africa's BEST KEPT SECRET

January 02 ⇾ January 10
NOVEMBER 20 ⇾ NOVEMBER 28

In addition to our regular group departures to Eritrea, we also offer tour services for private travel parties and lone wolves alike. As a traveller-oriented boutique operator, tailored trips and bespoke adventures are our bread and butter. Get in touch for more info on our customised journeys to Eritrea! 

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO ASMARA

  • Meet-and-greet at Asmara International Airport and transfer to our hotel of choice in central Asmara.

  • Evening snack and overnight in Asmara.

DAY 2 – Asmara

  • Asmara Architectural Tour: Asmara Cathedral, Liberation Avenue, Mariam Orthodox Church, Al Khulafa Al Rashidun Mosque, Enda Marian Copt Cathedral, Madebar Market, Central Bazaar, Cinema Impero, Bowling Alley, Post Office, FIAT Tagliero and a seemingly endless plethora of rationalist, modernist and art-deco gems from the Italian colonial period.

  • Late afternoon aperitif along the elegant Harnet Avenue (formerly known as Viale Mussolini) and traditional Italian-Eritrean dinner.

  • Overnight in Asmara.

DAY 3 – Keren

  • In the morning we'll leave the capital and drive north across the Eritrean highlands, past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves, towards Keren, a traditional Eritrean town set on a plateau surrounded by dusty ochre mountains.

  • Once in Keren, we'll devote the whole day to the bustling markets the town is famous for, including one for livestock and camels, which attracts nomadic traders from the northern regions.

  • We'll also have the chance to visit the Italian and British war cemeteries as well as the sacred baobab temple: a truly mesmerising experience.

  • Overnight in Keren.

Bespoke Experiences • Traditional dinner with a local Eritrean family and exclusive architectural tour of Asmara’s lesser visited quarters.

DAY 4 – Dekemhare

  • Back in Asmara we'll enjoy a tour around its less known colonial neighbourhoods (Tiravolo, Paradiso and the Diplomatic Quarter) and quintessentially African suburbs, as well as paying a visit to both the Italian Monumental Cemetery and the Tank Graveyard in the town outskirts.

  • Later in the day we will then travel to Dekemhare, a sleepy satellite town renowned for its superb urban cornucopia of rationalist architecture.

  • Overnight in Asmara.

DAY 5 – Massawa

  • We'll leave Asmara and head to the port city of Massawa driving along the winding road connecting the highlands to the coast.

  • Besides the usual stops for food, toilette and photography, we'll break the journey in Nefasit, Ginda and Dogali, which will welcome us with a diversely compelling array of natural, historical, and cultural wonders.

  • After lunch we'll eventually reach Massawa, where we'll enjoy a pleasant lazy stroll through the grandeur of its colonial old town.

  • Overnight in Massawa.

DAY 6 TO DAY 7 – Dahlak Islands

  • We'll travel by boat to the Dahlak Archipelago and spend the next two days surrounded by pristine nature and deep blue waters.

  • After having toured the traditional fishing hamlets on the islands, we'll enjoy a guided tour to the Dahlak Marine National Park: scuba diving is generally allowed and is led by a group of trained divers who were once pearl fishers; snorkelling is also a good option for those without a diver certification.

  • If you are not in the mood for an immersion, you can enjoy the company of Eritrean fishermen and learn traditional fishing techniques or simply chill out on the beach observing the slow pace of local life.

  • Meals and overnights in tent (provided by us) on the Dahlak Islands.

DAY 8 – Asmara

  • We'll sail back to Massawa and after an early fish lunch in town, we'll eventually return to Asmara.

  • Those interested in a longer stay on the islands can indulge into a Red-Sea-grand-tour extension (get in touch for more details on possible routes and prices).

  • Free afternoon in Asmara for further architectural explorations and photographic discoveries.

  • Overnight in Asmara.

DAY 9 – AFRICA ADDIO

  • After sharing a last Eritrean meal, we'll take care of your transfer transfer to Asmara International Airport.

  • End of the tour.

2490 €

INCLUSIONS
Double/twin-room accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Eritrea (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.

EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.

Eritrea Tours | Visit Eritrea | Eritrea Travel
© Gianluca Pardelli | www.gianlucapardelli.com