Marvel at the Roman and Byzantine remains of ancient Theveste, modern Tébessa – new for 2026
Engage with Algeria’s military history at Lambaesis, an ancient Roman military town
Discover the Punic, Roman and Byzantine remains at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipasa
"Nico was truly exceptional. His knowledge was wide ranging and excellent and he was able to explain things carefully, enthusiastically and succinctly"
- ACE customer on the 2025 Algeria: Encounters between Rome & North Africa tour with Niccolò Mugnai
Marvel at the Roman and Byzantine remains of ancient Theveste, modern Tébessa – new for 2026
From the Mediterranean shores to the Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara, Algeria's diverse landscape has served as a crossroads for a myriad of civilisations including the Phoenicians, Romans and Byzantine Greeks. The Arab conquests of the 7th century laid the foundation for Algeria's modern cultural identity, further developed by Islamic Arab and Berber dynasties and the Ottoman Empire between the 8th and 15th centuries. This long and layered history has resulted in a vibrant mix of art, culture and traditions, forged through habitation, conquest and trade.
Phoenician colonies emerged along the coast around the 8th century BCE, making a visit to Cherchell a fitting start to our tour. This once grand royal capital and Roman colony features archaeological remains from the 5th century BCE as well as an awe-inspiring collection of mosaics and artefacts, currently housed in the Old Museum. Flying eastwards to Annaba, we will view the evocative ruins of Hippo Regius, once a seat of Saint Augustine and an ancient bishopric, and Seraidi, an area offering glimpses into Algeria’s early past, from initial occupation in the Neolithic to urbanisation in the Roman era.
We will further enhance our understanding at the little known ruins of Khemissa and its remarkably preserved Roman theatre – Thubursicum Numidarum – which once connected the port of Hippo Regius to ancient Theveste in Tébessa. Established during the Roman Republic, Theveste boasts numerous ancient monuments from the Roman and Byzantine periods, such as the Arch of Caracalla.
Our journey continues to the steep hillside site of Tiddis, a significant location known as the birthplace of Quintus Lollius Urbicus, who built the Antonine Wall, and Constantine – ancient Cirta. Following this, we will delve into Madauros, a Roman-Berber city with both educational and military significance. Though a veteran colony was founded there under Emperor Nerva, this city is best known for its ‘schola’, which is thought to have been established earlier than the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, often credited as the world's oldest continually operating university.
Algeria's strategic position between the Mediterranean and Africa has resulted in an affluent military past. Emperor Trajan founded the UNESCO World Heritage site of Timgad and the Roman-Byzantine site Zana, while Emperor Hadrian built the large military base at Lambaesis. Tipassa, originally a Punic trading post before becoming a military colony under Emperor Claudius, offers brilliant examples of Punic, Roman and Byzantine remains, and at Setif, established for veterans under Emperor Nerva, we shall see one of the finest examples of Roman mosaics.
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Djémila, ancient Cuicul, showcases how ancient Algeria seamlessly blended with the natural landscape. Excavations reveal stunning Roman ruins, including a theatre, fora and temples, demonstrating the unique adaptation of Roman architecture within a dramatic mountain setting.
Our journey back to Algiers includes a visit to the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art and the Casbah. This area, originally settled by the Phoenicians and Punics as Icosium in the 10th century BCE, features a citadel, historic mosques and Ottoman palaces.
During our time in Algeria we will stay in several hotels; while they may be more basic in standard than typical western equivalents, these welcoming, comfortable establishments have been chosen for their convenient locations allowing easier exploration of the region and sites.
Niccolò Mugnai
Niccolò is a classical archaeologist who specialises in the architecture, art, urbanism and material culture of the Greco-Roman world, with a particular focus on North Africa.
This tour will be led by Niccolò Mugnai, BA, MA, PhD, AFHEA, a classical archaeologist who specialises in the architecture, art, urbanism and material culture of the Greco-Roman world, with a particular focus on North Africa. He has led guided visits and been involved in archaeological fieldwork at numerous sites in Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya, and has published extensively on the archaeology and architecture of ancient North Africa among other subjects.
Small Group Experience
Please note this tour is a small group experience limited to 20 guests.
Highlights from the Managing Director
October 2025
In the October edition of our Managing Director's newsletter takeover, Managing Director Paul Brooke Barnes shared his experience of travelling this year in Algeria. Paul highlighted the vast selection of Roman remains to be found across the country and how he was captivated by the landscape, culture and history of this fascinating location.
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