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. Check in time starts from 1500 hrs.
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. Visit  of 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-Keren
Drive via a zigzag road to Elabered then continue on to Keren. After lunch, rest and relax. Visit Tigre tribes or Bilen tribes in the environs of Keren.  Where we enjoy 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.
Overnight: Sarina Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 4: 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 (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 5: Massawa-Foro-Adulis-Zula-Massawa
Another interesting drive today – this time to  Foro, Adulis and Zula. Visit ancient port of Adulis-one of the ancient ports once numbering among the greatest ports of the ancient world that has links to the Roman, Egyptian and Greek World Empires; visit the Gulf of Zula- a deep cleft in Eritrea’s coastline which is the birthplace of the Great Rift Valley on the African continent.  Drive back to Massawa. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Massawa
Massawa city tour. Visit the port city of Massawa-City of islands and the Massawa city tour. Visit the port city of Massawa - City of islands and the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’, a city which for centuries has been one of the region’s most important ports.   With its exquisite Turkish-style architecture and shopping arcades, beautiful mosques and delicious sea food, Massawa is the perfect destination to cater for all tastes. In addition to the city’s attractions, pristine beaches and world-class swimming are available just a short distance from the city center.  Visit the Rashaida tribes. Enjoy pristine Gurgusum beaches and world-class swimming. (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 (1 night) (B, L, D) 

Day 8: Dekemhare-Mendefera-Asmara
Another interesting day as we drive from Dekemhare to visit the charming town of Mendefera. The town derived this name from the local language Tigrinya meaning nobody dared, after the resilience shown by the locals when they defended themselves on the hill against the Italian advance. The town is dominated by two hills on either side of the main road. Drive back to Asmara.
Overnight: Embassoira Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D) 

Day 9:  Depart Asmara
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight out.  Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)

---

Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Any airfares & departure taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch D=Dinner) Visas / Insurance All sightseeing and transfers Tips / Gratuities Services of local English speaking guide
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 2012 US $ 1995 US $ 195
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast US $ 1700 USA - East Coast US $ 1500
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.