful context to Algeria’s fight for independence, which still shapes national identity today.
Tipaza: Roman Ruins by the Sea
A short drive from Algiers brings you to Tipaza, one of the most striking Roman sites in North Africa. Its position on the water makes it feel almost unreal. You walk through a forum, a basilica and a theatre with the Mediterranean just beyond the stones.
Many tours pair Tipaza with a stop at the Archaeological Museum of Cherchell. The sculptures and mosaics here are some of the finest in the country and help explain the region’s Punic and Roman past.
Ghardaia and the M’zab Valley
The M’zab Valley is a complete change of pace. Ghardaia looks simple at first glance, but the town’s layout follows Ibadi principles that date back centuries. Its market, narrow streets and hilltop mosque give a sense of daily life that hasn’t shifted much over time.
Constantine: The City of Bridges
Constantine is one of Algeria’s most dramatic cities. Built across deep gorges, it sits on several natural rock plateaus linked by bridges. The views alone make it worth the visit. You also find a strong mix of French, Ottoman, and local influences in the layout and architecture. It’s a good place to understand how Algeria’s regions differ from one another.
Djanet and the Sahara
For many travellers, the Sahara is the highlight of a tour in Algeria. Around Djanet you’ll be awed by sandstone mountains, dunes and long, empty plains that shift colour during the day.
Tassili n’Ajjer National Park is known for its prehistoric rock art, which adds a human story to the landscape. Nights in the desert are often the moments people remember most: quiet, cool, and full of stars.
The Best of Algeria in One Tour
Algeria is large, but these stops fit together well on our guided tours. If you’re thinking about touring in this part of Africa, Rocky Road Travel gives you the best of what the country offers.
Find out more about our tours in Algeria. Or simply get in touch for more information.