Tlemcen is Algerian town located in the nortwest part of the country and is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is also renowned for its olive plantations and vineyards. For the cosmopolitan traveler Tlemcen has a lot to offer as it has developed into an art and culture centre with a unique and distinctive style. This is mainly due to the fact that Tlemcen has a blend of Arab, Berber, Andalusia and French cultures that lends itself to textiles and handicrafts.

The architecture in Tlemcen is very interesting, a mixture of Islamic and French designs. Tlemcen has some of the best mosques and tombs. When you are there do make it a point to see the mosque built around the Sidi Bou Mediene. This is one of the nicest tombs in the west. The French locale is also worth visiting as it is counted as one of the most modern settlements in Tlemcen. At the high altitude that Tlemcen is located at, it makes for an ideal getaway in the summer months.

Tlemcen is the place to try out a variety of cuisines influenced by the Islamic and French cultures. Couscous a type of pasta made from semolina. Try out the mechoui, roasted whole lamb and saffron and raisin couscous with fresh mint.

The city is wonderful with rich and varied history that makes it an ideal tourist destination. One word of warning though; pick pockets are common so look after your belongings and padlock your backpack. Wear a money belt under your clothes to keep your money safe.

Thamugadi, at present-day Timgad, is an ancient Roman city located on the northern slopes of the Aurès Mountains in northeastern Algeria. Timgad was constructed as a bastion against the Berbers by emperor Trajan in AD 100. A lot of Timgad is therefore in perfect condition. Timgad was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Even if Berbers and Arabs each have destroyed Timgad partly, most of the place have been saved by no new settlements on the spot, as well as sand covering it for centuries. The extensive forum occupies the lower center, with the 3,500-seat open-air theater adjacent, while four major baths, a library, and the Capitoline Temple constitute the other key buildings.With its square enclosure and orthogonal design based on the cardo and decumanus, the two perpendicular routes running through the city, it is an excellent example of Roman town planning. The area where Timgad lies was earlier a fertile agricultural area, lying 1,000 m above sea level, with plenty of water running down from the mountainous hinterland. But human exploitation has removed trees and soil, and the surroundings of Timgad is presently at the mercy of Sahara.