Stay : The secret lands of Eritrea
From Asmara, we will take the direction of the coast for an excursion on paradisiac islands. Then, head inland where you will admire the magnificent landscapes. Except for the Dahlaks Islands for which the permit is easy to obtain, the other destinations of this itinerary sometimes imply traveling in a group of 5 people minimum via an agency, in order to obtain the travel permits.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
14 days
€€€ - Luxury
Where to stay - Asmara ?
The map of your stay - Érythrée
Detail of the stay : The secret lands of Eritrea - 14 days
Day 1: Visit of the city "above the clouds"
Steps: Asmara
Start by applying for travel permits from the Ministry of Tourism on Harnet Avenue. Once the mission is accomplished, it's time to visit Asmara! Art Deco villas, timeless coffees as well as seed and craft markets are on the programme. In the late afternoon, pick up your permits and then head to Sainte-Marie Cathedral to climb up the bell tower and enjoy the sunset.
CATHEDRALE CATHOLIQUE SAINTE-MARIE
Day 2: Cap on Keren
Morning in Asmara, then route for Keren just after lunch. Arrival in Keren before dark.
Day 3: Walk in the different markets and souks of the city
Steps: Keren
Discover this city of markets. If you are there on a Monday, don't miss the camel market which attracts merchants from all over the country. Then, head to the main market at the entrance of the city, right next to the bridge, where wood, wicker, spices and even Made in China bric-a-brac vendors are found! Stop for lunch and try the local specialty: capretto. In the afternoon, stroll through the souks and let yourself be immersed in the Arabian atmosphere of the city.
Day 4: Excursion to the rainforest
Drive to Massawa via Filfil. Recently paved, the road winds through the mountains and offers sumptuous landscapes. You can stop on the way for a short walk in the Filfil Rainforest where there is a good chance you will encounter groups of green monkeys and baboons.
Day 5: Port city of Massawa
Steps: Massawa
Day in Massawa. Take a minibus to go to the mainland of the city where the market is held every morning. In the afternoon, discover the old town and the mythical port of Massawa and make sure you are in its streets at dusk, at a time when the city and its inhabitants are leaving their torpor.
Day 6: Crossing to the Dahlaks Islands
Embark on a sambuck and head to the Dahlaks Islands to sail the Red Sea in the footsteps of traveling writers such as Joseph Kessel and Henry de Monfreid.
Day 7: Paradise day
White sand, turquoise sea and fresh fish at every meal, that's what awaits you on this archipelago
Day 8: Relaxation and underwater activity
Relax on the beaches of désertes and multicolores coral.
Day 9: Return on land
Steps: Massawa
Last swim before recovering the continent in mid afternoon. Enjoy the late afternoon to discover the old town of Massawa. At night, the city and its inhabitants are gradually waking up; it is a magical spectacle, not lacking under any pretext.
Day 10: Crossing towards Asmara
Steps: Asmara
Return to Asmara via Ghinda. Stop on the Red Sea Pension of Ghinda to sample their delicious yogurt yaourts.
Day 11: Ruins of a distant empire
Route for Senafe. On the road, stop at Qua'atit to visit the axumites ruins, then continue your route to the Ethiopian border where you will spend the night.
Day 12: Majestic sunrise
Steps: Asmara
A wake-up call at dawn is required to climb Amba Metera before sunrise. Once at the top, all you have to do is admire the rising sun, tinting the mountains with various colours. Then take the road to Asmara and stop on the way in the valley of the sycamores before returning to the capital in the afternoon.
Day 13: Travel out of time on a steam train
Steps: Asmara
Embark on one of the latest steam trains in the world for an unforgettable experience (attention: the train only leaves on Sunday). Returning to Asmara will take a tour to the Medabar, this ancient caravanserail where the metal is recycled today. End with a traditional dinner in one of the capital's restaurants.
Day 14: Last hours in Eritrea
Steps: Asmara
Take advantage of this last day to do some shopping in the various markets of Asmara before heading to the airport.
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