Itinerary

1. Day 1: Algiers-Ghardaia

   • Reception and assistance at Houari Boumediene International Airport (Algiers).
   • Transit on foot to the domestic airport (3-5 minute walk) to fly to Ghardaia.
   • After arriving at Ghardaia domestic Airport, Moufdi Zakaria (known as Noumérat).
   • Take transport to the City Centre (15 Km) where the first overnight will be spent.

2. Day 2: Ghardaia

   • After breakfast, we drive to visit 3 sites of M'zab Valley: Mélika, Bounoura, and the palm gardens of Beni-Izghen where we have lunch (these 3 sites are classified by the UNESCO World Heritage committee).
   • After a rest, we visit Boulila Tower, Ghardaia's city centre, and its magnificent rectangular ancient stone market.

   Dinner and overnight at the guest house or similar.

3. Day 3: Ghardaia-El-Golea

   • In the early hours of the morning, we have our breakfast. We drive towards the Pearl of the Oases, El-Meniaa (ex-El-Goléa). The distance of 270 Km can be crossed by road in 3 hours.
   • The oasis is situated in the center of Algeria, at the eastern end of the Grand Erg Occidental, as a gateway to Southern Algeria. It is famous for its mineral water and agricultural products, including its palm grove of about 180,000 palm trees.
   • When we reach El-Goléa around 11 a.m., we head to the guest house or similar to have lunch.
   • Following the short rest, we head towards the church of Bel-Bachir (close to the church, there is the tomb of the Catholic priest Charles De Foucauld).
   • Then we enjoy the sunset on the dunes while having our dinner.

   Return to the hotel.

4. Day 4: El-Golea

   • Today we leave the residence to visit some places starting with the 9th-century Citadel known as 'Vieux ksar,' built on a 75 m high hill. In this old castle, which was the refuge for the ancestors who dwelt for centuries, there are still ruins of the houses and the well used by settlers as water.
   • Next, we visit the unique Sahara museum (town centre) where there are lots of collections gathered for decades by René Le Clerc (b.1925-d.2010).
   • Afterward, we go on an excursion to the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental where we spend the afternoon, dine, and return to the residence.

5. Day 5: El-Golea-Timimoun

   • Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive southwards to the Red Oasis, Timimoun.
   • We rest in M'Guiden's Café for a while.
   • The journey to Timimoun (362 kms) is to be crossed in 4 hours.
   • Arriving at our destination, we move to a guest house or a hotel where we have our lunch.
   • In the afternoon, a visit is organized to Foggaras (hydraulic heritage) of Ouled Said and Hadj Guelmane, ending with a traditional dinner accompanied by traditional local folk amusement.
   • Then, the day is finished by having dinner while enjoying the traditional dance (using musical instruments Qraqeb and hand-made drum).

   Return to the guest house or similar.

6. Day 6: Timimoun

   • Shortly after breakfast, we stroll in the town and its covered market full of Bio local produce.
   • After lunch, we move to Timimoun Airport (4 Kms).
   • Transfer from Houari Boumediene domestic Airport to the hotel.

   Overnight at the residence or the hotel.

7. Day 7: Algiers

   • In the last day of the visit, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, Casbah of Algiers for 2 hours.
   • Then we drive to the Church of Notre-Dame Afrique (4 kms distant from the Casbah).
   • We finish the whole service with a visit to Jardin d'Essai in Hamman (the unique garden in Africa dated to 1900's).
   • The visitors are transferred to Houari Boumediene International Airport for departure.
   • Assistance is given until the boarding.