Excursion Face to face with history tour at Algiers

Tour some of the jewels of Algiers on this half-day tour that offers panoramic views and up-close visits to major landmarks. Board your coach for a short drive to visit the Historic El Djazaïr Hotel, formerly the St. George which is the gem of national cultural heritage, boasting Edith Piaf and Simone de Beauvoir as some of the renowned guests. During WW2, General Eisenhower, Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces, made the Hotel his general headquarters in North Africa, where he resided for 16 months.

After some light refreshments, stroll down to the Museum of Antiquities. The richness of Algeria's heritage is brought home in the understated collection on display. There are some particularly fine statues and wonderful mosaics. This and the adjacent Museum of Islamic Arts are the oldest museums in Algiers, having opened in 1897.

Then drive to Bastion 23 which is a real treasure, typifying the architecture of the Ottomans in Algiers and currently houses the palace of a Turkish noble and the military barracks used by the Turks. A seemingly simple and plain building from the outside hides beautiful, arcaded courtyards with fountains and luxurious palatial buildings inside. From the terrace, you can view the district of Bab El Oued and the lighthouse.

Board your coach for the short return journey to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Historic El Djaza