London to Algeria Rail & Sea Adventure
Small Group Tour
London to Algiers: Where Casbah Charms Meet Saharan Stars
Enjoy a unique adventure and travel flight free, by first class train and one overnight ferry crossing, from London to Africa’s largest country, Algeria.
Our journey starts in London from where we head to Paris on the Eurostar. After time for lunch at the Gare de Lyon’s famous Train Bleu restaurant, which opened in 1900 and is decorated in a sumptuous art nouveau style, we whiz down to Provence by TGV to the fine Roman city of Nîmes. We continue by high-speed AVE train to Madrid followed by a short hop to the small city of Cuenca, a World Heritage Site, known for its Casas Colgadas or ‘hanging houses’. Our home for the night will be at one of Spain’s best paradors, a 16th century converted convent. Next stop is Valenica where we will learn about the city’s history and its excellent cuisine on a food tasting tour. The next day we will explore the countryside around Valenica and enjoy some of the local wines, before boarding the overnight ferry for North Africa and the Algerian port of Mostaganem.
The next morning our local driver and guide will be waiting to greet us and by road we will travel to Oran, Algeria’s second largest city. Oran has a significant Spanish flavour to it after more than two centuries of occupation before the French took over in the 19th century. We will visit the major sites before taking the train for the four and half journey east to the capital, Algiers.
We will base ourselves in Algiers for two nights giving us time to make an excursion to 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 still contain original mosaics. And of course, not to be missed, we will wander around the capital’s unique casbah, another UNESCO site, an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture.
The next part of our adventure will take us east by road, via the UNESCO site of Beni Hammad to the city of Setif. For the final part of the tour, we continue by road to the impressive ancient Roman city of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the finest in North Africa. After wandering around this charming site, we will travel to Constantine with its dramatic setting amongst precipitous cliffs and deep gorges. The French writer Alexandre Dumas called it ‘a fantastic city, something like Gulliver’s flying island. Founded 2,000 years ago, a plateau surrounded by deep ravines was a great place to build because the city could be easily defended. Since then, Constantine has outgrown the plateau and spilled over into the adjoining areas, connected to the old city by seven high bridges, hence the title ‘City of Bridges’.
Map + Tour Itinerary
Explore the itinerary in detail to get a sense of where you’ll be on each day of the adventure.
Meet your tour leader, at London’s impressive Gothic revival St. Pancras station. Take a morning Eurostar, with a light meal served at our seats. Upon arrival at the city’s Gare du Nord station road transport will be provided to take us to the Gare de Lyon, the Paris terminus serving trains to the south of France. Before boarding our next train, a high-speed TGV down to Provence, we will break the journey for a leisurely lunch in the opulent surroundings of the Gare de Lyon’s famous Train Bleu restaurant. Continue from Paris to Nîmes, where will arrive at around 8pm. Transfer from Nîmes’ modern Pont du Gard out of town station to our centrally located hotel. Check-in for a two night stay. Appart’ City Confort Nimes Arene or similar. (BL)
Trian Bleu Restaurant
It is hard to believe that one of Paris’ most serene, picturesque, and dignified restaurants is also located within one of its busiest train stations, but Le Train Bleu, an icon of Parisian dining, is a far cry from the Gare de Lyon’s hustle and bustle. This restaurant, built for a World’s Fair in 1900, features murals depicting different regions of France, as well as works from more than 40 prominent artists from that time. Every inch of this place drips with Parisian opulence in the best possible way. The perfect start to our transcontinental adventure.
After a leisurely breakfast we will meet our local guide for a morning city tour. By foot we will visit the main sights. Nimes is a lovely Provençal city with a long history dating back to the Roman Empire. Roman remains here include France’s largest and best preserved amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée, and the Pont du Gard, a magnificent aqueduct displaying three tiers of arches that span the river from a height of 160 feet. Unearth international gems at the art gallery, the Musée des Beaux Arts de Nimes, and stroll through the Jardins de la Fontaine, an 18th century formal garden set around the ruins of Roman Thermal baths. Following our tour the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore on your own. Appart’ City Confort Nimes Arene or similar. (B)
Today we will continue south to Spain. From Nîmes Centre station, which is a short walk from our hotel, we will travel by high-speed AVE train firstly to Madrid. As we head towards the border look out for colonies of flamingos on the region’s étangs or lagoons, the Fort de Salses on the right approaching Perpignan and great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees. After a brief stop in Barcelona, lunch will be served at our seat as we speed towards the Spanish capital. Upon arrival at the city’s Chamartin station we will be met and transferred by road to the Puerta de Atocha, the terminus for trains to the south. Our final destination is the lovely city of Cuenca – a World Heritage Site, reached in just an hour from Madrid. After a transfer from the station which is located a few kilometers out of the city, check-in at Cuenca’s wonderful 16th century parador – one of Spain’s finest, our accommodation for the night and where we will have dinner. Overnight Parador de Cuenca or similar. (BD)
Parador de Cuenca
Housed in a former convent, this hotel has conserved its historical architecture. The interior patio area is ideal for keeping cool in the midday heat and enjoying a read. Combining the original charm, with contemporary touches, this hotel is stylish and comfortable accommodation for a stay in historical Cuenca. Take a dip in the Parador’s outdoor swimming pool in the hot weather and dine in style in the restaurant, where you can sample traditional-style Cuencan cuisine.
After breakfast at the parador we will walk the short distance to Cuenca’s cathedral where we will meet our local guide for a two hour city tour. Exploring on foot we will see the main sights including the Plaza Mayor, and the Casas Colgadas or ‘hanging houses’, which are perched on top of cliffs surrounding a deep gorge carved out by two rivers. Due to limited space, the former inhabitants of the old city built their houses close to the edge, on a rocky mountaintop. Over the centuries, the relentless wind eroded the limestone cliffs leaving some houses clinging precariously to the edge. After our tour we will have a few hours spare and time for lunch (at own expense), before a transfer to the city’s modern out of town Fernando Zobel station, for a high-speed train to Valencia, a journey of just one hour. Upon arrival in Valencia, we will be met at the station and transferred by road to our centrally located hotel. Check-in for a two night stay on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight Hotel Vincci Mercat or similar. (B)
After a leisurely breakfast we will meet our local guide for a three hour walking tour to discover the delicious Valencian cuisine. Explore the city as we seek out the flavours Valencia has to offer. Sample ten delicious tastings such as Spanish manchego cheese, aqua de Valencia, and more. Learn about the history of the city and its cuisine from our informative guide as we stroll through the city’s gourmet market. After the tour the remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to see more of Valencia on your own. Overnight Hotel Vincci Mercat or similar. (BL*) – *food tasting tour.
Today we will travel out of Valencia on a five to six tour to explore historic old bush vine vineyards tasting some of the best organic Pago wines of Utiel-Requena. Accompanied by a professional guide/sommelier who produces his own wine, we learn about Spain’s grape varieties. We will meet the owners of the vineyards and taste top wines and visit the magnificent cellars. We travel through rolling landscape of vines, almond and olive trees dating from Phoenician times. Later we will visit La Villa de Requena, a town with a rich history of wine making. With our guide we will take a stroll through narrow streets with buildings bearing coats-of-arms and see charming squares and typical houses decorated with tiles and elaborate wrought ironwork. From La Villa de Requena we will return to Valencia, a distance of about 70km.
After collecting our luggage from the hotel, we will be transferred to Valencia’s port for check-in of the Baleària ferry scheduled to sail at 18:30 for Africa’s northern coast and the Algeria port of Mostaganem. Overnight Baleària ferry. Private en-suite cabin. (B)
Baleària Ferry
Spanish owned Baleària operates a network of ferries mostly linking mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. In addition, the company operates services to North Africa including routes to Morocco and Algeria. We have chosen to use their service from Valencia to the Algerian port of Mostaganem located on the country’s western coast. From Mostaganem a road transfer will take us to Oran, a journey of about one hour, and the first stop on our travels across Algeria.
At the time of writing the Valenica to Mostaganem service is operated by the vessel Ciudad de Mahón with a capacity of 1,000 passengers. Onboard facilities include ensuite cabins, a cafeteria, bar, and open deck space with a café. And there is even a small outdoor swimming pool, however, it is not always in use. In our view Baleària operates a good network of ferries, although often focusing on freight traffic rather than passenger business. Therefore, those who have travelled on ferries serving Scandinavian destinations or on longer routes from the UK, might be a little disappointed, as these particular services offer a wider range of facilities including a la carte dining and live entertainment.
Our overnight crossing from Spain is scheduled to arrive in Mostaganem at 9am, After clearing immigration and customs our local guide will be waiting to welcome us to Algeria. From the port we will continue to the city of Oran, Algeria’s second largest city, a drive of just over an hour. We should reach our hotel by about midday and subject to availability, our rooms will be available to check-in. Given that we have reached the half-way point of our flight-free adventure, this afternoon has been set aside to get some rest and to relax. Our historic hotel, located in the heart of the old town, is one of Oran’s most comfortable and offers two restaurants, a bar and a pleasant terrace. Overnight Royal Hotel – Mgallery or similar. (B)
After breakfast we will head out on a guided tour of Oran, the original home of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and novelist Albert Camus. Oran has a significant Spanish flavour to it after more than two centuries of occupation before the French took over in the 19th century. We will visit the major sites such as Place du 1er Novembre, Santa Cruz fort and chapel, La Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur and Bey’s Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to our hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Royal Hotel – Mgallery or similar. (BL)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to Oran’s central station for the morning train to Algiers, a journey scheduled to take around four-and-half hours. The train is comfortable and air-conditioned, and of course is a great way to meet the friendly Algerian people. You may find some of our fellow passengers will be keen to practise their English. For parts of the journey the train runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, offering beautiful coastal views, before passing through agricultural areas, with fields and orchards, and scenic hills. Upon arrival in Algiers, we will be met at the station and transferred to our five star hotel for a two night stay in the capital. Later we will take dinner at a local restaurant. Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden or similar. (BD)
After breakfast we will set off from the hotel to explore Algiers. We will visit the Museum of Antiquities, and Bastion 23, also known as Palais des Rais, notable for its architecture and being the last surviving quarter of the lower casbah. We wander the city’s unique casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of Maghreb architecture. After lunch we will leave the city behind and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tipasa, about 70km to the west of Algiers, and home to a wealth of archaeological remains. We tour a remarkable collection of Roman ruins, including villas and an ancient amphitheatre, that overlooks the Mediterranean. On the way back to Algiers we call in at the ‘Tomb of the Christian’, a Numidian site that despite its name is believed to date from the 3rd century BC. Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden 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 still contain original mosaics.
The Tomb of the Christian
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 overlooking the plains below, it consists of a circular building topped with a pyramid and is one of the most interesting sites in Algeria.
Today we will continue our adventure and head further east towards the city of Setif stopping en route at the UNESCO site of Beni Hammad Fort. Once we reach Setif we will visit the city’s museum where cabinets filled with pottery and lamps from Roman Setif are displayed. But the real stars are the mosaics in the ground floor central court, which are among the best in Algeria. Check-in at our hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight Novotel Setif or similar. (BL)
After breakfast we set off on the last leg of our adventure and to our final destination, the city of Constantine. Along the way we will make a stop to see the impressive ancient Roman city of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of the finest in North Africa. The wheel-rutted streets of ancient Cuicul, founded by Nerva to house his subjects, are lined with elaborate houses, a forum, basilica, triumphal arches, and temples. It is a fascinating example of Roman town planning adapted to suit its mountain location. Equally impressive is Djemila’s stunning museum, where every square inch of the immense walls are plastered with mosaics. After wandering around this charming site, we will continue our journey east to Constantine or ‘Cirta’ with its dramatic setting amongst precipitous cliffs and deep gorges. The French writer Alexandre Dumas called it ‘a fantastic city’, something like Gulliver’s flying island. Founded 2,000 years ago, a plateau surrounded by deep ravines was a great place to build because the city could be easily defended. Since then, Constantine has outgrown the plateau and spilled over into the adjoining areas, connected to the old city by seven high bridges, hence the title ‘City of Bridges’. Check in at our hotel for the last two nights of our tour. Overnight Constantine Marriott Hotel or similar. (BL)
After breakfast we will explore the city, considered to be the capital of eastern Algeria, and named after the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, on a morning tour with our guide. Visits include the archaeological museum and the Palace of Ahmed Bey, the city’s last Ottoman governor. We will view the city’s famous bridges spanning the dramatic Rhumel Gorge, including the Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge. After lunch at a local restaurant the remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Constantine Marriott Hotel or similar. (BL)
At a time to coincide with your flight, you will be transferred to the city’s Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport for check-in and departure. Flight options from Constantine include Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, for onward worldwide connections. Alternative, there are regular domestic flights back to Algiers for onward international connections. (B)
Tour Inclusions
- All accommodation
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary
- Rail travel based on first class seats for daytime journeys and private sleeping compartments (without an en-suite WC or shower) for one overnight journey
- Overnight ferry crossing from Stockholm to Tallinn in a private en-suite outside (window) cabin
- Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary, with the services of a private English-speaking guide or driver/guide
- Transfers as per itinerary with a private car or minibus
- Unless stated otherwise, entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Visas – when required
- Meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Tips (Discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
See what other adventurers have to say about our small group experiences.
We spent one day in Helsinki before taking the ferry to Tallin. The tour over two weeks took us throught Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It was so well organised with only 4 participants. Our guides were nationals of all the countries that we visited and very professional, well informed and enthusiastic, proud of their countries. We learned so much about the history, culture and caracter of the areas we visited.
HMW
We went with a private guide/driver who was a fount of knowledge about his country. We loved the beautiful scenery. Albania has everything: mountains, lakes, and stunning beaches. Prices for accommodation and food are reasonable, and best of all it is not crowded - yet!
Kiwi John
An amazing two weeks exploring some of the lesser-known areas of the Balkans many of which have, not only recovered from the break up of Yugoslavia, but are shining examples of enthusiasm and resilience. Macedonia and Kosovo are generally off the beaten track - but deserve to be discovered by more travellers, whilst Montenegro is simply stunning
Gypsy Queen
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All of our rail adventures are guaranteed departures. We don’t wait to fill a tour before committing to them. Explore the dates for this rail adventure and any others offer by us, or our parent company Undiscovered Destinations.Essential Info
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the there are no warnings for travel to any of the countries visited on this tour.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel in EU states, Albania or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As immigration requirements can change without notice it is essential that you check the latest information with your nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency. It is important to check the requirements both at the time of booking and again at the time you pay your balance.t the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Romania. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
As with travel to most parts of Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train schedules, but timings can change at short notice, or the days of the week that a particular train normally operates can also change. This will potentially require amending our itinerary and the number of nights that we stay in each city. Before you are asked to accept any changes our experienced travel consultants will of course discuss the options with you. These may well be limited, so it is important that you can be flexible.
This journey will be best suited to experienced travellers and to those who are comfortable in carrying their own luggage unassisted. This is important as trains in Europe do not provide an airline style checked-in baggage service. Each passenger is responsible for their own luggage, which they will keep with them on each leg of the trip. On occasions this will mean storing luggage in the racks provided above the seats. Although the group, a maximum of 12 travellers, will be escorted throughout by a tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations, their role is primarily one of managing the logistics and liaising with the locally based guides who will be responsible for providing guided tours and excursions along the way.
In addition to the need to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, it should be noted that in most locations it will be necessary to walk from the railway station to our hotel and back. Where possible the hotels will be located just a short stroll from the station, but in some cities, it might be a longer walk of 15 minutes or so. Please see the itinerary below for further details and do get in touch before booking if you have any concerns.