HIGHLIGHTS OF ERITREA
A cultural tour of Eritrea

Eritrea, formerly a province in Ethiopia is mostly a mountainous country. Its narrow Red Sea coastal plain is one of the hottest and driest places in Africa. The cooler central highlands have fertile valleys that support agriculture. It is bordered by Sudan on the north and west, the Red Sea on the north and east with Ethiopia and Djibouti on the south. Being a nexus for trade , the country is a bed of diverse cultures like Tigrinya from the local tribes with influences from the neighbouring African countries to their colonial past - mostly Italian. Our 9-day journey is an attempt to see the best of the country and also understand their rich and diverse culture.

Day 1: Arrive Asmara
Upon arrival at Asmara International Airport we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Embassoira Hotel, Asmara (2 nights) (D)

Day 2: Asmara
We explore Asmara, the city described as "Small Rome" due to its inspiring Roman architectures. Walk on the peaceful streets encountering the hospitality of the people. A Visit to the National Museum, Cathedral, Saint Mary church and the recycling depots at Medeber - a creation that the Eritrians are very proud of. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Asmara-Debresina Monastary-Keren
Drive via a zigzag road to Elabered followed by an interesting activity as we take a short trek using donkeys and mules to the Debresina Monastery. Enjoy the history and legends of the monastery. Continue drive to Keren. After lunch, rest and relax.
Overnight: Sarina Hotel, Keren (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 4: Keren-Hagaz-Keren
Scenic countryside drive to the town of Hagaz where we enjoy an organized traditional show of the Tigre ethnic group including the wedding and coffee ceremony (unlike the other ethnic, the man of the house makes the coffee here) of the ethnic group. We then visit the grape farm of the area. Drive back to Keren. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Keren-Massawa
We start the day with a tour of Keren. Enjoying the colorful markets (only on Mondays) we then visit the Shrine of Mary of De'arit found inside baobab grotto. We also visit the beautifully marked gravestones of the Italian and British war cemeteries of the WWII. Continue drive to Massawa on the new road Sergeka - Shebah. Enjoy the wild life conversation of Filfil - Selemuna.
Overnight: Red Sea Hotel, Massawa (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Massawa-Adulis-Zula-Erafile-Massawa
Another interesting drive today - this time to Adulis and Zula. Here we tour the ancient ports of Adulis and Zula followed by the hot spring water in Erafile. Visit traditional Afar villages on the road. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Massawa-Nefasit-Maihabar-Dekemhare
Drive up the hill to Nefasit. Stop in Ghindae to visit the old railway station. Drive via Mai-Habar, Ghaden to Dekemhar. Enjoy the landscape and fruit vegetation of the area.
Overnight: Park Hotel, Dekemhare (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 8: Dekemhare-Segeneiti-Kohaito-Senafe
Another interesting day as we drive from Dekemhare to Segeneiti and Kohaito. Here we visit the archaeological site of Kohaito and the cave paintings. Continue drive to Senafe.
Overnight: Guest House, Senafe (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 9: Senafe-Asmara
After breakfast we visit Belew Kelew archaeological site & the Metera hill. We then take our return drive to Asmara stopping at Segeneyti to visit the historical fig tree-the mark for Five Nakfa money Note in the Sycamores valley. We are then transferred to the international airport for our departure flight. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Daily

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International & Domestic airfares Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Border/Departure/Airport taxes All sightseeing and transfers Insurance Services of local English speaking guide Visas

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 2630 • CA $ 2630 US $ 395• CA $ 395

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1300 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1700 USA - East Coast US $ 1300

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.