London to Algeria Rail and Sea Eclipse Adventure

Hotel check-in times: As a general rule most hotels allow guests to check in from 2pm. Except where stated, the tour price does not include guaranteed early check-in; please ask if you would like to secure earlier room access.

Accommodation rating: Hotels are selected for location, comfort and character. Accommodation is of a high standard, with the majority being 5-star or equivalent.

Food & drink: Your meal basis is daily breakfast (except Day 4), plus lunch and/or dinner where indicated in the itinerary.

If you have any special dietary requirements, you must notify us at the time of booking. Whilst we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Please note that on-train catering can be limited, and even common dietary requests (including vegetarian options) may not be available.

Extra money: You’ll need additional funds for meals and drinks not included, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and personal items (e.g. laundry).

Typical costs (guide only): Lunch or dinner approx. £10–£30. Bottle of beer approx. £2–£5. Bottle of water approx. £1–£2.

Tipping: We suggest budgeting to tip local guides for each tour. We recommend €5–€10 per person for each tour (depending on duration). In restaurants it is customary to leave a small tip—around 10% of the bill.

On-train food & drink: It can be difficult to pre-pay for items on trains; carry sufficient cash (euros recommended). Choices can be limited, so consider bringing your own water and snacks.

Rail travel is generally safe and comfortable, but it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and take sensible precautions with personal belongings.

Keep valuables (passport, documents, electronics, medication) in a small day bag with you at all times. Luggage stays with you (not checked in) and may be stored in overhead racks or luggage areas. A small combination cable padlock can be useful for securing bags to racks.

Your tour leader will be on hand to assist throughout, and local conditions will be monitored closely.

ATMs: Widely available in France and at transport hubs. In Algeria, ATMs are available in larger cities (e.g. Algiers and Oran) and at some major hotels, but can be more limited—withdraw cash when the opportunity arises.

Cards: Cards are widely accepted in France. In Algeria, card acceptance is more limited and generally restricted to larger hotels and some higher-end establishments; do not rely on card use on trains or in smaller shops/cafés.

Currencies: France uses the Euro (€). Algeria uses the Algerian Dinar (DZD).

Exchanging money: Euros are the most practical currency to bring for exchange into Algerian dinars (US dollars may sometimes be accepted, but euros are generally preferred). Exchange is available at airports, some banks and larger hotels; your guide/hotel can advise.

It is a condition of booking that you hold adequate and valid travel insurance. You are responsible for arranging appropriate cover and for ensuring you have read and understood your policy terms.

Your insurance must fully cover medical expenses, emergency treatment and repatriation, and must be valid for the entire duration of the tour. Please also ensure your policy covers all activities you intend to undertake, including any optional activities. We recommend carrying a copy of your insurance details while travelling.

Entry requirements vary by nationality and can change without notice.

France (Schengen): UK, US, Australian and many other passport holders currently do not require a visa for short stays. The EU is introducing an ETIAS travel authorisation scheme for visa-exempt travellers once implemented; details will be provided closer to departure if applicable.

Algeria: Most travellers (including UK, US and Australian passport holders) require a visa. Where required, we will provide a letter of invitation to support your application once your booking is confirmed.

It is essential that you check the latest requirements with the relevant embassy/consulate (or a professional visa agency) at the time of booking and again closer to departure. Obtaining correct visas and travel documents is the traveller’s responsibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure you hold a full passport, valid for at least six months after your date of return to your country of residence.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages. Some countries require the two blank pages to be opposite each other; if you cannot meet requirements you may be refused boarding or denied entry.

For destination-specific requirements, check with the relevant embassy/consulate. UK citizens can also visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

We strongly recommend you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date advice on vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, you might be advised to have immunisations against: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Meningitis.

Climate: Mediterranean climate with warm to hot summers and mild winters. In August, daytime temperatures in southern France and Algeria can be high, though coastal areas benefit from sea breezes; evenings are cooler.

Clothing: Light, breathable layers for daytime; a light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors. Comfortable, modest clothing is appropriate for cultural sites. A lightweight waterproof/windproof layer is useful for coastal areas and the ferry.

What to bring: Personal first aid kit and prescription medication; suncream/sunblock; insect repellent; reusable water bottle; hand sanitiser and tissues; a small daypack. For longer journeys, consider reading/music/cards and a translation app.

Wi‑Fi: Most hotels offer Wi‑Fi (speeds vary). Wi‑Fi is generally available on high-speed trains in Western Europe (service may be limited); beyond Western Europe it is less common.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven historic streets and archaeological sites.

Journey times: Indicative times are shown in the itinerary; schedules can change.

Luggage: Luggage should not exceed 20kg (44lbs). One main suitcase/rucksack plus one smaller hand-luggage item is recommended. There is no airline-style checked baggage; luggage remains with you throughout the journey and may need to be lifted into racks/storage areas.

Electric supply & plugs: 220V / 50Hz with two-round-pin plugs. Bring a universal travel adaptor.

Tour itinerary versions: Please ensure you have the most up-to-date tour notes prior to departure; itineraries may be amended for operational reasons or transport schedule changes.

The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train and ferry schedules, but timings can change at short notice, and operating days can change. This may require adjustments to the itinerary and the number of nights in each location.

Ferry schedules on the Marseille–Algiers route are typically released only a few months in advance and sailing days can vary. Historically there have been up to three sailings per week in summer, but exact operating days are confirmed closer to departure.

If changes are required, our travel consultants will discuss options with you before confirmation. A degree of flexibility is essential for this style of rail-and-sea journey; we will always seek to maintain the overall balance, comfort and integrity of the tour.

This tour is best suited to travellers who are comfortable managing their own luggage. There is no airline-style checked baggage service on trains; your luggage remains with you throughout the journey and may need to be lifted into overhead racks or designated storage areas.

The group (maximum 12 travellers) is fully escorted by an Undiscovered Destinations – Adventures by Train tour leader who manages logistics and liaises with local guides. Private transfers are included at key points (e.g. between stations and hotels), reducing the need for extended walks with luggage.