Key Features
• Discover one of Africa's newest, least-visited nations
• Relax in a café among Asmara's art deco architecture
• Take a journey on an Italian-era steam train (optional)
Included
8nts hotel - staying in standard accommodation; 8 breakfasts included.
Transport
Minibus/4WD/On foot.
Group Size
12 to 16.
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver and translator.
Cultural Contrasts of Asmara
We begin our journey in Eritrea's striking and friendly capital. Set on a high fertile plateau with an almost perfect climate, Asmara, although undeniably African, has also retained its distinctly Italian feel; a very tangible legacy of its colonial days. It remained largely intact following the more recent struggles that have troubled the area and there is time here throughout our tour to explore the amazing Art Deco and Italian architecture, vibrant market, cathedral and mosques, as well as to relax with a cappuccino at one of the many cafes that dot the wide boulevards.
Keren & Debre Sina
Our first excursion is north through the highlands past steep terraces of coffee and orange groves to Keren, set on a plateau surrounded by dusty ochre mountains. One of Eritrea's most attractive towns, Keren is also the heart of Eritrea's agricultural community. We visit the lively Monday market, British and Italian War cemeteries and shrine of St. Mariam Dearit, unusually set into a baobab tree! We return to Asmara via the 6th century Debre Sina Monastery.
Nefasit steam train & Massawa
Next we take a dramatic drive down from the highlands to spend time on the coast at the Arabic port of Massawa. We stroll among the many white Turkish, Egyptian and Italian buildings and through the maze of narrow alleyways to soak up the atmoshphere and maybe sample some the mouth-watering seafood available. On our return to Asmara there's the opportunity to take a unique journey on Eritrea's famous Italian-era steam train through the mountains between Asmara and Nefasit, covering over 20 tunnels and 65 bridges! Turning south we discover the ruins of Qohaito, thought to date back 2000 years to the mysterious Axumite civilisation that once dominated the region.
Comment
A short but rewarding tour of the highlights of one of Africa's least-known countries. Travel is predominantly by minibus and whilst distances are not large, come prepared for some fairly rough roads and basic conditions. Easy walks around sites, villages and towns.