Discovery of Eastern Algérie Constantine - Annaba

This day is dedicated to discovering Constantine, the ancient Cirta, perched on its rock above the Rhumel Gorges, over 200 metres deep. Nicknamed the "City of Suspended Bridges", it reveals itself through its different districts and viewpoints. In the morning, you walk across Constantine's iconic bridges: the Sidi M'Cid Bridge, the El Kantara Bridge, the Mellah Slimane Footbridge and the Sidi Rached Bridge, which offer different panoramic views of the gorges. You continue with a visit to the Ahmed Bey Palace, built between 1825 and 1835 and representative of Algerian beylic architecture.

Lunch in a traditional restaurant in town.

In the afternoon, you visit the Cirta National Museum, which brings together collections of archaeology, ethnography and fine arts, then discover the Great Mosque, the city's oldest religious building. You end the day in the Souika, an old popular district with winding alleyways descending towards the gorges, to discover a living facet of Constantine.

In the Roman city of Tiddis stands on a rocky pedestal, making it an impregnable fortress. If at the beginning of Roman occupation, the Republica Castalli Tidditanorum was a military camp, the barracks quickly transformed into a charming city that underwent several architectural modifications.

Roman urbanism in Tiddis is a masterpiece of virtuosity and exceptional achievements that we can observe through its well-preserved remains. The Romans also exploited clay, which the region is very rich in, which gave Tiddis its wealth. This archaeological site bears the imprint of several civilizations that succeeded one another in North Africa, including Berber Punic, Roman, Christian and Muslim civilizations.

City tour for a first immersion in the warm atmosphere of the city. Visit to souvenir shops in the city center, local crafts, traditional objects and jewelry. Tasting of local specialties in a traditional pastry shop. Trying on traditional Bône clothing, a unique cultural experience to discover the elegance of the Bône Melhfa. Stroll along the corniche to enjoy a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Dinner in a typical restaurant, with tasting of local specialties such as grilled fish and Bône Chorba

Departure for an immersive exploration of the old city of Annaba, where every alley tells a page of history. Visit of the old city, a neighborhood steeped in history that has undergone several major transformations over the centuries. The evolution of the city: from the displacement of Hippo in the 5th century to the creation of modern Bona on the hill of Sidi Abi Marwan in 1058. The Ottoman era: a period of prosperity under the administration of Saleh Bey, where different communities lived in harmony. French occupation in 1832: impact of colonization on the architecture and reconstruction of the city.

Visit of emblematic mosques: Mosque Sidi Bou Merouane Al-Sharif (built under the Hafsids in the 13th century by engineer Omar bin Muhammad) and Saleh Bey mosque (testimony of the Ottoman era). Discovery of historic houses: Dar Larkash, Dar Al-Benqi, Dar Al-Mandi and Dar Al-Saraya, remnants of the old Bonian architecture, some of whose facades have been preserved. Exploration of the Citadel: defensive fortification of the Hafsids (14th century) serving as a residence for sovereigns. Transformation under French colonization into a military barracks, leaving only a few authentic vestiges.

Lunch at the traditional Dar El Bey restaurant: tasting of Bourak El Annabi (stuffed pastry) and Jari (traditional soup). Gritliya, a traditional dish from Bône. Stroll along the cours de la Révolution, a lively place that was once the heart of the colonial city. Coffee break on a typical terrace to enjoy the local atmosphere. Return to the hotel, free dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you set off to discover the Grande Corniche of Annaba, which offers beautiful panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and the city. You continue towards Ras El Hamra, an emblematic rocky cape where you take time to enjoy the view of the horizon.

In the early afternoon, you visit the Basilica of Saint Augustine, which overlooks the city of Annaba. Dedicated to Saint Augustine, a philosopher and theologian from Algérie born in Thagaste, the present-day Souk Ahras, it combines Byzantine and Roman styles. You continue with the exploration of the Roman ruins of Hippo, remnants of the ancient Roman city that was the seat of the bishopric of Saint Augustine. You discover in particular the forum, the baths and the ancient theatre.

In the early evening, you enjoy a stroll through Annaba to discover the charms of this Mediterranean city.