We explore the nearby Dahlak Islands and visit one of the best coral sites in the world. Then back to the mainland before traveling into the northernmost part of the Dankalia. We travel back to Asmara from where we will enjoy an excursion through the mountains on the famous Italian-era steam train. We finish our adventure with a trip to Qohaito and a visit to the ancient ruins that formed part of the Kingdom of Aksum. Tour Dates: - 23 October 2011 - 17 December 2011 - 12 February 2012 - 8 April 2012 - 21 October 2012 - 15 December 2012. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Asmara and transfer from the airport to your hotel. After settling in, take a city tour to see many examples of Art Deco architecture dating from the Italian period, and enjoy the perfect year round climate by taking a cappuccino at one of the many outdoor cafes. Overnight: Ambasoira Hotel or similar. Day 2: Asmara to Keren. Today we leave the capital by 4WD vehicle and head north through the highlands past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves to Keren, set on a plateau at 1392m surrounded by dusty ochre mountains. One of the country's most attractive towns, Keren is also the heart of Eritrea's agricultural community. Visits include Keren’s popular markets, including one for livestock and camels, which attracts traders from a wide area. Overnight: Sarina Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 3: Keren. A full day to explore Keren with your guide and 4WD vehicle. Visits include the shrine of St. Mariam D’Arit, unusually set into a baobab tree. Overnight: Sarina Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 4: Keren to Massawa. We continue from Keren to the Red Sea Coast and the city of Massawa. Our leisurely drive will take us through Filfil, home to Eritrea’s last remnant of tropical forest. It forms part of the Semenawai Bahri or ‘Green Belt’ area and, amid the arid starkness of the surrounding landscape, rises up oasis-like before you, cool, lush and verdant. It is also one of the best places in the country to see birds and mammals. There is a good chance of spotting vervet monkeys and hamadryas baboons. We will arrive at our destination, Massawa by lunchtime. In the afternoon we take a tour of the city. Stroll among the many white Turkish, Egyptian and Italian buildings and through the maze of narrow alleyways to soak up the atmosphere and maybe sample some of the mouth-watering seafood available. Overnight: Red Sea Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 5: Day Excursion to Buri Peninsula. Travel south by 4WD to the start of the Dankalia region. You will get a good insight into one of the remotest places on earth and see some of the salt flats that make up the Peninsula. Overnight: Red Sea Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 6: Excursion to Green Island. By boat we visit Green Island, one mile off the coast of Massawa and part of the stunning Dahlak archipelago. Return to Massawa in the afternoon, where our driver and 4WD vehicle will be waiting to take you the drive back to Asmara. Overnight: Ambasoira Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 7: Asmara. A free day to explore the city and admire some of Asmara’s stunning Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the country’s Italian colonial period. Overnight: Ambasoira Hote or similar. Includes: (B). Day 8: Steam Train Excursion. Today we have arranged a morning excursion on Eritrea's famous Italian-era steam train through the mountains and back to Asmara. This journey is considered to be one of the greatest rail journeys in Africa and will be enjoyed even by those who are not train enthusiasts. You will arrive back in Asmara around lunch time and the afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy the city. Overnight: Ambasoira Hotel or similar. Includes: (B). Note: The railway company operates the train subject to a minimum of 10 passengers, including those from Undiscovered Destinations. In the event that the train does not operate an alternative excursion will be arranged locally. Day 9: Day Excursion to Qohaito. We visit Qohaito to see its ruins including the large Saphira Dam and the palace of King Saba. At 2,700 m the setting is wonderful, with sharp descents and views towards Mount Ambasoira, the highest peak in Eritrea, and views out towards the Red Sea. Overnight: Ambasoira Hotel or similar. Includes: (B, L). Day 10: Asmara. Your last day in Eritrea and time to reflect on what will have been an enjoyable and rewarding introduction to this little visited country. With so much to offer visitors you will be surprised that you have not come across more tourists. Be sure not to miss Asmara’s amazing ‘recycling market’, basically an overgrown scrap yard where old metal scrap is turned into wheelbarrows, garden implements, stoves and lanterns. Overnight: Ambasoira Hotel or similar. Includes: (B). Day 11: Asmara. Tour ends. Includes: (B) Notes: Price Includes: 
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