Asmara & Massawa Retreat:
An 9-Day Relaxing Itinerary in Eritrea

Overview

Embark on a serene 9-day journey to Asmara and Massawa, the jewels of Eritrea. Experience relaxation at its finest as you explore the vibrant architecture, rich history, and tranquil seaside charm. Immerse yourself in Eritrea’s captivating blend of culture and relaxation on this unforgettable escape.

Highlights

* Asmara, the city that boasts one of the world’s finest collections of early 20th-century architecture – with UNESCO awarding it World Heritage Site status.

* Sturdy and tenacious, like Eritreans themselves, Massawa City has survived throughout the centuries, this old port city preserves an ensemble of wonderful Ottoman architecture and gorgeous colonial building.

At a glance

Duration

9 days

Start Date

customizable

Highlights

Asmara, Massawa

Transport

car, minibus

Accomodation

Hotel

Custom Travel

Customizable group

Tourist guide

english/italian speaking

Meals

4 days BB * 4 days ON

Departure

Customizable date of travel

Prices

Please  contact our booking for updated prices.

Day by day itinerary

ASMARA

At your arrival at the Asmara International Airport, after processing custom formalities you will be transferred at your hotel.

In the afternoon you will start with the discovery of Asmara. A guided tour will lead you to the most interesting and unusual places that Asmara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers. From October to March Asmara is an explosion of jacarande, ibiscus and cascades of buganville. The beauty of Asmara is not finished here …………. you’ll realize it in person.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

ASMARA

Today will start with the discovery of Asmara. A guided tour will lead you to the most interesting and unusual places that Asmara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer.

Overnight in Asmara Crystal Hotel or similar

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

3rd – 6th day

ASMARA – MASSAWA

Departure to Massawa, in just 100 km the road, that from Asmara brings to the beach of Massawa, descend to 2450 metres.

Several stops on the way on point of interest. Will see Nefasit, Ghinda, Dogali and will reach Massawa in the afternoon.

In those four days you are free to organize yourself, visiting the city, going to Gurgusum Beach or Green island beach or you can go further for a day excursion to Madote or Dissei, the nearest islands to Massawa. (all those excursions are optional, not included in your program, and must be paid locally).

The most valuable buildings in Massawa are:

– Shrine of Sahaba – Old City. Small shrine in the site, where, according to legends, the followers of prophet landed in 615 AD. It is believed that this shrine was built back in those times – thus it could be the oldest constructed Islamic shrine in the world, but this is not proved.

– Sheikh Hanafi Mosque – Old City. The oldest mosque in Eritrea, built in the 15th century AD.

– Bazaar– Old City. Fine Ottoman building.

– Imperial Palace – Taulud. Ornate building constructed for French consul Werner Munzinger in 1872 – 1874. Now in ruins.

– Banco d’Italia – Taulud. Gorgeous building, constructed in the 1920s.

Overnight in Massawa Grand Dahlak Hotel or similar

Overnight only

Learn more about Massawa

MASSAWA – ASMARA

Free morning to spend in Massawa or the beach of Gurgusum

In the afternoon return to Asmara along the traditional road, always with stops along the way at the most interesting view and places. Leisure time for a walk to discover Asmara by night, maybe sitting in a bar, enjoying an excellent coffee and the quiet and cheerful coming and going of young people and tourists.

Overnight at Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

ASMARA

This is the last day and will be dedicated to Asmara. It is a free day that you will organize as you wish.

Overnight at Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

ASMARA – DEPARTURE

Free day in Asmara.

At a suitable time for your flight, you will be transferred to the airport.

Accomodation

Asmara: Crystal Hotel

Massawa: Grand Dahlak Hotel

Includes /Excludes

What is included

WHAT IS EXCLUDED

More Info: please take note

If your program expects a cruise to the Dahlak islands, you will be requested at your arrival to sign a “Release of Liability” form. For a better and transparent information, you will find attached a facsimile of the declaration. In no case traveller will be admitted to the Dahlak trips without signing this declaration

Inquire for further details

Discover the programme

Customizable date of travel

Please  contact our booking for updated prices.

1st day

ASMARA

At your arrival at the Asmara International Airport, after processing custom formalities you will be transferred at your hotel.

In the afternoon you will start with the discovery of Asmara. A guided tour will lead you to the most interesting and unusual places that Asmara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers. From October to March Asmara is an explosion of jacarande, ibiscus and cascades of buganville. The beauty of Asmara is not finished here …………. you’ll realize it in person.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

 

2nd day

ASMARA

Today will start with the discovery of Asmara. A guided tour will lead you to the most interesting and unusual places that Asmara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer.

Overnight in Asmara Crystal Hotel or similar

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

 

3rd – 6th day

ASMARA – MASSAWA

Departure to Massawa, in just 100 km the road, that from Asmara brings to the beach of Massawa, descend to 2450 metres.

Several stops on the way on point of interest. Will see Nefasit, Ghinda, Dogali and will reach Massawa in the afternoon.

In those four days you are free to organize yourself, visiting the city, going to Gurgusum Beach or Green island beach or you can go further for a day excursion to Madote or Dissei, the nearest islands to Massawa. (all those excursions are optional, not included in your program, and must be paid locally).

Overnight in Massawa Grand Dahlak Hotel or similar

Overnight only

Learn more about Massawa

 

7th day

MASSAWA – ASMARA

Free morning to spend in Massawa or the beach of Gurgusum

In the afternoon return to Asmara along the traditional road, always with stops along the way at the most interesting view and places. Leisure time for a walk to discover Asmara by night, maybe sitting in a bar, enjoying an excellent coffee and the quiet and cheerful coming and going of young people and tourists.

Overnight at Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

 

8th day

ASMARA

This is the last day and will be dedicated to Asmara. It is a free day that you will organize as you wish.

Overnight at Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Asmara

Asmara: Crystal Hotel

Massawa: Grand Dahlak Hotel

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Some necessary advice:

The cruise to Dahlak, requires flexibility: the overnight stay will be in tents on the islands (large igloo tents mt 2.50 x 2.50x 1.90H, equipped with camp beds, pillow, sheets and pillowcases, chairs and tables are made available by the organization); the fresh water is limited so forget about daily showers. Camp toilets will be available. Meals will be prepared by the cook who will accompany you. You will eat freshly caught fish, the bread will be the typical Danakil’s one, fried or cooked in the pan, the fruit will be available only on the first days, but there will be tea and coffee, pasta and rice, biscuits and jam for the breakfast, in addition to, for those who prefer, typical breakfast of the coast: the “foul” based on fava beans, or an omelette with the addition of green hot pepper! Are available local drinks as bottled water, soft drinks and beer (4 drinks per day per person are included, extra will be paid to the crew). Do not miss a drop of areki (the local anise), to be enjoyed in the evening, maybe on the beach, around the fire chatting with travel buddies or admiring an incredible sky with (see to believe!) millions of stars, a breathtaking view in front of which everyone remains amazed and speechless and, if we are lucky, a bright sea for the phosphorescent plankton.

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