We recommend this tour to really absorb the diversity of Eritrea, from the spectacular highland landscape, the contrasting cities down to the coastal towns of Massawa and Adulis finally across the sea to the untouched and beautiful Dahlak Islands.
Scattered across the Red Sea, only a handful of the 350 Eritrean islands are inhabited, making this one of the most unspoiled bodies of water in the world.
Dive in, snorkel and explore Eritrea’s unspoilt coral gardens and marvel at the wide variety of Eritrea’s portion of Red Sea marine life.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Asmara! Airport pick-up where you will be transferred to your hotel in Central Asmara for a 2 night stay.
Half day to relax and in the In the evening, we a visit local establishment for a welcome evening of traditional food, drink and entertainment.
Day 2
Late morning start to tour city of Asmara. Soak in the architectural landscape and hidden elements of symbolic colonial design throughout the city.
Free evening.
Day 3
Dawn transfer north to the beautiful town of Keren, Eritrea's second largest city surrounded by granitic mountains.
Once booked into hotel, we visit the local camel market. Tradesmen from Sudan and surrounding regions trade camels, livestock, garments and more. Explore 'Mariam Da'arit', a 17th century statue of St Mary in an impressive hollow section of a Boabab tree, visited by thousands each year. Visit the the 19th Century fortress, War Cemetery and ruins of the old Imperial Palace.
For those needing a night out, enjoy the night vibe and the booming sounds emanating from the elevated restaurants and bars banked on Keren's hills.
Overnight in Keren hotel.
Day 3
Morning transfer via Asmara and descend 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 the invitingly warm Red Sea. Delicious traditional fish dinner in Massawa town centre.
Overnight in Massawa hotel.
Day 4 - 5
Following breakfast, we leave Massawa port and cruise across the red sea to one of the Dahlak archipelago islands
In the evening, you get a chance to enjoy your freshly caught fish around a camp fire and we camp up to spend the night under the stars.
Early morning breakfast on the Island. We then set off to explore other islands for further snorkelling.
Head back to port after an eventful day. Overnight in Massawa.
Day 6
An early visit to the Eritrea national museum followed by a 30 mile drive south along the coast to visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Adulis in the Gulf of Zula.
We then head back up to Asmara via Massawa.
Overnight in Asmara.
Day 7
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 £1500 PER PERSON
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.
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