Axumite archaeological ruins of the ancient port city of Adulis, 16th century Ottoman architecture and Africa's first mosque built under 7th century Arabian rule - Eritrea's rich history awaits the curious traveller.

A ride on one of the camels of the Rashaida tribe, essential to their traditional nomadic lifestyle

Ancient yet inhabited ruins of Massawa, ravaged by war in the early 90s.

Night time stroll along Massawa centre where outdoor restaurants serving evening caught fish are served in restaurants housed in old Ottoman and Egyptian buildings

Grand Dahlak hotel bar

Enquire

The ruins of the old port city of Massawa, echos the past of Arabian, Ottoman and Italian rule over the centuries.

Further south along the coast lies the ancient city of Adulis, the port city of the ancient Axumite kingdom which extended to modern day Northern Ethiopia.

Example itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Asmara! Airport pick-up where you will be transferred to your hotel in Central Asmara for a single night stay.

Mid afternoon tour city of Asmara. Soak in the architectural landscape and hidden elements of symbolic colonial design throughout the city.

In the evening, we a visit local establishment for a welcome evening of traditional food, drink and entertainment.

Day 2

Morning transfer and descent down the windy mountain roads to coastal Massawa beach you quite literally experience 3 seasons in 2 hours, with quite spectacular views and a quick stopover to say hello to some mountain baboons.

Once checked in to the hotel, we explore the ruins of the city and then visit the immaculate Gurgusum beach and its invitingly warm Red Sea.

Delicious traditional fish dinner in Massawa town centre.

Overnight in Massawa hotel.

Day 3

An early morning visit to the Eritrea national museum followed by a 30 mile coastal drive south to the archaeological site of the ancient city of Adulis.

After some sight seeing, free evening back at Massawa to enjoy the evening bars and restaurants or even a nighttime stroll.

Overnight in Massawa hotel.

Day 4 and 5

Morning trip to ancient town of Qohaito via a tour of Dekemhare, a mainstay for the Italian colonialists, and an overnight stay in Adi Keyih.

We head to on the market town of Adi Keyih, almost 2,500 metres above sea level with a population of around 40,000 people.

Overnight stay in Adi Keyih guest house.

Day 6

Next morning we head to Qohaito, an ancient city in the southern Debub region of Eritrea was a pre-Aksumite settlement that continued to thrive during the Aksumite period. At over 2,500 meters above sea level, on a high plateau at the edge of the Great Rift Valley making for deep canyons and spectacular views.

We then explore called Senafe, close to the border and we have a chance to hike one of the impressive mountains of the Eritrean highlands.

Overnight in Adi Keyi guest house

Day 7

Drive back to Asmara

Free day in Asmara. Asmara is known as one of the safest cities in the world – enjoy the dutiful helpfulness of the Asmarinos and join them for local spiced tea and Asmara style pastry in one of the many cappuccino bars.

Depart to airport after midnight.

PRICES FROM £1250 PER PERSON EXCLUDING FLIGHTS

Not quite sure? Please note that this itinerary is our suggestion. Please contact us at info@redseacrettours.com so we can match your exact requirements.

Gallery

Ancient temple in the port city of Adulis, part of the old Axum kingdom

Pre-Axumite rock paintings in the ancient site of Qohaito

Qohaito, meaning ‘stone city’ in the Saho language of the region was a stop over destination for merchants and tradesmen travelling from Adulis down to Aksum in Northern Ethiopia