New Year Holiday in Ghardaia/Laghouat

04 Days and 03 Nights

Description

Day 1: Algiers – Laghouat – The Gateway to the Desert Early morning departure for Laghouat; arrival and check-in at the hotel. We’ll begin our sightseeing with the old Ksar of Laghouat, taking a stroll through its traditional alleyways. We’ll then climb to the Rock of Sidi El Hadj Aïssa to admire the panoramic view of the palm grove and the Oued M’zi. In the afternoon, visit the Zaouïa Tijaniyya in Aïn Madhi, located about 45 km west of Laghouat and considered the spiritual cradle of the Tijaniyya brotherhood. Stop at the Palace of Kourdane, a remarkable historic building featuring Neo-Moorish architecture. Return to the hotel for a traditional dinner (Laghouat couscous) and overnight stay. Day 2: Laghouat – Ghardaïa – The Heart of the M’Zab After breakfast, departure for Ghardaïa, arriving in the M’Zab Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tour of the Ksar of Ghardaïa and exploration of its market square lined with arcades. Visit the historic mosque and discover the remarkable Mozabite architectural style. In the afternoon, explore the Ksar of El Atteuf, considered the oldest ksar in the M’Zab pentapole, and visit the mausoleum of Sheikh Sidi Brahim. Stroll through the Beni Isguen palm grove and explore its oasis setting; admire the sunset from the heights of a ksar. Return to the hotel for a traditional Mozabite dinner and overnight stay in Ghardaïa. Day 3: Ghardaia – El Goléa (El Meniaa) – The Oasis of a Thousand Palm Trees After breakfast, an early morning departure for El Goléa, the pearl of the Western Erg. Visit the old ksar of El Meniaa, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering a spectacular view of the oasis and its palm groves. In the afternoon, visit Saint Joseph’s Church and explore the historic site associated with Father Charles de Foucauld. Relax by Lake El Goléa (Sebkhat El Melah), a natural area popular with migratory birds. Walk through the palm grove and discover the artesian wells that help irrigate the oasis. Enjoy a cup of Saharan tea at sunset, amidst the dune landscapes of the Grand Erg Occidental. Dinner and overnight stay in El Goléa. Day 4: El Goléa – Algiers After breakfast, depart for the return trip.