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Algeria

In the Footsteps of St Augustine with Rev’d Dr James Lawson

Prices from £2,880 pp

Single Supplement £620

Next available tour:

Tour leader: Reverend Dr James Lawson

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Few destinations carry the spiritual and civilisational weight of Algeria. This is a land where the roots of Christian thought run deep into red earth and Roman stone; where Saint Augustine was born, educated, and formed; where the earliest communities of the Church gathered, worshipped and endured. To travel through Algeria is to walk a landscape that shaped the very foundations of Western Christianity. This nine-day pilgrimage traces the life and world of one of the Church's greatest intellects. From Souk Ahras — ancient Thagaste, where Augustine drew his first breath in 354 AD — to the ruins of Madaure where he first encountered the classical world of letters, and on to Annaba, ancient Hippo Regius, where he served as bishop for thirty-five years and composed the works that would define Christian theology for centuries. Yet Algeria offers far more than one saint's biography. It is a country of extraordinary  beauty — a place where Numidian kingdoms, Roman cities, Byzantine basilicas, Ottoman palaces and French colonial boulevards have each left their mark on the same hills, the same coastlines and on the same streets.

Our itinerary has been carefully designed to honour all that Algeria has to offers. Whether you come drawn by Augustine, by the Roman world, or simply by curiosity about one of the Mediterranean's least-visited and most rewarding destinations, Algeria will leave its mark on you — as it has on every pilgrim and traveller who has passed this way before.

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Itinerary

  1. TO ALGIERS

    Fly from London to Algiers International Airport. On arrival we are warmly met by our local guide before transferring into the heart of this extraordinary city. This afternoon we enjoy a gentle panoramic introduction to the city. We pass the striking Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, a reminder of the city's complex heritage, before continuing to Audin Square and the magnificent La Grande Poste, whose ornate Moorish-inspired architecture speaks of a uniquely Algerian modernity. We take in the grandeur of Emir Abdelkader Square and the beauty of the iconic seafront promenade. Overnight in Algiers.

    Dinner included

  2. ALGIERS TO ANNABA – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST AUGUSTINE

    After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our short domestic flight to Annaba. Once known as Hippo Regius, this elegant seaside city was one of the great centres of early Christianity, and its streets carry the memory of one of the Church's most towering figures. This afternoon we visit the Basilica of Saint Augustine, overlooking the city, before descending to the Hippo Regius Archaeological Site — the very ground where Augustine lived, thought and preached. We end the day with a leisurely walk through the animated city centre and along the seafront. Overnight in Annaba.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

  3. A ROMAN HERITAGE, JOURNEY TO GUELMA

    Leaving Annaba after breakfast, we journey into the ancient landscape of Numidia and Roman Africa. Our morning is spent among the ruins of Madauros, a celebrated intellectual centre of antiquity, before we continue to Khemissa — one of Algeria's most beautifully preserved and least-known Roman sites. Lunch is taken en route. This afternoon we call at Souk Ahras, the birthplace of Saint Augustine, before we continue to our overnight stop in Guelma. Overnight in Guelma.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

  4. FROM GUELMA TO CONSTANTINE, THE CITY OF BRIDGES

    After breakfast we explore Guelma itself, visiting its well-preserved Roman Theatre before a scenic photo stop at the spectacular Hammam Debagh hot springs. We then set out towards Constantine, with lunch included en route. Perched dramatically above the plunging Rhumel Gorges, the city of Costantine seems almost suspended between earth and sky. We take in the iconic Sidi M'Cid Bridge and the public central square  of Place de la Brèche which marks the point where French soldiers breached the city during the colonial area. Overnight in Constantine.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

  5. CONSTANTINE

    A full day to explore one of North Africa's most extraordinary cities. We begin with the Palace of Ahmed Bey, a sumptuous Ottoman residence of real grandeur, before crossing two of the city's celebrated bridges — Sidi Rached and El Kantara — each offering breathtaking views into the gorge below. This afternoon we visit the Cirta Museum before walking through the winding lanes of the old medina and its lively souks. Overnight in Costantine.

     Breakfast & Dinner included

  6. DJEMILA, A ROMAN MASTERPIECE IN THE MOUNTAIN

    After breakfast, we leave Constantine and drive to one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of North Africa. Set high in a mountain landscape of striking beauty, the UNESCO-listed Roman city of Djemila is a place of real wonder with its temples, basilicas and streets remarkably intact and deeply evocative. Lunch is included here before we begin our journey back to Algiers. Overnight in Algiers.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

  7. ALGIERS AND ITS OTTOMAN HERITAGE

    This morning we enter the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers on a guided walk through its labyrinthine alleys, hidden courtyards and Ottoman palaces — a living archive of the city's soul. This afternoon we continue to Notre-Dame d'Afrique, the beloved basilica gazing out across the sea, before finding tranquillity among the palms and pathways of the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma, one of the Mediterranean world's finest botanical gardens. Overnight in Algiers.

    Breakfast & Dinner included

  8. CHERCHELL AND TIPAZA

    Our final full day takes us westward along the Mediterranean coast. We begin in Cherchell, exploring its archaeological museum and Roman remains before continuing to Tipaza for lunch. This afternoon we walk among the haunting coastal ruins of the Tipaza Archaeological Site, where ancient stones meet the sea with quiet drama, before visiting the imposing Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania standing sentinel on the hillside. Overnight in Algiers.

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

  9. HOME

    This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.

Essential Information

The cost for this eight day tour is from £2,880 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses.

A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £620.

This tour includes:
• Four nights in Algiers

• One night in Annaba

• One night in Guelma

• Two night in Constantine

• Daily breakfast and dinners

• Five lunches

• Outbound flight from London to Algiers

• Internal flight from Algiers to Annaba

• Inbound flight from  Algiers to London

• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary

• English-speaking licensed local guides

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally.

Payments

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now. 50% of the booking is due 6 months prior to departure and the final balance is
due at 12 weeks.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do.. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Passports, visas and health
• Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.

• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10%
discount.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
In the Footsteps of St Augustine with Rev'd Dr James Lawson In the Footsteps of St Augustine, Algeria Departing From London Prices from £2930 pp Reverend Dr James Lawson 10/03/2027 for 9 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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