Eritrea Encounters

DAY 1: Arrive in Asmara, transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided sightseeing
After arriving in Asmara, our driver will be waiting at the airport, to escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, join our guided tour of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's an interesting city, with early 20th century architecture and vibrant colours. Highlights of the tour include the Romanesque Santa Maria Cathedral and the Coptic Church Nda Mariam. We'll also have time to visit the historic Medeber market and the unique Fiat Tagliero garage. Later in the day we'll return to our hotel.

OVERNIGHT:
Asmara hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:

None

DAY 2: Optional Steam Locomotive. Head to Keren
A century ago, the Italians built what was then considered a futuristic railway in Eritrea and in recent years, steam locomotives have returned to the tracks of this former Italian colony. Whilst much of the railway infrastructure is in a state of bad repair, when you step aboard the steam locomotive, you'll be transported back in time and take a journey along a route which straddles mountains, covered in prickly pears and experience breath-taking views. As the train isn't always operational, we have kept this experience as an optional extra which can be booked and paid for through your tour guide, the rate will be approximately $60.00 - the exact rate will be confirmed at the time of booking).

Should be train be out of operation, we'll spend some additional time in Asmara this morning, before starting our journey Keren where we'll spend the night.

OVERNIGHT:
Keren hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: Exploring Keren
The city of Keren, home to the Bilen people, sprawls a wide basin, surrounded by granite mountains on all sides, This part of Eritrea offers a slice of 'authentic Africa', with its nostalgic atmosphere. The most vivid and colourful attraction in Keren is of course the local market, which attracts tribes from the surrounding areas. The market has various sections, we'll make our way through the covered food market, past the streets dedicated to tailors and silversmiths and through the womens market, until we reach the river side where the wood and coal markets are held.

Whilst in Keren, we'll also explore the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit, where a Black Madonna, inserted in a Baobab tree is venerated. The Madonna of the Baobab is also highly venerated by Muslims and often there are multi-faith pilgrimages which take place.

Our last visits in Keren will be to the Italian, Askari and British war cemeteries before we return to Asmara for the night.

OVERNIGHT:
Asmara hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: To Massawa, cruise to the Dahlak Islands
As we leave Asmara today, our route will descend 2450 meters in just 100km of road, taking us to the coastal city of Massawa. From here we'll board our motorboat, which will take us to explore some of the pearls of the Red Sea, the Dahlak Islands. Whilst the exact route we take will be decided by the captain, taking into consideration weather conditions, we'll be sure to explore some of the most interesting and richest coral reefs in the area. During our 2 night excursion, we will set up camp on one of the islands and use this as a base to explore a number of other nearby islands.

Our accommodation on the Dahlak Islands will be Igloo style tents (2.1 x 1.2 meters), which are equipped with 5cm mattresses, pillows, sheets, chairs and table. As fresh water is very scarce on the Dahlak Islands, daily showers are not always available and toilets will be 'bush style'. A cook will accommpany us to prepare meals for the group and these will feature fresh fish, traditional Danakil break, fruit, tea, coffee, pasta rice and traditional foul. 4 drinks per person per day are included in the cost of this excursion which include (water, soft drinks and beer).

OVERNIGHT:
Dahlak Island Camping
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Exploring the Dahlak Islands
The Dahlak Archipelago comprises of over 200 islands, in the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Known for its unique ecosystem, some say that it even rivals world renowned destintions such as The Maldives. The waters surrounding the Dahlak Islands are teeming with marine life, including unique fish species, corals and echinoderms. The archipelago can also offer rare glimpses of species such as Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins. We'll spend today exploring the islands further and spend another night beneath the starry skies.

OVERNIGHT:
Dahlak Island camping
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Return to Asmara via Massawa
Sadly, our time in the Dahlak Islands comes to and end today as we leave the boat in Massawa. Time permitting, we may have the opportunity to take a short city tour before we return to Asmara where we'll spend our final night in Eritrea. Why not use this evening to purchase any last minute souvenirs, or visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner with your new friends.

OVERNIGHT:
Asmara hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Free time in Asmara. Transfer to the airport for departure (extensions available)
You'll have some free time in Asmara today, until you are transferred back to the airport for departure. For those looking to spend a little longer in Eritrea, we do offer a 2-night Asmara extension, which includes tours to visit Kohaito, Adi Quala and more.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS: