Day 1: Arrive Algiers
Arrive Algiers. Afternoon: Casbah old town, Ketchaoua Mosque. Evening: seaside dinner. Overnight Algiers.
Day 2: Algiers Discovery
Morning: Martyrs’ Memorial, National Museum of Antiquities. Afternoon: Notre Dame d’Afrique basilica, Bardo Museum. Overnight Algiers.
Day 3: Fly to Ghardaia — The Sahara Gate
Morning flight to Ghardaia (1.5 hours). Afternoon: orientation walk through Ghardaia old town — covered alleys, central square with white-veiled Mozabite women, and the distinctive pyramid-minaret that defines M’Zab architecture. Visit the palm grove with 10,000 date palms. Overnight Ghardaia.
Day 4: Beni Isguen — The Holy City
Full day in Beni Isguen, the most conservative of the five ksour. Visit the medieval auction market (operating on descending-price auctions, a tradition unique to the Mozabites), the watchtower with panoramic views over the valley, and artisan workshops producing carpets and brassware. Evening: sunset from a hilltop overlooking the five cities. Overnight Ghardaia.
Day 5: Melika, Bou Noura & El Atteuf
Visit Melika and Bou Noura, each with distinct architecture and commanding views. Afternoon: El Atteuf, the oldest ksar (founded 1012), with its ancient cemetery and the tomb of Sheikh Ammi Brahim. Learn about the Mozabite water-sharing system — qanats and channels that distribute scarce water equally. Overnight Ghardaia.
Day 6: Ghardaia to Algiers
Morning flight to Algiers. Afternoon free for last explorations or shopping in Algiers’ French-colonial boulevards. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight Algiers.
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Algiers Airport.
