algeria & tunisia
MARCH 2027
dr helen pope
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Take a journey across Algeria and Tunisia, two prominent countries of the ancient world, and discover the Numidian, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman societies that shaped the Mediterranean
OVERVIEW
The extraordinarily rich history, art and architecture of the Roman Empire had a deep impact on the African countries of Algeria and Tunisia. Its influential trading outposts, grand amphitheatres and life-giving aqueducts gave rise to the wealthiest province in the Western Roman Empire outside of Italy, a legacy that remains visible today.
This 17-day tour surveys Roman North Africa, and follows the later impact of Byzantine and Islamic cultures in both countries. Starting our journey in Algeria, Africa’s largest country, we explore the colourful Casbah, enjoy the wild and romantic site of Tipasa (much beloved by Camus), and visit the astonishing museum at Cherchell, ancient Caesarea. We then travel to two of the most breathtaking Roman cities in North Africa, Timgad and Djemila, and bathe in the ancient Roman baths at Khenchela, which are still in use after 2000 years, before arriving in Constantine, the city of bridges.
From Algiers we fly to Tunis and explore the vibrant medina and ancient Carthage, Rome’s greatest rival and the legendary dominion of Queen Dido. We discover the grandeur of imperial Rome at the ampitheatre in El Djem and chart the rise of Islam on the region in the holy Umayyad city of Kairouan, whose huge mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. At Dougga, Bulla Regia and Chemtou, the largest marble quarry in ancient North Africa, we gain a fascinating insight into life in Roman North Africa before returning for a final night in Tunis.
TOUR LEADER
Dr Helen Pope has a PhD in Latin and has taught Classics at St Stephen’s International School in Rome for over thirty years. Helen’s passion for Rome and the ancient world began at a very early age, leading her to study classics at Monash University. For five years, she taught in the Visual Arts department at Monash University, and she has led numerous tours for students as well as for adults to North Africa, Türkiye and the Middle East.
Helen has lived and travelled extensively in Greece and Italy, and has lived in Rome for 35 years.
Highlights
Survey the great Phoenician trading port of Carthage, the powerful Mediterranean empire that rivalled ancient Rome
Admire the immense wealth of African and Roman art and history at exceptional archaeological museums including at the Bardo and in El Djem, Sousse and Setif
Imagine the deafening roar of 35,000 spectators baying for blood at the stunningly intact colosseum in El Djem
Chart the rise of Islam at the Great Mosques of Kairouan and Constantine
Discover the evocative remote outpost of ancient Ammaedera (Haidra) and its impressive Byzantine fortress, mausoleums and underground baths
Wander through the lively Souk in Kairouan and the colourful Casbah in Algiers
Questions?
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