Excursion Tipasa, mausoleum & city drive tour at Algiers

Tipasa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding universal value. It combines nature, beauty and architecture and is located on the shores of the Mediterranean just 75 km west of Algiers comprising two archaeological parks and the nearby Royal Mauritanian Mausoleum, perched on the west Sahel plateau.

The awe-inspiring Tipasa brings together one of the most extraordinary archaeological complexes of the Maghreb, and is the most significant to the study of the contacts between the indigenous civilizations and the different waves of colonization from the 6^th century B.C. to the 6^th century A.D.

This coastal city was first a Carthaginian trading center, whose necropolis is one of the oldest and one of the most extensive of the Punic world. During this period, Tipasa played the role of a maritime port of call and a place for commerce. Numerous necropolises testify to the very varied types of burial and funerary practices that bear witness to the multicultural exchange of influences dating back to protohistoric times. The monumental, circular funerary building, called the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, with its stepped truncated roof covering, demonstrates the merger of the local architectural traditions with several different contributions, notably Hellenistic and Pharaonic - truly a breathtaking site.

The Roman period is marked by a prestigious ensemble of buildings, comprising much diversified architectural types. From the 3^rd to the 4^th centuries A.D. a striking increase in Christianity is demonstrated by the multitude of religious buildings. Some are decorated with mosaic, illustrating scenes from daily life, or geometric patterns. The Vandal invasion of the 430's did not mark the definitive end of prosperity of Tipasa, but the town, reconquered by the Byzantines in 531, gradually fell into decline from the 6th century.

Tipasa bears exceptional testimony to the Punic and Roman civilizations now disappeared highlighting their skills of exceptional town-planning and beautiful architecture all infused with history and botany.

Join your guide on this pleasant walk in Tipasa and enjoy listening to some history, archaeology, and stories by writers like the famous Albert Camus. You visit the archaeological remains of Tipasa built on three small hills overlooking the sea. Of the houses, most of which stood on the central hill, no traces remain; but there are ruins of three Basilicas, two Cemeteries, the Baths, the Theatre, the Nymphaeum, and the unusual oval shaped Amphitheatre.

Then visit the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania and let your guide unravel some of the mysteries behind this intriguing structure.

On our way back to the ship we drive through Algiers town centre to have a glance at some of the most important landmarks like the Martyrs Monument, La Grande Poste and the French Quarter.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Roman Ruins of Tipasa, Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, sightseeing drive in the city of Algiers including the Martyrs Memorial, City Centre, La Grande Poste & The French Quarter.

Note

Please note: Tour is led by a Police Escort. Taking photos of military & police buildings is forbidden.