Explore Algeria’s extraordinary Roman cities of Djemila and Timgad
Walk through the dramatic gorge city of Constantine and its suspended bridges
Venture deep into the Sahara with off-road desert journeys and a Tembaine camp stay
Discover Tunisia’s mountain oases, Chott Jerid salt flats, and Berber ksars
Stand inside El Jem’s monumental Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world
From the Mediterranean shores of Algiers to the golden dunes of the Sahara and the ancient amphitheatres of Tunisia, this expansive journey traces the layered civilisations of North Africa.
Travel through Roman cities that rival Pompeii, Ottoman palaces adorned with intricate tiles, Berber granaries carved into desert hillsides, and oasis towns framed by salt flats and palm groves.
In Algeria, explore dramatic gorges, UNESCO-listed Roman settlements, and Saharan frontier towns where empires once converged. Cross into Tunisia to discover mountain oases, Star Wars desert landscapes, troglodyte homes, ksar fortresses, and the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. Along the way, encounter living traditions, from mosaic workshops and pottery studios to desert bread-making and souk visits, revealing a region shaped by Phoenician, Roman, Berber, Ottoman, Arab, and French influences.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Algeria! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
This city is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. This is a city of rare beauty and thrilling, disorientating, and sometimes brutal, contrast. The country’s turbulent history is writ large in the city’s richly textured architecture: wide French-built boulevards and elegant apartments and villas, Socialist-era monuments and public buildings, and an enduring Islamic heart secreted in the steep, hillside Kasbah. Labyrinthine streets spill down to the yawning Bay of Algiers.
Enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (D)
Overnight – El Djazaïr Hotel or similar
After breakfast, it is time to explore the Algerian capital with a visit to the famed National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts. Founded in 1897 by the French Colonial government, this museum holds a spectacular collection of artefacts from sites across northern Algeria. You also visit the Bardo Museum housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman palace.
Continue by visiting the Kasbah of Algiers, which is a fortified old town in the heart of Algiers. Get lost in its tangle of alleyways and witness the perfect blend of French colonial architecture against an Islamic core. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the Palace of the Dey, Khalifa’s Mosque, and several other ancient buildings.
Next, admire the colonial Cathedral of Notre Dame d’Afrique, a historic Catholic church overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built between 1858 and 1872, it combines Neo-Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles. Though it was originally built to serve French colonial Catholics, it remains an important symbol of Algeria’s religious and cultural history. (B,D)
Overnight – El Djazaïr Hotel or similar
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before setting off for an early drive towards Sétif. Your first stop for the day will be Djemila (311km,3.5hrs), an archaeological site containing an impressive array of full-height forum temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and houses, a Byzantine baptistery, Roman theatre and bathhouses. You can also explore the spectacular range of mosaics in the small on-site museum. Continue to Setif (49km, 1hr 5m) where you will have dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Overnight – Best Western Plus or similar
This morning you can visit Sétif Museum, with an extraordinary collection of mosaics and artefacts excavated from the Roman city. A highlight is the intricate and richly coloured Triumph of Dionysus, one of the most beautifully executed mosaics excavated anywhere in the Roman world, depicting the transport of wild animals from Africa. From here, continue your journey to the great city of Constantine (120 km,2hrs).
This city is one of the grand spectacles of the north, made by nature but embellished by man. Over time, the Oued Rhumel carved out a deep gorge around an outcrop of rock, creating a natural fortress that was already occupied in Neolithic times. Since then, Constantine (Cirta as it was known in antiquity, Qacentina as it has also been called) has always been a city of political, cultural and economic significance.
Visit the six bridges suspended over the spectacular Rhummel Gorge, including the remains of the 2nd century AD Roman ‘Kantara Bridge’ (a former aqueduct). Take in the impressive exterior of the spectacular Great Mosque of Constantine before meandering through the narrow lanes of the medieval and Ottoman Kasbah.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a visit to the 19th century Ottoman Palace of Ahmed Bey which is considered one of the finest Ottoman-era buildings in the country. The palace contains a series of courtyards filled with olive and orange trees, surrounded by arcades decorated with Tunisian and French tiles. Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Hotel Protea or similar
This morning you will depart Constantine and drive to the mysterious and atmospheric ‘Medghassen’ (93km,1hr 45m) – a vast tumulus mausoleum that dominates the valley leading into Batna and was probably the resting place of Numidian kings in the 3rd century BC.
Continue to the archaeological site of Timgad (51km,1hr) – the ruins of the largest Roman settlement ever built in North Africa. Here you will visit the museum which houses excellent mosaics – some of the best preserved in the world.
Timgad showcases the grandeur of Roman urban planning and architecture. Founded by Emperor Trajan around 100AD, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands as one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman colonial town. As you stroll through the expansive grid-patterned streets, you’ll encounter the striking Arch of Trajan, an imposing gateway that welcomes you into the heart of the ancient city.
The Capitol, with its towering columns and intricate stonework, and the vast amphitheatre, which once hosted thousands of spectators, capture the essence of Roman cultural life. The detailed mosaics scattered throughout the ruins tell stories of myth and daily life, showcasing the artistry and sophistication of Timgad’s inhabitants. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Trajan Hotel or similar
This morning, head back to the Timgad site to explore the fascinating museum. The museum features an extraordinary array of mosaics, including The Triumph of Venus, surrounded by a grand decorative border, and the mosaic of Filadelfis Vita, in which the god Jupiter chases Antiope.
Drive south to the beautiful gorge of Tighanimine and the Balcons de Ghoufi (85km, 1hr 50m). This stunning mountainous region is known for its plunging gorges, twisting canyons and the lush date palm plantations on the valley floor. From a scenic lookout point, you can view the clusters of traditional houses, constructed in local stone which cling to the surrounding hillsides. En route, stop at a commemoration carved into the living rock by Hadrian’s Roman engineers in the 2nd century AD, before driving on to a monument commemorating the Berbers of the Aurès Mountains who fired the first shots for Algerian liberation in the War of Independence in 1954.
You then drive out of the Aurès towards the ancient trading city of Biskra (55km, 1hr), once the interface between the sophisticated Roman urban world of Numidia and Mauretania and ‘barbarian’ desert tribes. Huge palmeries surround Biskra and sits astride a broad, almost permanently dry riverbed. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will have a short visit to the Mosque of Sidi Oqba. This building is arguably the oldest Islamic structure in the Maghreb. This mosque commemorates the greatest commander of the Islamic province of Ifriqiya, Oqba ibn Nafi, who steamrollered the Christian Byzantines and Berber petty-kings of North Africa in the mid-to-late 7th century, thoroughly incorporating the Maghreb into the Islamic world. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Hotel Maurice Laban or similar
Depart Biskra to El Oued (226km, 3hrs 15m) located in the North-East of the Sahara, known as the “City of a Thousand Domes”. Arriving in El Oued, transfer La Gazelle d’Or, where you can enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities, swimming pool, or tackle the dunes in 4WD. (B,D)
Overnight – La Gazelle d’Or or similar
Drive from El Oued to the Tunisia Border (70 km). Once you have completed border formalities, you will meet your Tunisian driver and guide before continuing to Ong Jmalm the Lars Homestead and Tozeur (150km,2hrs). Ong Jmalm and the Lars Homestead are iconic Star Wars locations set amidst breathtaking desert landscapes. Explore the charming Medina of Tozeur and uncover the region’s history at the Dar Cherait Museum. Change pace a little as you then enjoy an exhilarating scooter ride through the lush Tozeur oasis. (B,D)
Overnight – Dar el Hadir or similar
Embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Tozeur, Chebika, Tamaghza, and Mides. Hike along cascading waterfalls and dramatic canyons today, soaking in the natural beauty of these mountain oases. Pause for a delightful lunch at Diari Tamerza, savouring local flavours amidst stunning scenery. Capture stunning photos at the mesmerising salt flats of Chott Jerid, where the horizon blurs into surreal reflections. End your day in Douz, the gateway to the Sahara. (B,L,D)
Overnight – The Residence Douz or similar
Tozeur to Chebika: 55 km | 1 hr
Mides to Chott Jerid: 90 km | 1 hr 30 mins
Venture into the heart of the Sahara with a captivating trip from Douz to Tembaine (110km, 3 hrs off-road travel). Start your journey by exploring the vibrant Souk of Douz, where you can browse colourful markets brimming with local crafts and produce. Experience traditional desert life with a unique bread-making session in the sands. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Camp Abdelmoula or similar
Start your day with an exhilarating off-road adventure through the Sahara’s golden dunes, journeying from Tembaine to Douz (110km, 3 hrs off-road travel). Your first stop is Ksar Hallouf (250km, 4hrs), a striking example of Berber ingenuity. Explore its ancient granaries and marvel at its panoramic views of the arid landscape. Continue to Chenini (66km, 1hr 15m), where a hiking experience awaits. Traverse its rugged terrain, passing through homes and granaries carved into the rocky hillside.
Don’t miss the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers, steeped in history and local lore. End the day in Douiret, a peaceful village surrounded by breathtaking scenery and known for its unique troglodyte dwellings. Immerse yourself in its serene ambiance and discover its fascinating past. After a day of discovery, settle into the authentic Ksar Ouled Debbab, offering a genuine taste of traditional cuisine and hospitality. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ksar Ouled Debbab or similar
Start your day with a visit to the remarkable Ksar Ouled Soltane, a stunning granary that highlights the region’s architectural brilliance and offers a captivating insight into Tunisia’s rich Berber heritage. Wander through its multi-storied vaulted chambers and uncover the history of this iconic site. Continue to the Guellela Museum, where you’ll explore Djerba’s traditions and craftsmanship through exhibits that trace the island’s cultural journey, from ancient customs to modern artistic expressions.
Next, discover Djerbahood, an open-air street art project that has transformed the village of Erriadh into a vibrant artistic hub, where colourful murals created by international artists celebrate creativity and cultural diversity. Stroll through its narrow streets to admire these dynamic works of art, blending tradition and modernity. After a day full of exploration and creativity, relax and settle into your accommodation on the island of Djerba. (B,D)
Overnight – Dar Dhiafa Djerba or similar
Ksar Ouled Soltane to Djerba: 150 km | 2 hrs, 10 mins
Today you will journey through Tunisia’s rich history and culture, starting with a visit to the Synagogue of El Ghriba in Djerba, one of the oldest synagogues in North Africa. Discover the deep connections between Jewish heritage and local traditions at this historic site. Travel onwards to Matmata (130 km| 2 hrs 42 mins), where you’ll visit the unique Troglodyte Houses—ancient cave dwellings ingeniously carved into the earth. Learn about the traditional Berber way of life and how these homes are designed to keep cool in the desert heat.
Continue to El Jem (277km, 3hr 15m), where the remarkable Dar El Jem Museum awaits. Explore its fascinating collection of mosaics, sculptures, and artefacts that provide a window into the grandeur of Roman life. The museum helps to bring El Jem’s iconic Roman Amphitheatre to life, one of the best preserved in the world. End your day in Monastir. (B,D)
Overnight – Dar Benti or similar
This morning you will transfer to Tunis airport (174km, 2hrs) for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 6 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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