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| Viewing: Eritrea Discovery Tour |
Package ID: 1337 |
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| Eritrea Discovery Tour |
A fantastic insight to this little visited corner of Africa, with 12 days to discover the highlights of this former Italian colony. We explore by 4WD, taking in Asmara, Keren and the Red Sea
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Introduction
We start and end with the post-modern capital Asmara, at 2,300m pleasant at any time of the year. You will have plenty of time to check out some of the Italian style cafes and bars before we head north to Keren, famous for its Monday camel market. Next we travel towards the Red Sea Coast and the interesting city of Massawa, a place with an engaging, exotic character. The buildings clearly reflect its varied past, but most of all it has a distinct Arabian feel.
We use the best available hotel in Massawa as our base to explore the nearby Dahlak Islands and do some snorkelling at one the best coral sites in the world. Back to the mainland and making the most of the Arabian connections, we do a short camel safari, before travelling into the northernmost part of the Dankalia. Using landcruisers we will do a day trip to Buri Peninsula, which gives travellers an excellent insight into one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on the planet!
Leaving Massawa, numbers permitting, (and we only need 8!), we will hire the local steam train and travel a section of the 100-year old line built by the Italians. The journey back to Asmara through the mountains promises to be one of the highlights, even for those that are not train lovers!
We finish our Adventure with a trip to Qohaito, the country’s top historical spot and visit the ancient ruins that formed part of the Kingdom of Aksum
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1-Arrival in Asmara
Arrival Asmara and transfer to our hotel for the evening.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 2 - Asmara
Asmara city tour
You will see many examples of Art Deco architecture dating from the Italian period. Enjoy the perfect year round climate by taking a cappuccino at one of the many outdoor cafes. You can also be rest assured that you are in one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 3 - Asmara to Keren
Scenic journey by road, arriving by lunchtime
Afternoon tour to Tigu, a Turko-Egyptian Fort, with superb views of the surrounding country and mountain ranges
Overnight Sarina Hotel
Day 4 - Keren
Morning visit to the famous Camel Market and free time to explore the town
Overnight Sarina Hotel
Day 5 - Keren to Massawa
We continue from Keren to the Red Sea Coast and the city of Massawa. Our leisurely drive will take us through Filfil, home to Eritrea’s last remnant of tropical forest. It forms part of the Semenawai Bahri or ‘Green Belt’ area and, amid the arid starkness of the surrounding landscape, rises up oasis-like before you, cool, lush and verdant. It is also one of the best places in the country to see birds and mammals. There is a good chance of spotting vervet monkeys and hamadryas. We will arrive at our destination, Massawa by lunchtime.
In the afternoon join us on a tour of the city. Stroll among the many white Turkish, Egyptian and Italian buildings and through the maze of narrow alleyways to soak up the atmosphere and maybe sample some the mouth-watering seafood available.
Overnight Red Sea Hotel
Day 6 - Day Excursion to Buri Peninsula
Travel south by 4WD to the start of the Dankalia. You will get a good insight into one of the remotest places on earth and see some of the salt flats that make up the Peninsula.
Overnight Red Sea Hotel
Day 7 - Day excursion to Dahlak, Green Island
By boat we visit Green Island, 1 mile off the coast of Massawa and part of the stunning Dahlak archipelago. Return to Massawa in the afternoon, where our driver and 4WD vehicle will be waiting to take you the two hour drive back to Asmara.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 8 - Free Day Asmara
A free day to explore the city and admire some of Asmara’s stunning Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the country’s Italian colonial period.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 9 - Steam Train Excursion*
Today we have arranged a morning excursion on Eritrea's famous Italian-era steam train through the mountains and back to Asmara. This journey is considered to be one of the greatest rail journeys in Africa and will be enjoyed by those who are not even train enthusiasts. Arrival back in Asmara will be about lunch time and the afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy the city.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
*the train excursion is subject to minimum numbers in the group.
Day 10 - Day Excursion to Qohaito
We visit Qohaito to see its ruins including the large Safra Dam and the palace of King Saba. At 2,700m the setting is wonderful, with sharp descents and views towards Mount Ambasoira (3,013) the highest peak in Eritrea and views out towards the Red Sea.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 11- Free Day Asmara
Your last day in Eritrea and time to reflect on what will have been an enjoyable and rewarding introduction to this little visited country. With so much to offer visitors you will be surprised that you have not come across more tourists. Be sure not to miss Asmara’s amazing ‘recycling market’, basically an overgrown scrap yard where old metal scrap is turned into wheelbarrows, garden implements, stoves and lanterns.
Overnight Ambasoira Hotel
Day 12 - Departure from Asmara
Transfer from your hotel to the airport in time for your flight home.
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Price Includes
Accommodation
breakfast and daily lunch (except first and last days)
all transport
Dahlak Islands excursion
steam train excursion (subject to confirmation locally and minimum numbers)
English speaking driver/guide
Price Does Not Include
International flights
travel Insurance
visa fees
meals other than shown
drinks
Departure Dates
15 February 2009, 12 April 2009, 25 October 2009
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To check availability and receive more information please complete the Enquiry Form below
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