Two weeks is the sweet spot for experiencing Algeria's highlights — enough time to explore the Mediterranean coast, dive into Roman history, experience the M'zab Valley's unique culture, and trek into the Sahara. Here's a carefully planned 14-day itinerary that covers the best of the country.
Days 1–3: Algiers
Day 1: Arrive at Houari Boumediene Airport. Transfer to your hotel. If energy permits, walk along the waterfront and acclimate to the city. Dinner at a local restaurant near Didouche Mourad street.
Day 2: Explore the Casbah of Algiers (UNESCO) with a local guide — the labyrinthine Ottoman-era old city. Visit the Ketchaoua Mosque (rebuilt and reopened in 2017, stunning), the BARDO Ethnographic Museum, and the Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid) for panoramic views. Lunch at a local restaurant in the Casbah. Evening walk along the Sablette promenade.
Day 3: Day trip to Tipaza (1.5 hours west). Explore the Phoenician and Roman ruins overlooking the Mediterranean (UNESCO). Lunch at a seafood restaurant by the coast. Optional stop at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania (ancient tomb on a hilltop). Return to Algiers.
Days 4–5: Constantine
Day 4: Early morning flight to Constantine (1 hour). Check in and spend the afternoon exploring the City of Bridges — walk across Sidi M'Cid Bridge (175m above the gorge), visit the Ahmed Bey Palace, and explore the old city. Evening stroll along the gorge with sunset views.
Day 5: Day trip to Djémila (2 hours by car). Explore the spectacular Roman ruins (UNESCO) — the forum, temples, triumphal arch, and the museum's extraordinary mosaics. You'll likely have the entire site to yourself. Return to Constantine for a farewell dinner.
Days 6–7: Oran
Day 6: Fly from Constantine to Oran (or take the scenic train from Algiers if you loop back). Oran is Algeria's most vibrant, Mediterranean city. Explore the waterfront promenade, the old Spanish fort Santa Cruz, and the ornate Opera House. Evening walk along the Front de Mer — this is where Oran's social life happens after dark.
Day 7: Visit the Oran Casbah and the Great Mosque. Take a day trip to Ain El Turck beaches if the weather is right. Experience Raï music — ask your hotel for recommendations on where to hear live music. Oran's café culture is exceptional — sit, observe, and soak it in.
Days 8–9: Ghardaia (M'zab Valley)
Day 8: Fly from Oran to Ghardaia (via Algiers, or direct if available). Arrive in the M'zab Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of five fortified towns built by the Mozabite community over 1,000 years ago. Explore Ghardaia's market (one of Algeria's most colorful) and the town's geometric, pastel-colored architecture.
Day 9: Guided tour of the five ksour (fortified towns): Ghardaia, Melika, Beni Isguen, El Atteuf, and Bounoura. Beni Isguen is the most traditional — entering requires a guide and modest dress is strictly enforced. Visit the Melika cemetery with its painted tombs. Evening desert sunset viewpoint.
Days 10–14: The Sahara (Djanet / Tassili n'Ajjer)
Day 10: Fly from Ghardaia to Djanet (via Algiers). Arrive in the Sahara. Meet your Tuareg guide and organize your 4-day trek into Tassili n'Ajjer. Stock up on supplies in Djanet's market.
Days 11–13: Multi-day guided trek through Tassili n'Ajjer National Park (UNESCO). Camp each night under the stars. Visit the astonishing prehistoric rock art — paintings of giraffes, hippos, and humans from when the Sahara was green (8,000–10,000 years ago). Walk through surreal sandstone formations — arches, pillars, and canyons sculpted by millions of years of erosion. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 14: Return to Djanet. Final market visit for Tuareg souvenirs. Fly back to Algiers for your departure.
Budget Estimate (Per Person)
- Domestic flights: $200–$400 total (4–5 flights)
- Hotels (13 nights): $600–$1,200 (mix of mid-range and budget)
- Food: $150–$300 total
- Sahara tour (4 days): $350–$600 (guide, vehicle, camping, meals)
- Guides and entry fees: $100–$200
- TOTAL: ~$1,400–$2,700 excluding international flights