Your Itinerary:
Day 1: UK to Sana’a. Fly overnight London to Sana’a, arriving the next morning.
Day 2: Sana’a. Early morning arrival in Sana’a. Meet, assist at the airport and transfer to the hotel, located in Old Sana’a. After time to freshen-up join us on a city tour, including visits to the National Museum and the city’s markets. We then explore Old Sana’a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nothing can prepare you for the moment we pass through the gates of the Bab al-Yama, into the old city, said by many to be one of the most beautiful anywhere on Earth. Return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner. Overnight in Hilltown Hotel, Sana’a. Includes: (D).
Day 3: Sana’a to Taizz. We visit the towns of Ibb and Jiblah en-route to Taizz. Once the capital of north Yemen Taizz is known for its beautiful mosques and bustling markets. First stop is Ibb, the main town in the province of the same name, lying to the north of Taizz in a mountainous region. Most of the province lies at over 1,500m in altitude and it receives more rainfall than the rest of the country, up to 1,500 mm a year, which gave Yemen its ancient name of "Arabia Felix" - happy Arabia, due to the fertility. From Ibb we pass through the town of Jiblah and onto Taizz, the capital of the former Yemen Arab Republic until the country's unification.
Taizz is set in a mountainous yet fertile part of the country mostly undulating between 1,000 m and 2,000 m above sea level. A relatively modern city by the ancient standards of the region, most of the architecture is post-revolutionary, giving Taizz a superficially European appearance. Nevertheless there are old quarters and many beautiful mosques in the town. The streets wind around the hillsides, many of them without visible names, with the Jebel Sabir Mountain to the south providing a convenient landmark. The central market is the liveliest part of the old town, near the old city wall, entered via the Bab Musa or Bab el-Kebir gates. Overnight Yemen Tourism Hotel, Taizz. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4: Taizz. Morning visit to the al-Ashrafiya mosque, constructed in the 13th century and which stands at the top of the old town. Its twin minarets loom on the skyline and offer a stunning view across the town. From Taizz we drive out of town to the Jabal Sabir, at 3,070 m one of the highest mountains in Yemen. A steep road leads partly way up the mountain, from where we can take in the magnificent views. From the viewing point you will have the option to trek back down the mountain, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back in to town. Overnight Yemen Tourism Hotel, Taizz. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: Taizz to Al-Hudayda. In the morning drive to Jabal Sabir Mountain (3,070 m) where we can enjoy great views. We then head for the coast first stopping for lunch in Zabid, another one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. This dazzling whitewashed low-rise town keeps most of its best features tucked away, but with our local guide we can explore, visiting the souk and some of Zabid’s 86 mosques. Our journey continues and we reach the Red Sea Coast and Al-Hudayda, capital of Tihama province. With its wide and clean streets, parks full of shady, snooze enticing benches and pleasant pavement cafes, it is probably Yemen’s most European-flavored city. Overnight Taj Awsan Hotel, Al-Hudaydah. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Al-Hudayda to Sana’a. After a visit to the city’s fish market, we leave Al-Hudaydah bound for Sana’a. We drive via Wadi Surdud and Manakhah, again passing through the stunning Haraz Mountains. From Manakhah we will visit the 11th century village of Al-Harrarah. The Ottomans found its strategic position useful when defending the roads from the coast to Sana’a. Al-Harrarah, with its spectacular setting and century-old stone and whitewashed tower houses (some up to eight storeys) make it a worthwhile and interesting stop on the way back to Sana’a.
Next we visit the village Al-Khutayb perched on a solitary hilltop and an important pilgrimage site. Dedicated to a 12th century preacher revered by followers of the Ismali sect, the shrine attracts pilgrims from as far afield as India. After lunch we continue to Sana’a arriving in the afternoon with time to relax before dinner. Overnight Hilltown Hotel, Sana’a. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Sana’a to Soqotra Island. Early morning (02:30) transfer to Sana’a airport and take a flight at 05:00 to Soqotra via Mukalla. On arrival you will be met by a local driver and guide and driven to your hotel in Hadibo, the island’s principle town. After a rest make an afternoon visit to Dilisha beach. Return to Hadibo. Overnight Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Hadibo to Wadi Dirhur. After breakfast leave Hadibo for Wadi Dirhur. Visit Fermhin Mountain. Later drive to Dixam Plateau (the land of dragon’s blood trees). Continue to Dirhur Valley, visiting the village of the same name. Relax with a swim in the pools at Wadi Dirhur. Overnight camping in Wadi Dirhur. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Trekking option, supplement applies. Today you will have the option to leave the main tour and enjoy a full day of trekking, together with a morning trek the next day, before joining again with the group. The trek will be through the Hagghar Mountains and the Scand Protected Area. It is a region known for its very rich and diverse flora and fauna. The trek, through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Soqotra, can be reasonably challenging and is over fairly rough, mixed terrain. The total trek will take 6 to 8 hours, before it is time to stop and set-up camp for the night. All equipment and your luggage will be transported by porters and camels. Overnight camping, Hagghar Mountains. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: The Southern Coast. Leave Wadi Dirhur for the southern coast. Visit Degub Cave in Nuged. Visit the pristine dunes of Zahek, followed by a chance for a swim from Amak Beach. In the afternoon return to Hadibo, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Morning Trekking. After breakfast and packing up the camp, continue with a morning trek to the Dixam Plateau (the land of dragon’s blood trees), before reaching the Dirhur Valley. Visit Dirhur village before a chance for a swim in the nearby pools at Wadi Dirhur. Continue to the southern coast where you will meet the rest of the group. Visit Degub Cave in Nuged. Visit the pristine dunes of Zahek, followed by a chance for a swim from Amak Beach. In the afternoon return to Hadibo, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Soqotra Conservation Center and Trekking. A morning visit to the Soqotra Conservation Center, which will give us a good insight to the island and its unique fauna and flora. The pristine condition of the natural environment of the island is largely due to the respect that Soqotrean traditions have for natural resources. From the Conservation Center continue to towards Wadi Al Shiifa, where you have the option to trek in one of the most beautiful areas of the island, known for its large frankincense trees. The afternoon trek will be suitable for anyone of moderate fitness and is highly recommended. Time permitting we will end the day with a visit to a tree nursery, before returning to the hotel for dinner. Overnight Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Soqotra Island. Excursion from Hadibo to Ras Ersel. Stop in Dihamry protected area. Opportunity to snorkel before continuing to Erher and Ras Ersel. Return to Hadibo, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Hadibo to Qalancia. After breakfast leave for Qalancia. En-route visit Ghubbah village and the nearby salt flats. On arrival in Qalancia time for a swim from its gorgeous beach before setting up camp. Overnight camping, Detwah Lagoon, Qalancia. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Qalancia to Hadibo. In the morning make an excursion by boat to the remote sandy beach of Schuab. You'll have time for swimming before returning to Qalancia. Return to Hadibo, visiting Ayhaft Valley on the way. Overnight in Summerland Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Soqotra Island to Sana’a. After breakfast, a transfer to the island’s airport for a scheduled flight to Sana’a, where we will arrive at about midday. Transfer to our hotel in Old Sana’a. After checking your day will be free. Use the afternoon for one final, impended look around the old town, perhaps taking the opportunity to buy some last minute souvenirs. A leisurely dinner at the hotel and chance to reflect on what will have been a busy, but remarkable journey through a hidden corner of Arabia. Overnight Hilltown Hotel, Sana’a. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 15: Sana’a to UK. Early morning transfer to the airport for check-in and departure to London, arriving the same day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- Group tours:
* 14 March 2009 to 28 March 2009: £2,595
* 3 October 2009 to 17 October 2009: £2,595
* 19 December 2009 to 2 January 2010: £2,595
* 13 March 2010 to 27 March 2010: £2,595.
- Private tours:
* £2,895 per person, based on a minimum of two clients
* Weekly departures throughout the year from London.
Price Includes:
- All hotel accommodation, based on twin share, with
private facilities
- Meals as shown
- Drinking water throughout the tour
- Transport by 4x4 vehicles
- Domestic flight ticket to/from Soqotra
- All tours and sightseeing as shown in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides throughout the tour
- Tips for hotel and restaurant staff
- Entrance fees and travel permissions.
Price Excludes:
- Yemeni Visa
- Drinks except water
- Meals not shown in the itinerary
- Rental of snorkeling equipment
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Single Supplement: £150.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Yemen
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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