Eritrea's Gems: 9-Day Tour
with Dahlak Islands Adventure

Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Eritrea, exploring its must-see destinations. Unveil the historic charm of Asmara, immerse in the vibrant cultures of Keren, Adi Quala, and Massawa, and witness the ancient wonders of Kohaito archaeological site. Set sail to the pristine Dahlak Islands for an unforgettable adventure. This Eritrean expedition promises an enriching experience of a lifetime.

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.

* The multi-ethnic Keren with its languid atmosphere boasts a seductive amalgam of architectural elements: mosques, churches and colonial buildings.

* The ancient ruins of Kohaito with its perfectly preserved cave paintings.

* Adi Quala and its beautiful Coptic church, the Shrine of Daàro Khonat where the soldiers died in the battle of Adwa rest and the site from which from which you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Eritrea

* 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.

* Dahlak Archipelago is an exceptional ecosystem, which has few rivals in the world and remain one of the last great unspoilt destinations.

At a glance

Duration

9 days

Start Date

monthly

Highlights

Asmara, Keren, Kohaito, Adi Quala, Massawa, Dahlak

Transport

car, minibus, motorboats

Accomodation

Hotel, in Dahlak tented camp

Group Size

2-10 persons

Tourist guide

english/italian speaking

Meals

6 days BB, 2 days FB

Departure

Scheduled departure, confirmed with a minimum of 2 guests:

2023: 2/9 * 7/10 * 4/11 * 2/12

2024: 3/2 * 2/3 * 20/4 * 4/5 * 1/6

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 – TRAIN EXCURSION – KEREN

After breakfast excursion on board the legendary train, pulled by locomotives “Mallet” from Asmara to Nefasit and back. (tour subject to availability and to be paid locally).

You will have the rare opportunity to travel along one of the most daring railways in the world,…

Learn more about colonial train excursion

If the excursion by train will not be available, the morning will continue the visit of Asmara.

In the afternoon departure to Keren, (1,392 Mt. high), crossroad between the highland and the lowland and well-known for its silver filigree works, with several stops along the way and arrival in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Keren, Sarina hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Keren

KEREN – ASMARA

Today in Keren there is the cattle market, and therefore a crossroads that attracts all the people of the areas surrounding the city.

Sightseeing tour of the city and its market. Worth-seeing places are: the Italian and British war cemeteries, the mosque and the little Greek church near the market, the governor country-seat, the Romanesque Saint Michael church and the old Fortress (1,460 Mt. high). Last but not least, a visit to “Mariam Dearit” (Our Lady of Baobab), a chapel built inside the tree itself.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Keren

ASMARA – KOHAITO – ASMARA

Free day in Asmara or optional full day excursion at Kohaito Area.

After breakfast excursion to Kohaito, heading south, with 4×4 off-road vehicles. Short stop at Dekemhare. (optional excursion, to be paid locally). If you choose not to go to Kohaito area you will have a free day in Asmara. 

Proceeding to Segheneyti where you will observe the majestic sycamore trees, the largest in the country, some old even 300 years old, in what is called the “Valley of the Sycamores”. The most beautiful is reproduced on a banknote of the country. Arrival in Senafè and Kohaito, where the ruins of the ancient axumite cities of Metara and Coloe rise.

 Return to Asmara in the evening

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

NB: this excursion is subject to confirmation for obtaining the permits. In case they are not obtained, the excursion will arrive until the sycamores plane.

Learn more about Kohaito archeological site

ASMARA – ADI QUALA – ASMARA

Free day in Asmara or optional full day excursion at Adi Quala

Breakfast and departure with 4×4 off-road vehicles along the road that leads to Ethiopia in the direction of Adwa and Axum. Arrival in the Mareb valley and visit to the church of Santa Rita in Adi Quala where there is a memorial plaque in memory of the deaths of Nova Scotia.

In the town of Adi Quala, on the borders of Ethiopia, we will visit the Coptic church, dedicated to the Madonna, one of the few built in the colonial times, of good workmanship and which houses beautiful frescoes inside. Then we will see the Catholic church of Santa Rita that holds the plaque in memory of the deaths of “Nova Scotia” and then we will visit the shrine that houses the remains of the fallen in the battle of Adwa in 1896.

Continue to Daaro Khonat where the Memorial of the Dead of Adwa is located. From here you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views and a splendid view of the Mareb valley, and on clear days, the view sweeps right up to the hills of Adwa.

 In the late afternoon return to Asmara.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

NB: this excursion is subject to confirmation for obtaining the permits.

Learn more about Adi Quala

ASMARA – MASSAWA – DAHLAK ISLANDS

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

As soon as arriving in Massawa, we will board for the three-day excursion to the Dahlak islands by motorboat to the discovery of “the pearls of Red Sea”: Dahlak Islands. The itinerary includes the visit of some of the most interesting and richest coral reef islands and will be decided in the imminence of the departure dates of the cruise. The final program will be decided by the captain on the departure day considering the conditions and weather forecasts, as well as the islands for which permits are granted.

Overnight in tent.

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner including local drinks (bottled water, soft drinks or beer) 4 pcs per person per day)

Learn more about Dahlak Archipelago

DAHLAK ISLANDS – MASSAWA –ASMARA

After having enjoyed a last swim in this paradise, return to Massawa that will be reached in the early afternoon. If time allowed us will do a short visit to the city and will proceed to Asmara were will arrive in the evening.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

ASMARA – DEPARTURE

Free day in Asmara.

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

Accomodation

Asmara: Crystal Hotel

Keren: Sarina Hotel

Massawa: Grand Dahlak Hotel

Dahlak islands: mobile tented camp, 

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

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.

Inquire for further details

Discover the programme

Scheduled departure, confirmed with a minimum of 2 guests:

2023: 2/9 * 7/10 * 4/11 * 2/12

2024: 3/2 * 2/3 * 20/4 * 4/5 * 1/6

Please  contact our booking for updated prices.

1st day – Saturday

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 – Sunday

ASMARA – TRAIN EXCURSION – KEREN

After breakfast excursion on board the legendary train, pulled by locomotives “Mallet” from Asmara to Nefasit and back. (tour subject to availability and to be paid locally).

You will have the rare opportunity to travel along one of the most daring railways in the world,…

Learn more about colonial train excursion

If the excursion by train will not be available, the morning will continue the visit of Asmara.

In the afternoon departure to Keren, (1,392 Mt. high), crossroad between the highland and the lowland and well-known for its silver filigree works, with several stops along the way and arrival in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Keren, Sarina hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Keren

3rd day – Monday

KEREN – ASMARA

Today in Keren there is the cattle market, and therefore a crossroads that attracts all the people of the areas surrounding the city.

Sightseeing tour of the city and its market. Worth-seeing places are: the Italian and British war cemeteries, the mosque and the little Greek church near the market, the governor country-seat, the Romanesque Saint Michael church and the old Fortress (1,460 Mt. high). Last but not least, a visit to “Mariam Dearit” (Our Lady of Baobab), a chapel built inside the tree itself.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

Learn more about Keren

4th day – Tuesday

ASMARA – KOHAITO – ASMARA

Free day in Asmara or optional full day excursion at Kohaito Area.

After breakfast excursion to Kohaito, heading south, with 4×4 off-road vehicles. Short stop at Dekemhare. (optional excursion, to be paid locally). If you choose not to go to Kohaito area you will have a free day in Asmara. 

Proceeding to Segheneyti where you will observe the majestic sycamore trees, the largest in the country, some old even 300 years old, in what is called the “Valley of the Sycamores”. The most beautiful is reproduced on a banknote of the country. Arrival in Senafè and Kohaito, where the ruins of the ancient axumite cities of Metara and Coloe rise.

 Return to Asmara in the evening

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

NB: this excursion is subject to confirmation for obtaining the permits. In case they are not obtained, the excursion will arrive until the sycamores plane.

Learn more about Kohaito archeological site

5th day – Wednesday

ASMARA – ADI QUALA – ASMARA

Free day in Asmara or optional full day excursion at Adi Quala

Breakfast and departure with 4×4 off-road vehicles along the road that leads to Ethiopia in the direction of Adwa and Axum. Arrival in the Mareb valley and visit to the church of Santa Rita in Adi Quala where there is a memorial plaque in memory of the deaths of Nova Scotia.

In the town of Adi Quala, on the borders of Ethiopia, we will visit the Coptic church, dedicated to the Madonna, one of the few built in the colonial times, of good workmanship and which houses beautiful frescoes inside. Then we will see the Catholic church of Santa Rita that holds the plaque in memory of the deaths of “Nova Scotia” and then we will visit the shrine that houses the remains of the fallen in the battle of Adwa in 1896.

Continue to Daaro Khonat where the Memorial of the Dead of Adwa is located. From here you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views and a splendid view of the Mareb valley, and on clear days, the view sweeps right up to the hills of Adwa.

 In the late afternoon return to Asmara.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

NB: this excursion is subject to confirmation for obtaining the permits.

Learn more about Adi Quala

6th- 7th day Thursday – Friday

ASMARA – MASSAWA – DAHLAK ISLANDS

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

As soon as arriving in Massawa, we will board for the three-day excursion to the Dahlak islands by motorboat to the discovery of “the pearls of Red Sea”: Dahlak Islands. The itinerary includes the visit of some of the most interesting and richest coral reef islands and will be decided in the imminence of the departure dates of the cruise. The final program will be decided by the captain on the departure day considering the conditions and weather forecasts, as well as the islands for which permits are granted.

Overnight in tent.

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner including local drinks (bottled water, soft drinks or beer) 4 pcs per person per day)

Learn more about Dahlak Archipelago

8th day – Saturday

DAHLAK ISLANDS – MASSAWA –ASMARA

After having enjoyed a last swim in this paradise, return to Massawa that will be reached in the early afternoon. If time allowed us will do a short visit to the city and will proceed to Asmara were will arrive in the evening.

Overnight in Asmara, Crystal hotel or similar.

Bed & Breakfast

 

9th day – Sunday

ASMARA – DEPARTURE

Free day in Asmara.

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

Asmara: Crystal Hotel

Keren: Sarina Hotel

Massawa: Grand Dahlak Hotel

Dahlak islands: mobile tented camp, comfort level

What is included:

Note well:
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

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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