Private tour of the best of Constantine, the city of bridges

Overview

Explore Constantine, the capital of the eponymous province in northern Algeria, during a 7-hour private excursion. Known as the city of bridges, this picturesque town is perched on a plateau 640 m (2,100 ft) high, surrounded by dizzying ravines through which the Rhumel River flows. The itinerary traces the city's ancient history, from its Phoenician foundation as Sewa, then its time under Numidian influence when it was called Cirta, before becoming Roman and being renamed after Emperor Constantine the Great. The activity includes entrance fees to the sites visited, all transfers, and the accompaniment of a local guide speaking French, English, or Arabic. Lunch, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.

Itinerary

1. Palais d'Ahmed Bey

   We start our visit by the museum and the finest Ottoman structure Palace of Ahmed Bey where you are going to walk around it to discover the courtyards, the beautiful gardens, colorful tiles with a creative awe-inspiring motifs and mosaics.

   · 1 h

2. Pont Sidi M’Cid

   We are going to walk through the alleyways of the Casbah and along the Boulevard of the Abyss where you can see the scenic view of the beautiful landscapes through the pierced gorges until we reach the city’s most iconic symbol, a 175 m (575 ft) high suspension bridge of Sidi M'Cid with the span of 168 m that connects the city to the hill.

   · 30 min

3. Monument Aux Morts

   After crossing the suspension bridge, we take the staircases to the left side and climb them up until we reach the open area of the Monument to the Dead, a memorial in a shape of triumphal arch topped by a statue of the winged victory that commemorates the victims of World War I

   · 30 min

4. Pont d'El-Kantara

   Bab El Kantara Bridge is one of the oldest bridges of Constantine and was built in 1792.

   · 10 min

5. Mellah Slimane Footbridge

   A few minutes walk across the vertigo-inducing and wobbly footbridge of Mellah Slimane where you are going to see the superb mountainous scenery of the hanging houses on gorge and the deep ravine dwarfed by the enormity of the gorges. At the same time you will be able to see the old Bab El Kantara Bridge and the majestic Sidi Rached Viaduct from the footbridge's vantage point.

   · 20 min

6. La Medina

   Then we climb up the staircases or take the elevator after we cross the footbridge, we continue along the busy rue of Larbi Ben M'Hidi where you can see the Great Mosque of the 11th century from the outside and then sidewind off into cobbled alleyway streets of Souika or the Medina where you are going to explore the small marketplaces that date back to the 16th century, the meat section, the house built during the Fatimid period.

   · 30 min

7. Musée National Cirta

   After exploring the Labyrinth of Souika, we continue up to the main center. Either we climb the long staircases or take the short ones depending on your health status. We reach the interesting National Museum of Cirta where you are going to explore relics dating back to prehistory, Roman time, Punic era, Islamic and French period. All of them are arranged in the ground floor with an exhibition hall, and the upper floor excluding the garden.

   · 45 min

8. Emir Abdelkader Mosquée

   We take the tramway from the main center terminal and head to the most imposing and impressive landmark of Constantine known as Emir Abdelkader Mosque. It is the best place where you can explore the beauty of its Islamic architecture and the richness of its lavish decoration.

   · 45 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

Please share with us your accommodation in Constantine to arrange the pick up

What to know before you go

• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Average physical condition is required.
• A vegetarian option is available upon request at the time of booking.
• Availability must be confirmed for any departure within 48 hours.
• If you do not yet have a tourist visa, please book and contact the provider at least one month in advance.
• This tour is primarily on foot.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible on the day of departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers with average physical condition
• People interested in ancient and medieval history
• Groups seeking a personalised private tour

What makes it different

• Pick-up and transfers included
• Multilingual local guide (French, English, Arabic)
• Private tour

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 110953P10

Activity offered by Fancyellow via Viator.