Algiers & Constantine: Private 4-Day Tour with Flights & Local Guide

Summary

Private journey through Algeria’s bridges, palaces, and living streets

You’ll wander Algiers’ legendary Casbah, gaze out over Constantine’s dizzying bridges, taste local dishes (even if they surprise you), and share laughs with guides who know every shortcut. With flights included between cities, hotel pickup, all entrance fees covered—and plenty of moments that linger longer than photos ever could—you’ll feel Algeria’s pulse up close.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping out of the airport in Algiers — that first hit of sea air mixed with something sweet and smoky from a food cart nearby. Our driver waved us over with a grin that made me feel less like a stranger. We’d landed late but somehow the city felt wide awake. The next morning, our guide Amine met us in the hotel lobby right at nine (he joked about “Algerian time” running five minutes behind). He led us up to Notre Dame d’Afrique, where the light poured through colored glass and you could see the whole bay curling around below. My shoes slipped a little on the old stone steps — I didn’t expect them to be so smooth from centuries of feet.

The Casbah was nothing like I pictured. Narrow alleys twisting between whitewashed walls, doors painted every shade of blue you can imagine. Amine pointed out carvings above doorways (“Ottoman-era,” he said, tapping one gently). There was this moment when we ducked into Ketchaoua Mosque — cool air, soft murmurs, sunlight catching dust motes. After lunch (I tried something called rechta — noodles with cinnamon and chicken; not sure I got used to it), we wandered down to Bastion 23 palace. It’s right by the sea — you hear gulls and kids shouting somewhere out of sight. I lost track of time poking around secret rooms while Amine told stories about pirates and old sultans as if he’d lived it himself.

By evening we were flying east to Constantine. The city is perched on cliffs — honestly, my stomach did a flip when I looked down from Sidi M’Cid bridge the next morning. Our guide Hana laughed at me (“Don’t look down!”) but then she showed us how locals cross every day without blinking. The wind up there smells like stone and wild herbs. We wandered palaces tiled in colors I can’t name and climbed endless stairs to monuments where flocks of birds scatter if you get too close. Lunch was quick — bread stuffed with spicy merguez sausage from a street vendor (I burned my tongue but kept eating anyway).

There’s this footbridge in Constantine that wobbles just enough to make you nervous — Mellah Slimane, I think? You get views of houses clinging to cliffs and old viaducts arching across empty space. By then my legs were jelly but Hana insisted we visit Souika market for fresh dates (“Best ones are sticky,” she said). That last night back in Algiers, I sat by my window listening to traffic drift up from below and realized how much these cities surprise you — loud one minute, then suddenly quiet except for someone singing far off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to hotel

• Meet driver at Algiers airport
• Transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Algiers city tour and fly to Constantine

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Notre Dame d'Afrique Church
• Explore Casbah old city
• Visit Ketchaoua Mosque
• See Martyr's Square and nearby mosque
• Tour Bastion 23 palace
• Walk along seafront past Fishermen mosque
• Explore Algiers downtown and Grand Poste office
• Relax at Botanical Garden of El Hamma
• Visit Monument to the Martyrs viewpoint
• Transfer to hotel
• Fly to Constantine
• Transfer to hotel in Constantine

Day 3 — Constantine tour and return to Algiers

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Palace of Ahmed Bey
• Walk Casbah and Boulevard of the Abyss
• Cross Sidi M'Cid suspension bridge
• Climb to Monument to the Dead
• Walk footbridge of Mellah Slimane
• Explore Great Mosque and Souika Medina
• Visit National Museum of Cirta
• Take tram to Emir Abdelkader Mosque
• Return to hotel
• Fly back to Algiers
• Transfer to hotel

Day 4 — Departure transfer to airport

• Pick up from hotel to airport

Top questions

Is airport pickup included on this private Algiers & Constantine tour?

Yes, airport pickup is included at both arrival and departure in Algiers.

Are flights between Algiers and Constantine part of the package?

Yes, local flights between Algiers and Constantine are included unless unavailable—in which case travel is by car.

How much walking is involved during this 4-day Algeria tour?

This tour involves mostly walking—especially through historic districts like the Casbahs—so moderate fitness is needed.

Are entrance fees for attractions included?

All entry fees for sites listed in the itinerary are covered in your booking.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Vegetarian options are available; just let them know when booking.

What languages do the guides speak?

Your guides speak English, Arabic, and French—sometimes more depending on availability.

Is visa assistance provided for travelers?

An invitation letter and visa assistance are provided after booking—contact at least one month ahead if needed.

Are there any health or fitness requirements?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended; not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup in both cities, all transfers by car or local flight between Algiers and Constantine, an English-, Arabic-, or French-speaking guide throughout your stay, all entrance fees to palaces, mosques, gardens and museums on the route—and help with your visa paperwork if you need it before arrival.