Eritrea Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1 - Asmara
Arrive in Asmara and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Overnight Crystal Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Asmara
Explore beautiful Asmara on a city tour to see many examples of Art Deco architecture dating from the Italian period, and enjoy the perfect year round climate by taking a cappuccino at one of the many outdoor cafes. Overnight Crystal Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 - Keren
Today we leave the capital and head north through the highlands past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves to Keren, set on a plateau at 1392m surrounded by dusty ochre mountains. One of the country's most attractive towns, Keren is also the heart of Eritrea's agricultural community. Visits include Keren’s popular markets, including one for livestock and camels, which attracts traders from a wide area. Overnight Sarina Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 4 - 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 baboons. Overnight Red Sea Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 5 – Massawa
Spend the day exploring Massawa. 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 of the mouth-watering seafood available. Overnight Red Sea Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 6 - Day Excursion to Adulis and the Gulf of Zula
Visit the ancient port of Adulis- one of the ancient ports once numbering among the greatest ports of the ancient world with links to the Roman, Egyptian and Greek Empires. From there continue to the Gulf of Zula - a deep cleft in Eritrea's coastline which is the birthplace of the Great Rift Valley on the African continent. Return to Massawa for the night. Overnight Red Sea Hotel or similar. (BL)

Day 7 – Asmara
Return to Asmara, with more time to explore the capital upon arrival. Overnight Crystal Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 8 – Decamhere
Travel to Decamhare, a charming town once called secondo Roma (Second Rome) designed to be the transport hub of the Italian Empire in the Horn of Africa. It was once a favourite settlement of the Italians and contains some good examples of old colonial architecture. Overnight Crystal Hotel or similar. (BL)

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 even by those who are not train enthusiasts. You will arrive back in Asmara around lunch time and the afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy the city. Overnight Crystal Hotel or similar. (B)

Please note the railway company operates the train subject to a minimum of 10 passengers, including those from Undiscovered Destinations. In the event that the train does not operate an alternative excursion will be arranged locally

Day 10 – Asmara
Free time to explore further until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Important Information

At the time of writing all visitors to Eritrea must hold a locally issued travel permit. This is required for most journeys outside of Asmara, including areas visited as part of this tour. The permits are issued at the discretion of the local authorities and although the process is generally routine we are unable to offer any guarantees that they will be issued for all of the places shown in this itinerary. In the event that permits are not available then we may have no other option but to make late changes to the itinerary and to arrange an acceptable alternative programme for those places which it is not possible to visit. We thank you for your understanding.

Please ask us about our Cairo stopovers - the perfect way to break up your journey to or from Asmara.