EXCURSIONS AND JOURNEYS ROUND YEMEN CONTINENT AND SOQOTRA ISLAND

Eternal Yemen’s bunch of travels consists of daily excursions, short trips (3-7 days) and longer journeys (up to a month) all around the country. Only some of our suggested itineraries are presented below.

Due to the changing security situation in the country, it can happen that the government closes a particular region for the visitors for a particular period of time. The regions that can often be closed are: Shahara, Amran, Marib, Al Jawf, Shabwa (desert), regions close to the desert: Al Bayda, Ataq, Habban, Azzan. Saada in the north is closed for the most part. Sometimes also the road connection between Mukalla and Aden is closed for tourists.Therefore the itinerary has to be adjusted to the situation.

In case of closed roads, part of itinerary has to be replaced by the flights: between Sana and Sayun or between Mukalla and Aden. Fortunately new airline company Felix airways has frequent flights on these destinations.

More, each of our clients has specific preferences (itinerary, way of traveling, included sport activities…), different disposable time and funds and special needs, so we always prepare a tailor made itinerary that will fit to our client the most.

Explanations of the terms used at our programs:
 

Abbreviations:

The meals that are usually included in the package: B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner.

Standard programs

will take you to the most important archeological, historical and cultural sites as well as you’ll be able to enjoy the nature in the chosen destination. The visitors will be accommodated in the hotels or sometimes in local funduqs (simple pensions, usually in mountain villages, where this is the only option).

Adventure programs

are suitable for visitors who want to discover and experience the country in a more profound way. Our clients will discover all important archeological, historical and cultural sites and more… These programs are tailored considering that real experience of the country could come only through experience it…either by short walking, long trekking, camping in the nature, camel riding, playing in the desert dunes or with crabs on the sandy beaches, eating with your hand, chatting with the local people, wearing traditional clothes, taking part in Yemeni games and dances, getting painted by henna and much more…

Daily excursions near Sana’a

Daily excursions near Sana’a can be combined as an extension to the main, longer tour – (a good way to fill a day more in Yemen, if necessary according to your flight details)

Camping

Can be organized in different areas (in more details described below). Generally our agency provides tents, sleeping mattresses, sheets, cooking equipment, gas lamp, food and drinking water. We do not provide sleeping bags, torches, soft drinks, etc.

On camping, the driver prepares a dinner and a breakfast.

If agreed before, we can provide also extra things (special food, soft drinks…).

Eternal Yemen Company can organize camping in the following areas:

•  Northern plateau: Kawkaban area (recommended only in summertime)

•  Hajja and surroundings (Jabal Maswar etc)

• Shahara Mountain and area

• Haraz Mountains (Jabal Shogruf, Jabal Masar etc.)

• Jabal Burra

• Jabal Reima

• Utmah area

• Jabal Sabir (above Taizz)

• Jabal al Hazm (near Udayn-Ibb)

• Hadramawt: Al Joul plateau

Trekking:

You can get a real experience of the country if you decide to spend some part of the journey walking. Treekings - walkings will take you through the impressive landscape, you’ll be able to do plenty of photographs without asking your driver to stop, you’ll visit small villages and meet local people whose life style hadn’t changed since centuries and you’ll get a real insight into traditional Yemeni life.

Trekkings can be few-hour light walks or long expeditions, lasting few days till one week. We suggest a trekking route according the client’s wishes and his physical abilities.

The clients are always accompanied by an experienced trekking guide and are advised before about the route, availability of food, water etc.

Eternal Yemen Company can organize trekking in the following areas:

• Northern plateau: Kawkaban area (Bokur-Tawila, Beduga-Al Ahjur)

• Hajja and surroundings (Jabal Maswar, Beit Adhaga-Thula)

• Shahara Mountain and area

• Haraz Mountains – Manakah as a base (from few hours till one week: including Khoteib, Hajjarah, Beyt al Amir, Jabal Shogruf, Jabal Masar)

• Jabal Burra

• Jabal Reima

• Utmah area

• Jabal Sabir (above Taizz)

• Jabal al Hazm (near Udayn-Ibb)

•  Hadramawt: Wadi Doan valley: Khureiba, Khailah area

Soqotra tours:

There are 2 Yemeni airline companies flying to Soqotra: Yemenia airlines and Felix airways. Yemenia airlines has fixed prices, while the price of Felix airways depends on the time of your booking. If you book earlier, you can get seats in cheaper class.

Direct flights of Yemenia airlines to Soqotra:

• from Sana’a –Soqotra and Soqotra – Sana’a : on Friday (plane stops in Mukalla) (price app. 190 USD)

• from Mukalla – Soqotra and Soqotra – Mukalla: on Monday (price app. 115 USD)

• from Aden – Soqotra and Soqotra – Aden: on Monday (plane stops in Mukalla) (price app. 170 USD)

Direct flights of Felix airways to Soqotra:

• from Sana’a –Soqotra and Soqotra – Sana’a : daily (plane stops in Mukalla) (price max. 280 USD)

• from Mukalla – Soqotra and Soqotra – Mukalla: daily (price max. 260 USD)

• from Aden – Soqotra and Soqotra – Aden: on Monday and Saturday (plane stops in Mukalla) (price max. 270 USD)

Therefore clients can stay in Soqotra Island from 3 days – 1 week or even longer.

In case of short tours the clients can return each day to Hadiboo whether they wish to spend all the nights in the hotel. However, better and nicer experience of the Soqotra Island comes if one does a circle round the Island, with camping in different places.

Some camping sites are organized in protected areas (entrance fee): Qalansiya (western coast - camp beside the Detwah lagoon), Amak beach (southern coast), Dihamri area (northern coast-snorkeling), Homhil area (karstic region above the Northern coast).

The camping facilities in those place are very basic or none: the food is provided there, however the water availability and toilets are very basic.

We organize camping also in other areas like: Scand area (while trekking), Srahin area (the land of Desert rose trees) and other places like: Erher, Wadi Dirhur, Dilisha beach, Kadama beach (turtles), remote beach of Schuab or simple Adib camp near Hadiboo (family camp with tree nursery).

Clients who go to Soqotra should be aware that Soqotra Island is relatively new in tourism, so the guides are less experienced as you might expect. However they are all very friendly and the drivers know the Island like their pocket.

Food and the gasoline come to the island by the boat. For different reasons, sometimes the boat doesn’t arrive and that means less supplies of food in the island. Therefore the clients are offered the best thing avaliable in the moment; however they should know that the diet in Soqotra is simple and bases on fish, rice and vegetables.

Only with your help, your comments and suggestions we can grow and improve our services ! Thanks to you, we are who we are and you help us to improve !

Thank you to be our clients and our guides !

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DAILY EXCURSIONS NEAR SANA’A

Stone villages; 1 day; Trip Code: DE 1
Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (L).

The excursion takes you to the Haraz Mountains, West of Sana’a, where you will meet the best examples of Yemeni rock architecture.

Brief itinerary:

Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Possible visit of Lakamat al Qadi or another viallge. Lunch in a local pension and presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Leaving Sana’a you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismaili and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. It is possible to do an easy walk among the terraces and to visit some other villages. Taste delicious Yemeni dishes in a local pension and enjoy a traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana'a.

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Unconquered fortresses; 1 day; Trip Code: DE 2       
Sana’a - Dar Al Hajar – Shibam – Kawkaban – Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Sana’a (L).

Brief itinerary:

Excursion to Kawkaban region. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace Dar al Hajar. Later visit the villages of Shibam and Kawkaban. Lunch. Visit also Hababa, Zakati and Thula villages. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where occurred one of the stories from 1001 night stories. Visit the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m, either by car and either by climbing a paved path which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam. Enjoy traditional lunch in one of the pension there. Continue your excursion to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and to the unbelievable fortress Zakati. At the end visit, the jewel, Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Return to Sana’a.

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LONGER TOURS

Marib tour; 1 day; Trip Code: DE 3      
Sana’a – (Baraquish) - Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the sun, temple of the moon, old Marib) - Sana’a (L).

Brief itinerary:

Excursion to Marib region. If possible visit Baraquish. Visit the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib. Lunch. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Depart to the east of Sana’a through the scenic mountains. If the security measures will allow, you can visit Baraquish, the ancient capital of the Main kingdom. Later descend to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Take a lunch in a restaurant or in the hotel. Later visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib. Return to Sana’a.

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Rock palaces; 1 day; Trip Code: DE 4  
Sana’a - Dar Al-Hajar - Bayt Bouss – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

In the morning do excursion to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace Dar al Hajar. In the afternoon, visit Bayt Bouss castle. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a and after lunch continue to the old fortress village of Bayt Bouss, famous in the past for the homogeneity of Jews and Muslims. Before evening you can visit one of typical Yemeni hammams (bath).

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2-DAYS EXCURSIONS

Marib and a fortress; 2 days (Classical); Trip Code: 2DE 1      
Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the sun, temple of the moon, old Marib) – (Baraquish) - Sana’a - Dar al-Hajar or Bayt Bouss – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a - Marib (B,D)

Excursion to Marib region. Visit the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2  Marib – (Baraquish) - Sana’a – Dar al Hajar (or Beyt Bouss) – Sana’a (B)

Depart from Marib to Sana’a. If possible visit Baraquish. In the afternoon visit Dar al Hajar palace or Beyt Bouss castle.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the sun, temple of the moon, old Marib) (B,D)

Depart to the east of Sana’a through the scenic mountains and descend to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Take a lunch in a restaurant or in the hotel. Later visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Baraquish – Sana’a – Dar al Hajar or Beyt Bouss – Sana’a (B)

Depart from Marib back to Sana’a. If the security measures will allow, you can visit Baraquish, the ancient capital of the Main kingdom. After arrival to Sana’a in the afternoon, visit the fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Instead of this, you can visit the old fortress village Bayt Bouss, where in the past its Jewish community was equal to Muslims inhabitants in their rights. Return to Sana’a.

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Fortress town’s tour; 2 days (Classical); Trip Code: 2DE 2      
Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Kawkaban – Shibam - Hababa – Thula – Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a - Dar al Hajar – Shibam - Kawkaban - Hababah – Zakati – Thula - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion to the northern plateau. Visit Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace Dar al Hajar. Visit the villages of Shibam and Kawkaban. Take a lunch in a local pension. Visit also Hababa, Zakati and Thula villages. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 2  Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al-Qadi - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Take a lunch in a local pension and enjoy the presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Dar al Hajar – Shibam - Kawkaban - Hababah – Zakati – Thula - Sana’a (B,L)

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Visit the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m, either by car and either by climbing a paved path which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam. Enjoy traditional lunch in one of the pension there. Continue your excursion to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and to the unbelievable fortress Zakati. Visit the jewel, Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 2   Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L)

Leaving Sana’a you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismaili and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. It is possible to do an easy walk among the terraces and to visit some other villages. Take a lunch in a local pension in Manakah and enjoy the presentation of traditional Yemeni songs and dances. Return to Sana’a.

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Coffee trade’s tour; 3 days (Classical); Trip Code: 3DT 1        
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla - Taizz - Al Khokha - Zabid - Bayt Al Faqih – Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Khokha - Zabid - Bayt Al Faqih - Hudaydah (B,L) After morning sightseeing of the Al-Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle, depart to Al Khokha, on the Red Sea coast. Continue to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco) and take a lunch in a local guest house. Continue via Bayt Al-Faqih to Hudaydah, the modern port town (hotel).

Day 3   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L) Visit the fish market in the morning and then drive via beautiful wadi Surdud to Manakah. Visit Al Hajarah village and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia. Take a lunch in a local pension. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south of Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of the narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you’ll visit mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend, visit one of the oldest mosques in Yemen and the world: Al Janad mosque. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz, an evening there and shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Khokha - Zabid - Bayt Al-Faqih - Hudaydah (B,L)

In the morning, visit the Al-Ashrafiya mosque and the Kairo castle. Depart to Al Khokha on the shores of the Red Sea. Tihama, the hot plain along the Red Sea, meets you with an African atmosphere, with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks and unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented, will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Drive to the street market Bayt Al-Faqih and continue to Hudaydah, the modern port town (hotel).

Day 3   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L)

Early morning visit of the Hudaydah’s traditional fish market where one can observe also the construction of Yemeni boats. Depart to Haraz Mountains via Bajil and the beautiful wadi with its desert rose trees. Manakah, the capital of Haraz, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, markets and attractive four-story houses. Visit Al Hajarah, an old fortified village and then Al Khoteib, a pilgrimage center of Yemeni Ismaili Shi’a sect. Enjoy in nice views over the impressive stone villages and the terraces with qat and coffee plantations. Take a traditional lunch and enjoy in presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana’a.

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Jump to the east; 3 days (Classical); Trip Code: 3DT 2
Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) – Ramlat al Sabatyn desert – Old Shabwa – Shibam – Sayun – Tarim – Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the sun, temple of the moon, old Marib) (B,D) Excursion to Marib region. Visit the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib – Ramlat al Sabatyn desert – Old Shabwa – Shibam – Sayun (B, picnic L) Depart from Marib to the Ramlat Al-Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Shibam, the Manhattan of the desert and then to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Tarim – Sayun – Sana'a (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the market. Return to Sayun and then to Sana'a by the paved road (or take a flight).

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) (B)

Depart from Sana’a to the east, through the scenic mountains and visit Baraquish, the former capital of Main kingdom. Continue to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib – Ramlat al Sabatyn desert – Old Shabwa – Shibam – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Early morning depart from Marib towards one of the most beautiful Arabic desert called Ramlat Al Sabatyn. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the near salt mines. Continue the way on the ancient caravan route of incense and spices to Sayun, a town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Sayun – Sana'a (B)

Depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. Return to Sayun and then to Sana'a by the paved road (or take a flight)

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The Yemeni jewels; 3 days (Classical); Trip Code: 3DT 3          
Sana’a – Marib – Sana'a - Dar al Hajar - Thula - Hababah - Shibam - Kawkaban - Sana’a - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) - Sana’a (L) Excursion to Marib region. Visit the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib. Lunch. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 2   Sana’a - Dar al Hajar - Thula - Hababah - Shibam - Kawkaban - Sana’a (L) Excursion to Kawkaban region. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the roick (Dar al Hajar). Later visit the villages of Shibam and Kawkaban. Lunch. Visit also Hababa, Zakati and Thula villages. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 3  Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana’a (L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Lunch and presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) - Sana’a (L)

Depart to the east of Sana’a through the scenic mountains and descend to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 2   Sana’a - Dar al-Hajar - Thula - Hababah - Shibam - Kawkaban - Sana’a (L)

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock, the symbol of Yemen. Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls, is a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Continue to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and then to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Visit also the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m, either by car and either by climbing a paved path, which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 3   Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana’a (L)

Leaving Sana’a you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismaili and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Maybe do an easy walk among the terraces. Take a lunch in a local pension in Manakah and enjoy the presentation of traditional Yemeni songs and dances. Return to Sana’a.

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Winding road tour; 3 days (Classical); Trip Code: 3DT 4          
Sana’a – Dar al Hajar - Thula – Hababa – Kawkaban – Shibam – Tawila - Mahweet – Wadi Surdud – Hudaydah - Bajil - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Dar al Hajar - Thula - Hababah - Shibam - Kawkaban – Tawila - Mahweet  (B,L)  Depart from Sana’a to the northern plateau. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Later visit the villages of Shibam and Kawkaban. Lunch. Visit also Hababa and Thula villages. On the way to Mahweet visit Tawila village. Arrive to Mahweet (hotel).

Day 2   Al Mahweet – Riadi - Wadi Sara - Khamis bani Sad – Hudaydah (B) Visit the old town of Mahweet and Riadi village in the morning. Continue from Mahweet via Wadi Sara to Khamis bani Sad and then further to Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 3   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L) Visit the fish market in Hudaydah. Depart to Manakah via beautiful Wadi Surdud. Visit Al Hajarah village and Al Khoteib village, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Lunch in a local pension in Manakah. Continue to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Dar al Hajar - Thula - Hababah - Shibam - Kawkaban – Tawila - Mahweet  (B,L)

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls, is a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Continue to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and then to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Visit also the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m, either by car and either by climbing a paved path, which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam. Continue to the mountain town Mahweet and on the way visit a picturesque village of At Tawila. Arrive to Mahweet (hotel).

Day 2   Al Mahweet - Wadi Sara - Khamis bani Sad – Hudaydah (B)

In the morning visit Masna, the old part of Mahweet. Then visit the nearby village of Al Riadi, and enjoy the great views. Depart towards Khamis bani Sad and you will enjoy the “bilad ghayl”, the spring country of Wadi Sara, rich in flora and fauna, springs and watercourses. Friendly locals will great you on their busy market in Khamis bani Sad. Yes, it is becoming hot and wet; you are coming to the “hot lands”, Tihama. After accommodating in the hotel in Hudaydah, you can go on to discover this modern Yemeni town (hotel).

Day 3   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L)

In the early morning visit the traditional fish market in Hudaydah where one can observe also the construction of Yemeni boats. Depart to Haraz Mountains via Bajil and the beautiful Wadi Surdud with its desert rose trees. Manakah, the capital of Haraz Mountains, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, markets and attractive four-story houses. Visit Al Hajarah, an old fortified village and then Al Khoteib, a pilgrimage center of Yemeni Ismaili Shi’a sect. Enjoy in nice views over the impressive stone villages and the terraces with qat and coffee plantations. Take a traditional lunch and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana’a.

4-DAYS TOURS

Queen Arwa's tour; 4 days (Classical); Trip Code: 4DT 1         
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla - Taizz – Jabal Sabir - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih - Hudaydah – Bajil - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit one of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Kairo castle - Jabal Sabir – Taizz (B) After morning sightseeing of the Al-Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle, drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in the great views. Possible walking down and then have some free time for the lovely market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 3   Taizz – Khokha - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Hudaydah (B,L) Depart from Taizz to Al Khokha, on the Red Sea coast. Continue via Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco). Visit the town and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Drive via Bayt Al-Faqih to Hudaydah, the modern port town (hotel).

Day 4   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B, L) Visit the fish market in the morning and then drive via beautiful wadi Surdud to Manakah. Visit Al Hajarah village and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia Take a lunch in a local pension. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of the narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad, built in the time of the Perophet. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz, an evening there and shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Kairo castle - Jabal Sabir – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques Al-Ashrafiya and the magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz. Drive to almost 3000 m high mountain Jabal Sabir, meet the highland world of terraces and enjoy the walk down the mountain. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the old Taizz market and the night hustle and bustle of the Yemeni town (hotel).  

Day 3   Taizz – Khokha - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Hudaydah (B,L)

Depart towards the Red Sea. Tihama, the hot plain along the Red Sea, meets you with an African atmosphere, with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks and unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive via fertile, green Wadi Zabid. Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented, will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a guesthouse there. Drive to the street market Bayt Al-Faqih and continue to Hudaydah, the modern port town (hotel).

Day 4   Hudaydah - Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B, L)

In the early morning visit the traditional fish market in Hudaydah where one can observe also the construction of Yemeni boats. Depart to Haraz Mountains via Bajil and the beautiful Wadi Surdud with its desert rose trees. Manakah, the capital of Haraz, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, markets and attractive four-story houses. Visit Al Hajarah, an old fortified village and then Al Khoteib, a pilgrimage center of Yemeni Ismaili Shi’a sect. Enjoy in nice views over the impressive stone villages and the terraces with qat and coffee plantations. Take a traditional lunch in a local pension and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana’a.

Shahara tour; 4 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 4DT 2    
Sana’a – Amran – Al Gabei - Shahara - Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Hababa – Zakati – Dar al Hajar – Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Amran – Al Gabei – Shahara (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to Amran and continue further on via Huth to Al Gabei village. Change to the local’s car and continue driving to the top of Shahara Mountain (local pension).

Day 2  Shahara trekking – Amran – Kawkaban (B,D) In the morning visit Shahara village and the famous bridge. Possible trekking down to Al Gabei. Continue by your car to Kawkaban (local pension).

Day 3  Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Hababa - Zakati - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L) Possible walk from Kawkaban down to Shibam. Later visit Thula village and also Hababa and Zakati villages. Drive to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace Dar al Hajar. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 4  Sana’a – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Hajjarah – Sana’a (B,L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Take a lunch and enjoy the  presentation of traditional dances in local pension. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Amran – Al Gabei - Shahara (B,D)

Depart to the north from Sana’a. Visit the old town of Amran known for its mixed, stone and clay architecture and Friday market. After passing Huth you will turn west towards Shahara Mountain. The tropical nature among the high mountains is the result of the incoming warm winds from the Red Sea. Drive by unpaved road to Al Gabei village under Shahara Mountain. Drive with the local’s cars to the top of Shahara Mountain. The ride on a steep mountainous way by pick up cars is a special experience and one can be impressed by the achievements of Yemeni road builders (local pension).

Day 2  Shahara trekking – Amran – Kawkaban (B,D) (local pension)

Morning visit of the fortified Shahara village, an unconquered fortress of Zaydi’s Imams and then descend to the famous 17 centuries stone bridge that connects the two villages on the two mountains: Shahara al-Amir and Shahara al-Feish. The best way to experience Shahara is to walk down the mountain to Al Gabei village. Change to your car again and drive back towards Amran and then turn towards Kawkaban region. Drive via winding road up to the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m (local pension).

Day 3  Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Hababa – Zakati - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L).

In the morning you can do an easy and picturesque walk from Kawkaban down to Shibam. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls, is a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Continue to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cistern and then to the Zakati fortress that was used as a storage for cereals. Drive to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit the famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 4  Sana’a – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Hajjarah – Sana’a (B,L)

Leaving Sana’a you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismaili and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Maybe do an easy walk among the terraces. Take atraditional lunch in a local pension in Manakah and enjoy the presentation of traditional Yemeni songs and dances. Return to Sana’a.

Hadramawt tour; 4 days (Classical); Trip Code: 4DT 3 
Sana’a – Sayun- Tarim – Shibam – Wadi Doan – Mukalla - flight to Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – flight to Sayun – Tarim – Sayun (B) Take a flight to Sayun in the morning or in the middle of the day (depends on a day of the flight). Visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al Kaf palace, library and the town. Return to Sayun, visit the town, and spend the evening in a lovely centre (hotel).

Day 2   Sayun – Shibam – Sayun (B) Visit the Sultan’s palace in Sayun and the traditional handicrafts market. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Mashad Ali – Al Hajjaryn – Sif – Al Khureiba - Mukalla (B,L)  Depart from Sayun to Mukalla. Drive via Wadi Doan and visit Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 4   Mukalla - flight to Sana’a - Dar al Hajar (B) Visit the fish market in Mukalla and transfer to the airport. Take a flight to Sana’a. In the afternoon visit Wadi Dhar with the Imam's palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Return to Sana'a. Overnight in a hotel in Sana'a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – flight to Sayun – Tarim – Sayun (B)

Transfer to the airport in Sana’a and take a flight to Sayun in the morning or in the middle of the day (depends on a day of the flight). Visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al Kaf palace and the town. If the flight will be in the morning, visit also the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans. Return to Sayun. On the way, you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. Take a rest in the hotel. Visit Sayun, the old town and spend an evening in a lovely centre (hotel).

Day 2   Sayun – Shibam – Sayun (B)

Visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy the old photographs of the early explorerers. Later visit the traditional handicraft market, where you can some traditional items like a woman’s hat. The town itself is worth to spend an hour as well. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Mashad Ali – Al Hajjaryn – Sif – Al Khureiba - Mukalla (hotel B,L) 

Depart west from Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and Khuraiba will spend your camera’s film. Take a lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel with a great view. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 4   Mukalla – flight to Sana'a – Dar al Hajar (B)

Visit the morning fish market in Mukalla and Husn al Guayzi fortress. Depart to the Al Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). In case of free afternoon, you can visit Wadi Dhar with the Imam's palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Return to Sana'a and overnight in a hotel in Sana'a.

Qana tour; 4 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 4DT 4         
Sana’a – Sayun - Tarim – Shibam – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Mukalla - flight to Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – flight to Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) Take a flight to Sayun in the morning or in the middle of the day (depends on a day of the flight). Visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al Kaf palace and the town. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 2   Sayun – Mashad Ali – Al Hajjaryn – Sif – Al Khureiba (B) Visit the Sultan’s palace in Sayun and the traditional handicrafts market. Depart to Wadi Doan and visit Al Hajarain, Sif, Rihab and Khureiba. Visit also Arubat village and return to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 3  Khureiba – trekking - Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D)  Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Visit Arubat village nearby. Drive to Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla and visit the town. Continue to Bir Ali (camping).

Day 4  Bir Ali -  Mukalla - flight to Sana’a – Sana’a (B) Enjoy in swimming in the morning. In the afternoon depart to Mukalla. Visit the volcano on the way. Take a flight to Sana’a. Transfer from the airport to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – flight to Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B)

Transfer to the airport in Sana’a and take a flight to Sayun in the early morning. Directly drive to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the old market. Return to Sayun. On the way, you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun and spend an evening in a lovely centre (hotel).

Day 2   Sayun – Mashad Ali – Al Hajjaryn – Sif – Al Khureiba (B)

Visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy the great old photographs of early travelers: Freya Stark, Hans Helfritz and others. Visit also the traditional handicraft market, where you can buy some traditional items, like woman’s hat. Depart to the west of Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 3   Khureiba – trekking - Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,L,D) 

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Mukalla. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Take a lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel with a great view. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Visit Al Guayzi fortress and the old town. Continue to Bir Ali beach. Enjoy in swimming and in the evening at the georgious beach (camping).

Day 4   Bir Ali - Mukalla – flight to Sana'a (B)

In the early morning you can climb Husn al Ghurab Mountain, where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana lying beneath the mountain, next to nowadays beach resort. On the way you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. Enjoy in swimming and sunbath. In the afternoon depart towards Mukalla. Visit the volcano on the way. Drive directly to the Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Sana’a.

5-DAYS TOURS

Tihama tour; 5 days (Classical); Trip Code: 5DT 1        
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla - Taizz – Taizz sightseeing – Mokha – Khokha - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Mahweet - Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Hababa – Zakati - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – half Sabir Mountain - Mokha - Al Khokha (B) After morning sightseeing of Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle, drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Then depart towards the Red sea. Visit Mokha and continue to Khokha (hotel).

Day 3   Al Khokha – Zabid - Bayt Al Faqih – Al Mahweet (B,L) Depart from Khokha to Zabid via Wadi Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Depart towards Mahweet via Beyt al Faquih, Bajil and picturesque Wadi Sara. Arrive to Mahweet (hotel).

Day 4   Al Mahweet – Riadi - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababah - Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B)  In the morning visit the old part of Mahweet and Riadi village. Contiunue to Kawkaban region and visit the fortress towns of Kawkaban, Shibam, Hababah and Thula. Drive to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 5   Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Lunch and presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend, visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – half Sabir Mountain - Mokha - Al Khokha (B)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz. Drive to the half of Sabir Mountain above Taizz. Depart from Taizz to the Red Sea. Visit Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Along the beach way to Al Khokha you can enjoy the Red Sea shore, rich in shells, pelicans and other sea birds. Overnight in Al Khokha, small fishing village, known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq (hotel).

Day 3   Al Khokha – Zabid - Bayt Al Faqih – Al Mahweet (B,L)

After the morning swim in Al Khokha depart to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Tihama, the desert plain along the Red Sea, will meet you with a completely different, very African atmosphere, with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks and unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive to the street market Bayt Al-Faqih and continue via beautiful Wadi Sara to the mountain town, Al Mahweet (hotel).

Day 4   Al Mahweet – Riadi - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababah - Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B)

In the morning visit Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in great views. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Kawkaban can offer you many great sights. From the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m, you can take a paved path down the flank of the cliff to Shibam, which is supposed to be the place where on of the stories from 1001 night stories happened. Continue to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and then to magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Drive to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 5   Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (B)

Leaving Sana’a, you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a loca pension and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana'a.

Northern mountains tour; 5 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 5DT 2         
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla - Taizz – Taizz sightseeing – Zabid – Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet - Hababa – Zakati - Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib -  Dar al Hajar - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Zabid – Jabal Burra (B,L) After morning sightseeing of the Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle depart towards Jabal Burra. One the way visit Zabid (UNESCO), the Yemeni jewell and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Continue to Jabal Burra (camping).

Day 3   Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Al Mahweet – Zakati - Hababa – Kawkaban (B) Depart from Jabal Burra towards Mahweet. Visit the old town and Riadi village. Drive via tropical Wadi Sara. Continue to Zakati, Hababa and then to the Kawkaban village on the top of the mountain (local pension).

Day 4   Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Manakah (B)  In the morning walk from Kawkaban down to Shibam. Visit well preserved Thula village. Drive via Matnah by the winding road to Manakah. Enjoy in traditional dinner and the presentation of traditional dances (local pension).

Day 5   Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al-Qadi - Sana’a (B,L) Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Possible to do an easy trekking. Lunch. Return to Sana’a. On the way visit Wadi Dhar and the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar).

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of the narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend, visit one of the oldest Yemeni mosques, Al Janad, built in the time of the Prophet. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz. Evening shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Zabid – Jabal Burra (B,L,D)

In the morning visit one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques Al-Ashrafiya and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz.

Depart from Taizz to Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea that will meet you with a completely different, very African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Visit Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Visit also one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to Jabal Burra, the magnificent mountain with dozens of small villages (camping).

Day 3   Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Al Mahweet – Zakati - Hababa – Kawkaban (B,D)

In the morning drive to the top of the Burra Mountain and enjoy in the great views. You can also do a light walk to visit some villages. Depart with your car down the mountain and then drive via picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. Maybe you will be lucky and you will find many of bottle trees blossoming. Visit the old town of Mahweet and the nearby Riadi village. Continue to Kawkaban region and visit the unbelievable fortress Zakati and Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cistern. Drive up to the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m (local pension).

Day 4   Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Manakah (B,D) 

In the morning you can walk by the winding path from the fortress town Kawkaban down to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Then visit the jewel of the northern plateau, Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Depart to Manakah, buy winding road, passing the region of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Manakah, the capital of Haraz Mountains, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Enjoy in traditional dinner and in rhytms of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 5   Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L)

Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. It is possible to do an easy walk among the terraces and to visit some other villages like Lakamat al Qadi or Jumaa. Take another traditional lunch and depart toward Sana’a. Drive also to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Sana’a.

On the tracks of Freya Stark; 5 days (Classical); Trip Code: 5DT 3     
Sana’a – Baraquish (if possible) - Marib – Ramlat al Sabatyn desert – Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla – Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Thula - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Baraquish (if possible) - Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) (B) Depart from Sana’a to Marib. If possible visit Baraquish. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B,L) Depart from Marib to the Ramlat Al-Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla (B,L) Depart from Sayun to Mukalla. Drive via Wadi Doan and visit Mshad Ali, Al Hajarain, and Sif. Lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 5   Mukalla – flight to Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Thula – Sana’a (B) Visit the fish market in Mukalla and transfer to the airport. Take a flight to Sana’a. In the afternoon visit Wadi Dhar with the Imam's palace Dar al Hajar and Thula village. Return to Sana'a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish (if possible) - Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) (B)

Depart from Sana’a to the east, through the scenic mountains and visit Baraquish, the former capital of Main kingdom. Continue to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Take a lunch in a restaurant or in the hotel. Later visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B)

Early morning depart from Marib to Sayun. Drive into the Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the near salt mines. Continue along the ancient caravan route of spices and incense to Sayun, the town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit of the Al-Kaf palace, the old library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. A magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad and the town itself are worth to spend an hour or two. Enjoy the collection of Freya Stark’s photographs. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla (B,L)

Depart to the west of Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and Khureiba will spend your camera’s film. Take a lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel with a great view. Continue your way over Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 5   Mukalla – flight to Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Thula – Sana’a (B)

Visit the morning fish market in Mukalla and Husn al Guayzi fortress. Depart to the Al Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). In case of free afternoon, you can visit a fertile valley Wadi Dhar with the Imam's palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Continue to Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Return to Sana'a.

On the route of the caravans; 5 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 5DT 4  
Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) – Ramlat al Sabatyn desert – Old Shabwa – Shibam – Sayun – Tarim – Sayun – Mashad Ali – Al Hajjaryn – Sif – Khureiba – Arubat – Mukalla - Sana'a – trekking Beduga - Al Ahjur – Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the desert. Visit Marib on the way: the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib. Directly continue to the desert and stop in the desert dunes (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun (B,L) Expect the sunrise in the dunes. Depart towards old Shabwa and enjoy the desert dunes. Visiit the remains of the old Shabwa and the nearby salt mines. On the way to Sayun, visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, library and the market. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. Continue to Wadi Doan to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla (B) Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Visit Arubat village nearby. Depart to Mukalla. Stop in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 5   Mukalla – flight to Sana’a – trekking Beduga - Al Ahjur - Sana’a (B, picnic L) Visit the fish market in Mukalla and transfer to the airport. Take a morning flight to Sana’a. Drive directly to Kawkaban region and do a nice trekking. Return to Sana'a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B, D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east and drive through the scenic mountains to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam. Later visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Continue via Safir (refinery), to the desert (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Expect the sunrise in the desert. Drive toward old Shabwa via Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of the Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the nearby salt mines. Continue the way on the ancient caravan route of incense and spices to Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. The visit of this jewel of the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Continue to Sayun, a town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Wadi Doan - Khureiba (B,D)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the old market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. A magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad, and the town itself are worth to spend an hour or two. Depart to one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical… tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla (B)

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Mukalla. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 5   Mukalla – flight to Sana'a – trekking in Kawkaban region

Visit the morning fish market in Mukalla and Husn al Guayzi fortress. Depart to the Al Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). In case of free afternoon, you can drive directly to Kawkaban region and do a nice trekking. If you are a good walker, then a trekking from Beduga to Al Ahjur would be a choice for you, otherwise you can do a shorter walk from Bokur to At Tawila. Return to Sana'a and overnight in a hotel in Sana'a.

7-DAYS TOURS

Green Arabia tour; 7 days (Classical); Trip Code: 7DT 1          
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla - Taizz – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah –Tur al bahah – Aden - Taizz – Jabal Sabir - Mokha – Khokha - Zabid – Hudaydah - Mahweet - Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula – Hababa – Zakati – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah – Tur al Bahah – Aden (B) After morning sightseeing of Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle, depart towards Turbah. Drive via Wadi Dhabab. Visit Yifrus and continue to Turbah. Take a speactacular escend down to Wadi … and continue to Aden.

Day 3   Aden sightseeing – Lahij – Taizz – Jabal Sabir Mountain – Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island, the cisterns, maybe Zaratustrian temple and do a sightseeing by car. Depart towards Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 4  Taizz - Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L) Depart from Taizz to the Red sea. Drive to Mokha, continue to Khokha and then via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Continue to Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 5  Hudaydah – Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet (B, picnic L) Visit fish market in Hudaydah. Depart to Jabal Burra, drive to the top. Return down and continue via picturesque Wadi Sara to Mahweet (hotel).

Day 6  Al Mahweet – Riadi – Kawkaban - Shibam – Hababah - Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B)  In the morning visit the old part of Mahweet and Riadi village. Contiunue to Kawkaban region and visit the old towns of Kawkaban, Shibam, Hababah and Thula. Drive to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 7   Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismailia center. Lunch and presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend, visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah – Tur al Bahah – Aden (B)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz. Depart towards Turbah. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Have a look to the huge Baobab tree near Turbah. And now the spectacular descend by the steep, winding road down to Wadi. Drive for an hour and a half by the off road and then continue by the paved road via desert landscape to Aden. Spend an evening in the Crater center (hotel).

Day 3   Aden sightseeing – Lahij – Taizz – Jabal Sabir Mountain – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Later visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing by car. Depart to Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. Return to Taizz and maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 4  Taizz - Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L)

Depart from Taizz to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to the modern, big city, Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 5  Hudaydah – Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet (B, picnic L)

In the morning visit the fish market in Hudaydah. If you will be lucky, you will see plenty of sharks and you can buy shark teeths for your ethno-necklace. Depart to Jabal Burra, the magnificent mountain with dozens of small villages. Drive to the top of the mountain and enjoy in the great views.Return down and continue your way via picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. Sometimes you can find many of bottle trees blossoming. Visit the old town of Mahweet (hotel).

Day 6   Al Mahweet – Riadi - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababah - Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B)

In the morning visit Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in great views. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Kawkaban can offer you many great sights. From the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m, you can take a paved path down the flank of the cliff to Shibam, which is supposed to be the place where on of the stories from 1001 night stories happened. Continue to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and then to magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Drive to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 7   Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (B)

Leaving Sana’a, you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a loca pension and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana'a.

Steep terraces tour; 7 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 7DT 2     
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm - Taizz – Jabal Sabir – Taizz  sightseeing - Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah – Wadi Zabid - Zabid – Jabal Burra – Khamis beni Sad - Mahweet – Kawkaban - Beduga – Al Ahjur – Hababa - Thula – Manakah – trekking - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Continue to the green part of Yemen to Udayn and drive to the Jabal al Hazm (camping).

Day 2  Jabal al Hazm - Al Janad - Taizz – Jabal Sabir Mountain – Taizz (B) Depart from Jabal al Hazm towards Taizz. On the way visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Drive to the top of Jabal Sabir Mountain and enjoy in the great views. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 3 Taizz - Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah (B,D) After morning sightseeing of Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle, depart towards Yifrus. Drive via Wadi Dhabab and then visit Yifrus. Continue to Mokha, Khokha and to the Al Fazzah on the Red sea coast (camping).

Day 4  Al Fazzah - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Jabal Burra (B,L,D) Depart from Al Fazzah via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Drive via Bayt al Faquih to Burra Mountain (camping).

Day 5  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet - Riadi – Kawkaban (B,D) Drive to the top of the mountain and visit some villages. Return down and continue via picturesque Wadi Sara to Mahweet. Visit the old town of Mahweet and Riadi village. Continue to Kawkaban (local pension).

Day 6  Kawkaban – trekking Beduga to Al Ahjur - Hababah - Thula – Manakah (B,D) In the morning drive to Beduga and do trekking to Al Ahjur. Later visit Hababah and Thula villages. Continue Manakah. Overngiht and enjoy in presentation of Yemeni dances (local pension).

Day 7  Manakah – trekking (upon agreement) - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L) In the morning trekking in Haraz Mountains. Visit also Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismailia center. Depart to Sana’a. On the way extension to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Continue to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm (B,D)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. From Ibb descend down to Udayn, the green country and drive to the camping place in Jabal al Hazm (camping).

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Day 2  Jabal al Hazm - Al Janad - Taizz – Jabal Sabir Mountain – Taizz (B) Depart from Jabal al Hazm towards Taizz. Enjoy the beautiful landscape while ascending to Mudaykirah and then descend down to Taizz. On the way visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Arrive to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities, Taizz and drive directly to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in the great views of the fertile terraces and dozen of villages. It is possible do do alight walk down and visit some villages. Return to Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 3 Taizz - Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah (B,D)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz. Depart towards Yifrus. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Depart toward the Red Sea. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Pass Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Continue to Al Fazzah, on the Red Sea coast (camping).

Day 4  Al Fazzah - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Jabal Burra (B,L,D)

After refreshing swim in the morning, depart from Al Fazzah via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue towards Bayt al Faquih and then ascend to spectacular Burra Mountain, with dozens of small villages (camping).

Day 5  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet - Riadi – Kawkaban (B,D)

Drive to the top of the Burra Mountain, maybe visit one of the villages and enjoy in the great views. Return down and continue your way via picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. If lucky, you will find many of bottle trees blossoming. Visit the old town of Mahweet, called Masnah. Visit also Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in a magnificent view. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Kawkaban can offer you many great sights. Finally ascend by the steep road to the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m (pension).

Day 6  Kawkaban – trekking Beduga to Al Ahjur - Hababah - Thula – Manakah (B,D)

In the morning drive to Beduga and do a nice trekking to Al Ahjur via Wadi Gazuan. Later visit Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with a great cistern and then the magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Depart to Manakah via Matnah. Manakah, the capital of Haraz Mountains, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Enjoy in traditional dinner and in rhytms of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 7  Manakah – trekking (upon agreement) - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L)

In the early morning start trekking among terraces and small villages of Haraz Mountains (details later, possible trekking from 2-5 h: Nice option: trekking from Al Ghorein to Beyt al Amir). Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a lunch in a local pension. Depart to Sana’a. On the way extension to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit it’s famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Bilquis tour; 7 days (Classical); Trip Code: 7DT 3         
Sana’a - Baraquish - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Mukalla - flight back to Sana’a - Dar al-Hajar – Thula - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1 Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (B) Depart from Sana’a to Marib. If possible visit Baraquish. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L) Depart from Marib to the Ramlat Al-Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Khailah (B,D) Visit the Sultan’s palace in the morning. Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Drive to the plateau, to the Khailah hotel resort (hotel).

Day 5   Khailah – Bugshan area – Al Joul – Mukalla (B) Enjoy the nice view in the morning. Drive to Bugshan area and explore the area. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla. Visit the town: the Al Guayzi fortress and the old town. Evening in the lovely center (hotel).

Day 6   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Mukalla (B, picnic L) In the morning visit the fish and fruit market in Mukalla. Depart to Bir Ali. Visit the volcano on the way. Enjoy in swimming and sunbath on the georgious beach. Have a picnic lunch. Return to Mukalla (hotel).

Day 7   Al Mukalla – flight back to Sana’a - Dar al Hajar – Thula - Sana’a

Transfer to the airport in Riyan and take a morning flight to Sana’a. Directly continue to Wadi Dhar with the Imam's palace Dar al Hajar and visit also Thula village. Return to Sana'a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) (B)

Depart from Sana’a to the east, through the scenic mountains and if the security sitation will allow, visit Baraquish, the former capital of Main kingdom. Continue to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years. Visit also the new dam and the old town of Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Early morning depart from Marib to Sayun. Drive into the Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the near salt mines. Continue along the ancient caravan route of spices and incense to Sayun, the town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Khahilah (B,D)

Visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy the collection of Freya Stark’s photographs. Depart to the west of Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and Khureiba will spend your camera’s film. Drive up to the plateau and arrive to the new tourist resort  Khahilah (hotel).

Day 5   Khahilah – Bugshan area – Al Joul – Mukalla (B)

In the morning enjoy in a great view over the castle. Drive down to Bugshan area and visit the house of the famous sheikh. Drive close to the old castle as well. Explore the Wadi Doan there, recently affected by the devastating floods. Later continue your way over Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world. Arrive to Al Mukalla and visit the town: the picturesque tiny fortress Al Guayzi and the old town where only some of old houses remains. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 6   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Mukalla (B, picnic L)

In the morning visit fish and fruit market in this fastly growing port city. Depart to the west, along the volcanic landscape to Bir Ali. Visit the volcano near Bir Ali. Spend half a day in swimming and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain. Have a picnic lunch. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. If you want to be active, you can climb the mountain where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana. While climbing you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. In the late afternoon return to Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 7   Al Mukalla – flight back to Sana’a - Dar al-Hajar – Thula - Sana’a

Trnsfer to the Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). Directly continue to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Thula, a magnificent fortress town with its originally preserved walls, is a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Return to Sana’a.

Eastern tour; 7 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 7DT 4     
Sana’a - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Mukalla - flight back to Sana’a – trekking in Kawkaban region - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1 Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B) Depart from Sana’a to the desert. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib. Continue to the desert, stop in the desert dunes (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L) Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the dunes of Ramlat Al-Sabatyn and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4  Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D) Visit the Sultan’s palace in the morning. Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Visit Arubat village and return to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 5   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila – Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D) Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Depart to Mukalla. Stop in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla and continue directly to Bir Ali. Enjoy in swimming and relaxing on the georgious beach (camping).

Day 6  Bir Ali - Al Mukalla (B,picnic L) Enjoy in swimming and sunbath on the georgious beach. In the afternoon depart to Mukalla. Visit the volcano on the way. Do sightseeing of Al Mukalla: Al Guayzi fortress and the town. Spend an evening in the lovely center (hotel).

Day 7   Al Mukalla – flight back to Sana’a – trekking in Kawkaban region - Sana’a (B)

In the morning visit the fish and fruit market in Mukalla.Transfer to the airport in Riyan and take a morning flight to Sana’a. Directly continue to Kawkaban region and do a nice trekking there. Return to Sana'a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B, D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east and drive through the scenic mountains to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam. Later visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Continue via Safir (refinery), to the desert (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Expect the sunrise in the desert. Drive toward old Shabwa via Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of the Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the nearby salt mines. Continue the way on the ancient caravan route of incense and spices to Sayun, a town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Sayun (B)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the old market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. In the afternoon drive to Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. The visit of this jewel of the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Wadi Doan - Khureiba (B,D)

Visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad, and the town itself are worth to spend an hour or two. Enjoy in collection of the photos from early explorers. Visit also the traditional handicraft market, where you can buy some traditional items, like woman’s hat. Then depart to one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical… tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 5   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D)

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Bir Ali. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla and directly continue to the west, to the georgious coral beach of Bir Ali (camping).

Day 6   Bir Ali - Al Mukalla (B, picnic L)

Spend half a day in swimming and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. If you want to be active, you can climb the mountain where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana. While climbing you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. Take a picnic lunch. In the afternoon return to Al Mukalla Visit the volcano on the way. Arrive to Al Mukalla and visit the old town where only some of old houses remains. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 7   Mukalla – flight to Sana'a – trekking in Kawkaban region (B)

Visit the morning fish and fruit market in Mukalla and Husn al Guayzi fortress. Depart to the Al Riyan airport and take a flight to Sana'a (schedule prior to change). In case of free afternoon, you can drive directly to Kawkaban region and do a nice trekking. If you are a good walker, then a trekking from Beduga to Al Ahjur would be a choice for you, otherwise you can do a shorter walk from Bokur to At Tawila. Return to Sana'a and overnight in a hotel in Sana'a.

10-DAYS TOURS

Quick Yemen tour; 10 days (Classical);Trip Code: 10 DT 1       
Sana’a - Baraquish - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden – Taizz – Jabal Sabir – Taizz – Al Janad – Ibb – Jibla – Taizz – Mokha – Khokha – Zabid – Hudaydah – Manakah – Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib – Sana’a – Dar al Hajar - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababa – Zakati – Thula  – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (B) Depart from Sana’a to Marib. If possible visit Baraquish. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L) Depart from Marib to the Ramlat Al-Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla (B, L) Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Drive to the plateau and have a lunch at Al Hayd al Jazeel hotel and enjoy in the great view. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla. Visit the town: the Al Guayzi fortress and the old town. Spend an evening in the lovely center (hotel).

Day 5   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden (B, picnic L) In the early morning visit the fish and fruit market in Mukalla. Depart to Aden, Visit the volcano before Bir Ali. Enjoy in a refreshing swim on the georgious beach. Have a picnic lunch. Continue along the coastal road to Aden (hotel).

Day 6   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island, the cisterns, maybe Zaratustrian temple and d0 sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart towards Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Visit also Kairo castle. Return down to Taizz (hotel).

Day 7  Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Al Janad - Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B) Visit Al Ashrafiya mosque in the morning. Make excursion to the north. Visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Later visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz - Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L) Depart from Taizz to the Red sea. Drive to Mokha, continue to Khokha and then via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Continue to Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 9  Hudaydah – Manakah -  Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L) In the early morning visit fish market in Hudaydah. Depart from Hudaydah to Sana’a. Stop in Manakah. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismailia center. Take a lunch and enjoy the presentation of traditional dances in a local pension. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 10  Sana’a – Dar al Hajar - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion to Kawkaban region. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Later visit the villages of Shibam and Kawkaban. Lunch. Visit also Hababa, Zakati and Thula villages. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) (B)

Depart from Sana’a to the east, through the scenic mountains and if the security sitation will allow, visit Baraquish, the former capital of Main kingdom. Continue to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years. Visit also the new dam and the old town of Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Early morning depart from Marib to Sayun. Drive into the Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the near salt mines. Continue along the ancient caravan route of spices and incense to Sayun, the town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. In Sayun, visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy the collection of Freya Stark’s photographs. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba – Khahila - Mukalla (B, L)

Depart west from Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and Khuraiba will spend your camera’s film. Take a lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel with a great view. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 5   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden (B, picnic L)

In the morning visit fish and fruit market in this fastly growing port city. Depart towards Aden along the volcanic landscape. Visit the volcano near Bir Ali. A refreshing swim and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain is perfect before the long ride further. Have a picnic lunch. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. After lunch continue a long way by the coastal road via Balhaf and Abiyan to Aden (hotel).

Day 6   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Later visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing by car. Depart to Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. Visit also the Kairo castle above Taizz. Return to Taizz and maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 7 Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Al Janad - Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques. Make excursion to the north. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz - Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L)

Depart from Taizz to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to the modern, big city, Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 9  Hudaydah – Manakah -  Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L)

In the early morning visit the traditional fish market in Hudaydah where one can observe also the construction of Yemeni boats. If you will be lucky, you will see plenty of sharks and you can buy shark teeths for your ethno-necklace. Depart to Haraz Mountains via Bajil and the beautiful Wadi Surdud with its desert rose trees. Manakah, the capital of Haraz, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, markets and attractive four-story houses. Visit Al Hajarah, an old fortified village and then Al Khoteib, a pilgrimage center of Yemeni Ismaili Shi’a sect. Enjoy in nice views over the impressive stone villages and the terraces with qat and coffee plantations. Take a traditional lunch in a local pension and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 10  Sana’a – Dar al Hajar - Kawkaban – Shibam – Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Sana’a (B,L)

Heading north from Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where occurred one of the stories from 1001 night stories. Visit the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m, either by car and either by climbing a paved path which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam. Enjoy traditional lunch in one of the pension there. Continue your excursion to Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and to the unbelievable fortress Zakati. At the end visit, the jewel, Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Return to Sana’a.

On the road of the spices; 10 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 10 DT 2   
Sana’a - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden – Al Janad – Jabal Sabir – Taizz – Mokha – Khokha – Zabid – Al Fazzah – Jabal Burra – Manakah – Al Hajjarah – Al Khoteib – Hababa – Zakati – Thula – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the desert. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib. Continue to the desert, stop in the desert dunes (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun (B, picnic L) Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the dunes of Ramlat Al-Sabatyn and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun and on the way visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D) In the morning visit the Sultan’s palace and the town. Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Visit Arubat village and return to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila – Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D) Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Depart to Mukalla. Stop in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla and continue directly to Bir Ali. Enjoy in swimming and relaxing on the georgious beach (camping).

Day 5  Bir Ali full day (B,D) Full day for swimming and sunbath on the georgious beach. You can vist the Bir Ali fishing village or climb the Ghurab Mountian next to the beach, that porotected the ancient port of Qana (camping).

Day 6   Bir Ali – Aden (B) After the refreshing morning swim, depart to Aden. Drive along the coastal road. In Aden, visit the cisterns and Zaratustrian temple and do sightseeing of Aden by car (hotel).

Day 7   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island and do day sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart towards Taizz via Lahij. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Visit also Kairo castle. Return down to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz – Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid – Al Fazzah (B,L,D) Depart from Taizz to the Red sea. Drive to Mokha, continue to Khokha and then via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Return to the coast and take a swim on Al Fazzah (camping).

Day 9  Al Fazzah – Jabal Burra - Manakah -  Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B, picnic L,D) Depart from the coast to Bajil and continue to Jabal Burra. Visit this exceptional mountain. Continue via Wadi Surdud to Manakah. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismailia center. Enjoy the presentation of traditional dances in a local pension (local pension).

Day 10  Manakah - Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B,L) Depart from Manakah to Kawkaban region. Visit Hababa, Zakati and Thula villages. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B, D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east and drive through the scenic mountains to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam. Later visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Continue via Safir (refinery), to the desert (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun (B, picnic L)

Expect the sunrise in the desert. Drive toward old Shabwa via Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of the Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the nearby salt mines. Continue the way on the ancient caravan route of incense and spices to Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. The visit of this jewel of the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Drive to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Wadi Doan - Khureiba (B,D)

In the morning visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy in collection of the photos from early explorers. Visit also the traditional handicraft market, where you can buy some traditional items, like woman’s hat. Depart to Wadi Doan. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical… tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D)

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Bir Ali. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Visit the town and Al Guayzi fortress. Continue to the west, to the georgious coral beach of Bir Ali (camping).

Day 5   Bir Ali full day (B,D)

Spend a fullday in swimming and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. If you want to be active, you can climb the mountain where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana. While climbing you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. You can visit the fishing village of Bir Ali and if you are lucky, you might witness fresly catched sharks. Another peaceful evening on the Indian Ocean’s coast (camping).

Day 6   Bir Ali – Aden (B)

Take another refreshing swim in the morning. Depart to Aden, via long coastal road. In Aden, visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing of Aden by car. Spend an evening in Crater center, vivid till the early morning hours (hotel).

Day 7   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Do another sightseeing of asden by car. Depart to Taizz via Lahij. Drive to Al Janad and visit the Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Then drive to Taizz and directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain where you can enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. Visit also the Kairo castle above Taizz. Return to Taizz and maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz - Mokha - Al Khokha – Zabid – Al Fazzah (B,L,D)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques. Depart from Taizz to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Return to the coast and enjoy in swimming in the Red Sea at Al Fazzah (camping).

Day 9   Al Fazzah – Jabal Burra - Manakah -  Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib – Manakah (B,picnic L,D)

Depart from Al Fazzah to Manakah. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Drive via dusty town of Bajil and then to the Bura National park. Experience some green nature of Yemen and then drive to the top of the great Burra Mountain. Maybe visit one of the villages and enjoy in the great views. Return down and continue your way via picturesque Wadi Surdud. If lucky, you will find some exaples of bottle trees. Near Manakah, the center of Haraz Mountains, visit Al Hajarah, an old fortified village and then Al Khoteib, a pilgrimage center of Yemeni Ismaili Shi’a sect. Enjoy in nice views over the impressive stone villages and the terraces with qat and coffee plantations. Enjoy in traditional evening in a local pension with a presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 10  Sana’a – Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Dar al Hajar - Sana’a (B)

Depart from Manakah to Kawkaban region. Visit Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with great cisterns and then the unbelievable fortress Zakati that was used for storing the grains. At the end visit the jewel, Thula, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. On the way to Sana’a, drive to fertile valley Wadi Dhar with its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a.

Western discovery; 10 days (Classical); Trip Code: 10 DT 3    
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz – Jabal Sabir - Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah –Tur al Bahah – Aden – Bab al Mandab - Mokha – Khokha - Zabid – Hudaydah – Hajjah – Kuhlan – Amran – Sana’a - Dar al Hajar - Hababa – Zakati – Tawila - Mahweet - Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula - Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Jabal Sabir – Taizz (B) In the morning visit the Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle. Drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in light walking down. Visit the lovely market of Taizz (hotel).

Day 3   Taizz - Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah – Tur al Bahah – Aden (B) Depart from Taizz towards Turbah. Drive via Wadi Dhabab, visit Yifrus and continue to Turbah. Take a speactacular escend down to Wadi … and continue to Aden. Do sightseeing of Aden: Crater, the cisterns, Zaratustrian temple (hotel).

Day 4  Aden – Bab al Mandab - Mokha - Al Khokha (B) Visit Siira Island in the morning. Depart from Aden to Khokha. Drive via the eastern point of Yemen, Bab al Mandab to Mokha. Continue via coastal road to Khokha. Enjoy in swimming (hotel).

Day 5  Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L) After the morning swim, depart from Khokha to Hudaydah. Drive via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages. Continue to Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 6   Hudaydah – Zohra – Hajjah – Kuhlan – Amran - Sana’a (B) In the morning visit the fish market in Hudaydah. Depart to the north. Visit Zohra village with its beautiful houses. Continue to Hajja, visit the castle and then continue towards Sana’a. On the way visit the fortress of Kuhlan and the old Amran. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 7  Sana’a – Wadi Dhar – Hababa – Zakati – Tawila – Mahweet (B) Depart from Sana’a to Mahweet. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Later visit the village of Hababa and Zakati fortress. Drive from there to  the picturesque Tawila village and further to Mahweet town (hotel).

Day 8   Mahweet – Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula - Sana’a (B,L) Visit the old part of Mahweet in the morning and also Riadi village nearby. Depart to Kawkaban region and visit the fortress town Kawkaban. It is possible to walk down to Shibam. Have a lunch in a local pension. Visit also Thula village. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 9   Sana’a – Marib – Sana’a (B,L)  Make an excursion to Marib region. Visit the old dam, the new dam, the temple of the sun, the temple of the moon and the old Marib. Have a lunch in a hotel. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 10  Sana’a – Manakah - Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Sana’a (B,L) Excursion from Sana’a to Manakah region. Visit Al Hajjarah stony village and Al Khoteib, the Ismaili center. Take a lunch in a local pension and enjoy the presentation of traditional dances. Return to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Janad - Taizz (B)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. After a spectacular descend, visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Continue to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities – Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely suq (hotel).

Day 2   Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Jabal Sabir - Taizz

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz.

Drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in the great views of the fertile terraces and dozen of villages. It is possible do do a light walk down and visit some villages. Yopu can also enjoy shisha with a view over Taizz. Return to Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 3 Taizz – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Turbah – Tur al Bahah – Aden (B)

Depart from Taizz towards Turbah. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Have a look to the huge Baobab tree near Turbah. And now the spectacular descend by the steep, winding road down to Wadi…. Drive for an hour and a half by the off road and then continue by the paved road via desert landscape to Aden. Visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing by car. Spend an evening in the Crater center (hotel).

Day 4   Aden sightseeing – Bab al Mandab – Mokha – Khokha (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Depart to the south eastern angle of Arabian Peninsula, to Bab al Mandab (channel that separates Red Sea from the Bay of Aden). The climb of one of the two mountains will offer you a great view over Kamaran Island and if the weateher would be clear, to Djibuti coast. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Enjoy in swimming there (hotel).

Day 5  Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L)

After the morning swim, depart from Khokha to Hudaydah. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to the modern, big city, Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 6  Hudaydah – Zohra – Hajjah – Kuhlan – Amran – Sana’a

In the morning visit the fish market in Hudaydah. If you will be lucky, you will see plenty of sharks and you can buy shark teeths for your ethno-necklace. Depart to the north. Visit Zohra villge, where one can find the nicest examples of Tihama’s straw-covered huts made of palm trunks. The palm trunks are covered with local clay and inside of the houses is decorated by the local woman. The most typical are colorful flower motifs and geometric patterns, while you can find also the items from the modern times like aeroplanes, cars etc. Ascend to Hajjah town, one of the strongholds of Zaydi Imamate, known by its prisons that held the enemies of the imam. Visit the Cairo castle, built in the time of Turkish occupation. Drive further by a winding road to Kuhlan, the ancient Zaydi administrative center of the surrounding area. Continue to Amran, visit the old town, sourrended by a city wall and with houses made of mud bricks. Drive to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 7   Sana’a – Wadi Dhar – Hababa – Zakati – Tawila – Mahweet (B)

Depart from Sana’a to Mahweet. Drive to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Kawkaban region and visit Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with a great cistern. Visit also the unbelievable fortress Zakati that has been used by the locals for storing the grain. Drive over the rocky plateau and descend to Tawila village, the “tall vllage” with five peaks. Continue towards Mahweet, the center of coffee production (hotel).

Day 8   Mahweet – Kawkaban – Shibam – Thula - Sana’a (B,L)

In the morning visit the old part of Mahweet, called Masna. Visit also Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in a magnificent view. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Kawkaban can offer you many great sights. Finally ascend by the steep road to the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m. After sighseeing, you can decide for taking a small path down which follows the flank of the cliff to Shibam. Shibam is supposed to be the place where one of the stories from 1001 night stories occurred. Have a lunch in a local pension. Continue to nearby Thula village, the jewel of the northern plateau, a magnificent fortress town with originally preserved walls. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 9   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) - Sana’a (B,L)

Depart to the east of Sana’a through the scenic mountains and descend to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam and the old Marib. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 10   Sana’a - Manakah – Al Hajarah - Al Khoteib - Lakamat Al Qadi - Sana’a (B)

Leaving Sana’a, you will enter into the fertile landscapes of Beni Matar and Haima tribes. Haraz Mountains will welcome you with villages and coffee plantations cling to steep slopes. Manakah, its capital, is an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Visit an old fortified village Al Hajarah, and then Al Khoteib, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a loca pension and enjoy in the presentation of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah. Return to Sana'a.

Mountain adventure; 10 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 10 DT 4           
Sana’a – Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal Al Hazm - Al Janad - Taizz – Jabal Sabir – Taizz – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah – Zabid – Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet – Tawila – Zakakti – Hababa - Kawkaban – trekking – Thula - Kawkaban – Amran – Shahara – trekking - Wadi Dhar – Manakah - Al Hajarah – trekking - Jabal Shogruf - Al Khoteib - Sana'a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Al Udayn – Jabal Al Hazm (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the south and visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Later drive down to Udayn and meet the green valley. Drive to the bottom of Hazm Mountain (camping).

Day 2  Al Hazm -  Al Janad - Taizz  – Jabal Sabir – Taizz (B) Depart from Al Hazm to Al Janad and visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Continue to Taizz and drive directly to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in light walking down. Visit the lovely market of Taizz (hotel).

Day 3  Taizz – Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle - Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha - Al Khokha – Al Fazzah (B,D) In the morning visit the Al Ashrafiya mosque and Kairo castle. Drive towards Yifrus, through the interesting Wadi Dhabab. Continue to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, visit Khokha and continue towards the coastal area of Al Fazzah (camoing).

Day 4  Al Fazzah – Zabid - Jabal Burra (B,L,D) After the morning swim, depart from Al Fazzah to Jabal Burra. Drive via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages. Continue to Bajil and to Burra Mountain (camping).

Day 5  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Mahweet – Riadi – Tawila - Kawkaban (B,D) Do a nice trekking around the villages of Jabal Burra in the morning. Depart to Kawkaban. Drive via interesting Wadi Sara to Mahweet. Visit Riadi village nearby. Depart to Tawila village and continue to Kawkaban (local pension).

Day 6   Kawkaban - trekking – Hababa – Zakati – Thula – Kawkaban (B,D) In the morning do trekking from Beduga to Al Ahjur. Later visit Zakati and Hababa villages and finally Thula village. Return to the Kawkaban village on the top of the plateau (local pension).

Day 7   Kawkaban – Kuhlan - Amran – Shahara (B,D) Depart from Kawkaban to Kuhlan and visit this Imam’s fortress. Continue to Amran and then further on via Huth to Al Gabei village. Change to the local’s car and continue driving to the top of Shahara Mountain (local pension).

Day 8   Shahara – trekking – Manakah (B,D) In the morning visit Shahara village and the famous bridge. It is possible to do trekking down to Al Gabei. Continue by your car towards Sana’a and drive directly via Matnah to Manakah (local pension).

Day 9   Manakah – Hajjarah - trekking – Jabal Shogruf (B,D) In the morning visit the famous Al Hajjarah village and then drive towards Shogruf Mountain. Do a trekking in that area (longerity upon your wishes) till you arrive to Shogruf Mountain (camping).

Day 10   Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib - Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L) Depart from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah and visit also Al Khoteib village, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar).

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a - Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm (B,D)

Depart to the south from Sana'a and meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. From Ibb descend down to Udayn, the green country and drive to the camping place in Jabal al Hazm (camping).

Day 2  Jabal al Hazm - Al Janad - Taizz – Jabal Sabir Mountain – Taizz (B)

Depart from Jabal al Hazm towards Taizz. Enjoy the beautiful landscape while ascending to Mudaykirah and then descend down to Taizz. On the way visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Arrive to the one of the biggest and most pleasant cities, Taizz and drive directly to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in the great views of the fertile terraces and dozen of villages. It is possible do do alight walk down and visit some villages. Return to Taizz. Spend an evening in shopping in the lovely old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 3 Taizz - Al Ashrafiya – Kairo castle – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah (B,D)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques and magnificent Kairo castle above it, from where one can have a great view of Taizz. Depart towards Yifrus. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Depart toward the Red Sea. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Pass Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Continue to Al Fazzah, on the Red Sea coast (camping).

Day 4  Al Fazzah - Zabid – Bayt al Faquih – Jabal Burra (B,L,D)

After refreshing swim in the morning, depart from Al Fazzah via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue towards Bayt al Faquih and then ascend to spectacular Burra Mountain, with dozens of small villages (camping).

Day 5  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara - Mahweet - Riadi – Kawkaban (B,D)

Drive to the top of the Burra Mountain, maybe visit one of the villages and enjoy in the great views. Return down and continue your way via picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. If lucky, you will find many of bottle trees blossoming. Visit the old town of Mahweet, called Masnah. Visit also Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in a magnificent view. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Kawkaban can offer you many great sights. Finally ascend by the steep road to the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m (local pension).

Day 6  Kawkaban – trekking Beduga to Al Ahjur - Hababah – Zakati – Thula – Kawkaban (B,D)

In the morning drive to Beduga and do a nice trekking to Al Ahjur via valley Wadi Gazuan. Later visit Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with a great cistern and the Zakati fortress that used to be used by the locals for storing the grains. Finally visit the magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Return to the Kawkaban village (local pension).

Day 7   Kawkaban – Kuhlan - Amran – Al Gabei - Shahara (B,D)

Depart from Kawkaban to Kuhlan village, the ancient Zaydi administrative center of the surrounding area. Continue to Amran, visit the old town, sourrended by a city wall and with houses made of stone and clay. Escorted by the military, continue your way to the north. After passing Huth you will turn west towards Shahara Mountain. The tropical nature among the high mountains is the result of the incoming warm winds from the Red Sea. Drive by unpaved road to Al Gabei village under Shahara Mountain. Drive with the local’s cars to the top of Shahara Mountain. The ride on a steep mountainous way by pick up cars is a special experience and one can be impressed by the achievements of Yemeni road builders (local pension).

Day 8   Shahara – trekking – Manakah (B,D)

In the morning visit the fortified Shahara village, an unconquered fortress of Zaydi’s Imams and then descend to the famous 17 centuries stone bridge that connects the two villages on the two mountains: Shahara al-Amir and Shahara al-Feish. The best way to experience Shahara is to walk down the mountain to Al Gabei village. Change to your car again and drive back towards Sana’a. Drive via Matnah and by the winding road to the the capital of Haraz Mountains, Manakah, an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Enjoy in traditional dinner and in rhytms of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 9   Manakah – Hajjarah - trekking – Jabal Shogruf (B,D)

In the morning visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah. Drive by the dirty road towards Shogruf Mountain. Depends on your wishes and how fit you are, we will choose a trekking route (from 3-8 h), that will lead you to the mystical Shogruf Mountain. Spend a night at the edge of the world (camping).

Day 10   Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib - Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L)

Do a light walk in the morning from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah. Visit Al Khoteib village, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a local pension and d a final dance with the locals. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit the famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

14-DAYS TOURS

Long classical Yemeni tour; 14 days (Classical); Trip Code: 14 DT 1    
Sana’a - Baraquish - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden – Taizz – Jabal Sabir – Taizz – Al Janad – Ibb – Jibla – Taizz – Mokha – Khokha – Zabid – Hudaydah – Jabal Burra – Zohra – Hajjah – Kuhlan – Thula – Kawkaban – Shibam – Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Hababa – Zakati – Tawila – Mahweet – Wadi Sara - Manakah – Al Hajarah – Al Khoteib – Sana’a – Beyt Bouss – new Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to Marib. If possible, visit Baraquish. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L) Depart from Marib to the Ramlat Al-Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. Return to Sayun and visit the Sultan’s palace. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba - Mukalla (B, L) Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Drive to the plateau and have a lunch at Al Hayd al Jazeel hotel and enjoy in the great view. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla. Visit the town: the Al Guayzi fortress and the old town. Spend an evening in the lovely center (hotel).

Day 5   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden (B, picnic L) In the early morning visit the fish and fruit market in Mukalla. Depart to Aden, Visit the volcano before Bir Ali. Enjoy in a refreshing swim on the georgious beach. Have a picnic lunch. Continue along the coastal road to Aden (hotel).

Day 6   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island, the cisterns, maybe Zaratustrian temple and d0 sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart towards Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Visit also Kairo castle. Return down to Taizz (hotel).

Day 7  Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Al Janad - Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B) Visit Al Ashrafiya mosque in the morning. Make excursion to the north. Visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Later visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz – Kairo castle - Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha - Al Khokha (B) In the morning visit the Kairo castle above Taizz. Drive towards Yifrus, through the interesting Wadi Dhabab. Continue to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha and drive near the coast to Khokha, a small village on the Red Sea coast (hotel).

Day 9  Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L) After the morning swim, depart from Khokha towards Al Fazzah and continue via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages. Continue to Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 10  Hudaydah – Jabal Burra – Zohra – Hajja (B,picnic L) In the morning visit the fish market in Hudaydah. Drive to the Burra National park and then to the top of Burra Mountain. Visit the villages there. Return down and depart to the north. Visit Zohra village with its beautiful houses. Continue to Hajja town (hotel).

Day 11  Hajjah – Kuhlan – Thula – Kawkaban – Shibam – Sana’a (B) Visit the castle in Hajjah and then continue towards Sana’a. On the way visit the fortress of Kuhlan. Later visit the jewell, Thula village. Drive up to Kawkaban village and then visit also Shibam. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 12  Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Hababa – Zakati – Tawila – Mahweet (B) Depart from Sana’a to Mahweet. Visit Wadi Dhar, with the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar). Later visit the Hababa village and Zakati fortress. Drive from there to picturesque Tawila village and further to Mahweet town (hotel).

Day 13  Mahweet – Wadi Sara – Manakah – Hajjarah – Al Khoteib - Sana (B,L) Visit the old town of Mahweet and the Riadi village nearby. Descend to the interesting Wadi Sara and drive to Khamis Beni Sad. From there ascend to Manakah. Take a lunch in a local pension and enjoy the presentation of traditional dances. Visit the nearby Hajjarah village and Al Khoteib, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 14  Sana’a – new Presidental mosque - Beyt Bouss - Sana’a (B) In the late morning visit the new, Presidental mosque. Continue your way to Beyt Bouss and visit this old castle near Sana’a. Return to new Sana’a and have some time for shopping,

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib (old dam, new dam, Temple of the sun, Temple of the moon, old Marib) (B,D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east, through the scenic mountains and if the security sitation will allow, visit Baraquish, the former capital of Main kingdom. Continue to the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba, Marib. Visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon, the God of the Sun and magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years. Visit also the new dam and the old town of Marib (hotel).

Day 2   Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Early morning depart from Marib to Sayun. Drive into the Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the near salt mines. Continue along the ancient caravan route of spices and incense to Sayun, the town at the edge of Table Mountains (hotel).

Day 3   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B)

In the morning depart to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace, the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans and the market of this nice town. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. In Sayun, visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy the collection of Freya Stark’s photographs. The afternoon visit of Shibam, “Manhattan of the desert”, one of the jewels in the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 4   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba – Khahila - Mukalla (B, L)

Depart west from Sayun and then drive into one of the nicest side wadis in Hadramawt, Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical. The tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and Khuraiba will spend your camera’s film. Take a lunch in Hayd al Jazeel hotel with a great view. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 5   Al Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden (B, picnic L)

In the morning visit fish and fruit market in this fastly growing port city. Depart towards Aden along the volcanic landscape. Visit the volcano near Bir Ali. A refreshing swim and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain is perfect before the long ride further. Have a picnic lunch. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. After lunch continue a long way by the coastal road via Balhaf and Abiyan to Aden (hotel).

Day 6   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Later visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing by car. Depart to Taizz via Lahij. Directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. Visit also the Kairo castle above Taizz. Return to Taizz and maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 7 Taizz – Al Ashrafiya - Al Janad - Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques. Make excursion to the north. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz -  Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha - Al Khokha (B)

Depart from Taizz towards Turbah. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Depart towards the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Enjoy in swimming and sunbath (hotel).

Day 9  Al Khokha – Zabid - Hudaydah (B,L)

After the morning swim, depart from Khokha to Hudaydah. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to the modern, big city, Hudaydah (hotel).

Day 10  Hudaydah – Jabal Burra – Zohra – Hajja (B,picnic L)

In the morning visit the fish market in Hudaydah. If you will be lucky, you will see plenty of sharks and you can buy shark teeths for your ethno-necklace. Drive to the Burra National park and experience the green nature of Yemen. Later drive to the top of exceptional Burra Mountain and visit some villages there. Take a picnic lunch and return down. Depart to the north. Visit Zohra village, where one can find the nicest examples of Tihama’s straw-covered huts made of palm trunks. The palm trunks are covered with local clay and inside of the houses is decorated by the local woman. The most typical are colorful flower motifs and geometric patterns, while you can find also the items from the modern times like aeroplanes, cars etc. Ascend to Hajjah town, one of the strongholds of Zaydi Imamate, known by its prisons that held the enemies of the imam (hotel).

Day 11  Hajjah – Kuhlan – Thula – Kawkaban – Shibam – Sana’a (B,L)

Visit the Cairo castle, built in the time of Turkish occupation. Drive further by a winding road to Kuhlan, the ancient Zaydi administrative center of the surrounding area. Continue to the magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Drive up to the fortress town Kawkaban at 3000 m. Enjoy traditional lunch in one of the pension there. From Kawkaban you can descend by car or you can take a path which follows the flank of the cliff from Shibam, on the foot of Jabal Kawkaban. Shibam is supposed to be the place where occurred one of the stories from 1001 night stories. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 12  Sana’a – Dar al Hajar – Hababa – Zakati – Tawila – Mahweet (B)

Depart from Sana’a to Mahweet. Drive to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit its famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Continue to Kawkaban region and visit Hababah, one of the most attractive Yemeni stone villages with a great cistern. Visit also the unbelievable fortress Zakati that has been used by the locals for storing the grain. Drive over the rocky plateau and descend to Tawila village, the “tall vllage” with five peaks. Continue towards Mahweet, the center of coffee production (hotel).

Day 13  Mahweet – Wadi Sara – Manakah – Hajjarah – Al Khoteib – Sana (B,L)

Visit the old town of Mahweet and the Riadi village nearby. Descend to the interesting Wadi Sara and drive to Khamis Beni Sad. From there ascend to Manakah. Take a lunch in a local pension and enjoy the presentation of traditional dances. Visit the nearby Hajjarah village and Al Khoteib, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Continue to Sana’a (hotel).

Day 14  Sana’a – new Presidental mosque - Beyt Bouss - Sana’a (B)

In the morning visit the new, Presidental mosque. Continue your way to Beyt Bouss and visit this old castle near Sana’a, known buy the good relation beween the Muslims and Jewish inhabitants. Possible visit of a small, green Sana’a village. Return to new Sana’a and have some time for shopping,

Popular Yemeni tour; 14 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 14DT 2
Sana’a - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden – Jabal Sabir – Taizz - Al Janad – Ibb – Jibla – Taizz – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha – Khokha –Al Fazzah – Zabid – Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Mahweet – Riadi – Tawila - Hababa – Zakati – Kawkaban – trekking – Thula - Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking – Jabal Shogruf - Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the desert. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib. Continue to the desert, stop in the desert dunes (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun (B, picnic L) Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the dunes of Ramlat Al-Sabatyn and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun and on the way visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D) In the morning visit the Sultan’s palace and the town. Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Visit Arubat village and return to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila – Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D) Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Depart to Mukalla. Stop in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla and continue directly to Bir Ali. Enjoy in swimming and relaxing on the georgious beach (camping).

Day 5  Bir Ali full day (B,D) Full day for swimming and sunbath on the georgious beach. You can vist the Bir Ali fishing village or climb the Ghurab Mountian next to the beach, that porotected the ancient port of Qana (camping).

Day 6   Bir Ali – Aden (B) After the refreshing morning swim, depart to Aden. Drive along the coastal road. In Aden, visit the cisterns and Zaratustrian temple and do sightseeing of Aden by car (hotel).

Day 7   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island and do day sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart towards Taizz via Lahij. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Visit also Kairo castle. Return down to Taizz (hotel).

Day 8   Taizz – Al Janad – Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B) Visit Al Ashrafiya mosque in the morning. Make excursion to the north. Visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Later visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 9  Taizz – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha - Al Khokha - Al Fazzah (B,D)  In the morning depart towards Yifrus, through the interesting Wadi Dhabab. Continue to the Red Sea. Pass Mokha and drive near the coast to Khokha, a small village on the Red Sea coast. Conitnue to Al Fazzah on the Red sea coast (camping).

Day 10  Al Fazzah – Zabid – Jabal Burra (B,L,D) After the morning swim, depart from Khokha towards Al Fazzah and continue via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages. Continue to Bajil and to Burra Mountain (camping).

Day 11  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Mahweet  – Riadi – Tawila – Hababa – Zakati – Kawkaban (B,D) Visit the villages on the top of the Burra Mountain. Depart to Kawkaban. Drive via interesting Wadi Sara to Mahweet. Visit Riadi village nearby. Depart to Tawila village, then drive to Hababa and Zakati villages and continue to Kawkaban (local pension).

Day 12  Kawkaban – trekking – Thula – Matnah - Manakah (B,D) In the morning do a nice trekking from Beduga to Al Ahjur. Later visit excellently preserved Thula village. Depart via Matnah to Manakah (local pension).

Day 13  Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking - Jabal Shogruf (B,D) In the morning visit the famous Al Hajjarah village and then drive towards Shogruf Mountain. Do a trekking in that area (longerity upon your wishes) till you arrive to Shogruf Mountain (camping).

Day 14 Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L) Depart from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah and visit also Al Khoteib village, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar).

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B, D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east and drive through the scenic mountains to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam. Later visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Continue via Safir (refinery), to the desert (camping).

Day 2   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Shibam - Sayun (B, picnic L)

Expect the sunrise in the desert. Drive toward old Shabwa via Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of the Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the nearby salt mines. Continue the way on the ancient caravan route of incense and spices to Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. The visit of this jewel of the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Drive to Sayun (hotel).

Day 3  Sayun – Wadi Doan - Khureiba (B,D)

In the morning visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy in collection of the photos from early explorers. Visit also the traditional handicraft market, where you can buy some traditional items, like woman’s hat. Depart to Wadi Doan. On the way you can witness the preparation of mud bricks and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical… tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 4   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla – Bir Ali (B,D)

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Bir Ali. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Visit the town and Al Guayzi fortress. Continue to the west, to the georgious coral beach of Bir Ali (camping).

Day 5   Bir Ali full day (B,D)

Spend a fullday in swimming and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. If you want to be active, you can climb the mountain where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana. While climbing you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. You can visit the fishing village of Bir Ali and if you are lucky, you might witness fresly catched sharks. Another peaceful evening on the Indian Ocean’s coast (camping).

Day 6   Bir Ali – Aden (B)

Take another refreshing swim in the morning. Depart to Aden, via long coastal road. In Aden, visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing of Aden by car. Spend an evening in Crater center, vivid till the early morning hours (hotel).

Day 7   Aden – Jabal Sabir – Kairo castle – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Do another sightseeing of asden by car. Depart to Taizz via Lahij. Drive to Al Janad and visit the Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Then drive to Taizz and directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain where you can enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. Visit also the Kairo castle above Taizz. Return to Taizz and maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz (hotel).

Day 8  Taizz – Al Janad – Ibb – Jibla – Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques. Make excursion to the north. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet. Meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. Return to Taizz (hotel).

Day 9  Taizz – Wadi Dhabab – Yifrus - Mokha - Al Khokha - Al Fazzah (B,D)

Depart from Taizz towards Turbah. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism. Depart towards the Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Continue to the nearby coastal place Al Fazzah. Enjoy in swimming and sunbath (camping).

Day 10  Al Fazzah - Zabid – Jabal Burra (B,L)

After the morning swim, depart from Al Fazzah to Jabal Burra. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue via dirtytown Bajil, to the exceptional Burra Mountain (camping).

Day 11   Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Mahweet  – Riadi – Tawila – Hababa – Zakati – Kawkaban (B,D)

In the morning drive to the top of exceptional Burra Mountain and visit some villages there. Return down the mountain and continue your way via picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. If lucky, you will find many of bottle trees blossoming. Visit the old town of Mahweet, called Masnah. Visit also Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in a magnificent view. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Tawila can offer you many great sights. Visit this interesting village and then drive to Zakati fortress that used to be used by the locals for storing the grain. Drive down to Hababa village, famous for its picturesque cistern. Finally ascend by the steep road to the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m (local pension).

Day 12  Kawkaban – trekking – Thula – Matnah - Manakah (B,D)

In the morning drive to Beduga and do a nice trekking to Al Ahjur via valley Wadi Gazuan, famous for its excellent ghat. Later visit the magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Drive via Matnah and by the winding road to the the capital of Haraz Mountains, Manakah, an ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Enjoy in traditional dinner and in rhytms of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 13  Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking - Jabal Shogruf (B,D)

In the morning visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah. Drive by the dirty road towards Shogruf Mountain. Depends on your wishes and how fit you are, we will choose a trekking route (from 3-8 h), that will lead you to the mystical Shogruf Mountain. Spend a night at the edge of the world (camping).

Day 14 Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L)

Do a slight walk in the morning from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah. Visit Al Khoteib village, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a local pension and d a final dance with the locals. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit the famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

21-DAYS TOUR

All Yemen’s tour; 21 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 21DT 1       
Sana’a – Amran – Al Gabei – Shahara – trekking – Kuhlan – Beyt Bouss – Sana’a - Marib - Ramlat Al-Sabatyn - Desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun – Tarim - Shibam - Sayun – Al Mashad – Al Hajarain – Sif – Khureiba – trekking - Al Khailah - Mukalla – Bir Ali – Aden – Turbah – Yifrus – Wadi Dhabab – Taizz – Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal Al Hazm – trekking - Al Janad - Jabal Sabir – Taizz – Mokha – Khokha – Al Fazzah – Zabid – Jabal reima – trekking – Utmah - Jabal Burra – trekking - Wadi Sara – Mahweet – Riadi – Tawila – Shibam - Hababa – Zakati – Thula - Kawkaban – trekking – Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking – Jabal Shogruf - Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar - Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a - Amran – Huth - Shahara (B,L,D) Depart from Sana’a to Shahara. Visit the old part of Amran and then continue via Huth to Al Gabei village. Change to the local’s car there and continue driving to the top of Shahara Mountain. Visit Shahara village and the famous bridge (local pension).

Day 2  Shahara – trekking – Kuhlan – Beyt Bouss – Sana’a (B) Do a nice trekking down the Shahara Mountain till Al Gabei village. Depart towards Sana’a again with your car. On the way do extension to Kuhlan and visit this old fortress. When in Sana’a, visit also Beyt Bouss old castle and the new presidental mosque (hotel).

Day 3  Sana’a – Baraquish – Marib - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B,D) Depart from Sana’a to the desert. In Marib, visit the old dam, the new dam, the Temple of the sun, the Temple of the moon and the old Marib. Continue to the desert, stop in the desert dunes (camping).

Day 4   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L) Expect the sunrise in the desert. Enjoy the dunes of Ramlat Al-Sabatyn and continue to the old Shabwa. Visit the remains of the old town and nearby salt mines. Continue to Sayun, the town at the edge of the table Mountains (hotel).

Day 5  Sayun – Tarim – Shibam - Sayun (B) In the morning visit Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al-Kaf palace and the suq. In the afternoon visit Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 6  Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D) In the morning visit the Sultan’s palace and the town. Depart from Sayun to Wadi Doan. Visit Mashad Ali, Al Hajarain, Sif and Khureiba. Visit Arubat village and return to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 7  Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila – Mukalla (B,D) Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba. Depart to Mukalla. Stop in Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue over Al Joul plateau to Al Mukalla. Spend an evening in the lovey center of Al Mukalla (hotel).

Day 8  Mukalla - Bir Ali full day (B,D) Visit fish and fruit market in Mukalla. Visit Mukalla town. Depart to Bir Ali. Visit the volcano on the way. Swimiming and enjoying the nice beach (camping).

Day 9  Full day Bir Ali (B,D) Full day for swimming and sunbath. It is possible to visit the fishing village of Bir Ali or to climb the Ghurab Mountain next to the beach that protected the ancient port of Qana near Bir Ali beach (camping).

Day 10   Bir Ali – Aden (B) After the refreshing morning swim, depart to Aden. Drive along the coastal road. In Aden, visit the cisterns and Zaratustrian temple and do sightseeing of Aden by car (hotel).

Day 11   Aden – Tur al Bahah – Turbah – Yifrus – Wadi Dhabab - Taizz (B) In the morning visit Siira Island and do sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart towards Taizz via Turbah. Drive via Wadi to Tur al Baha and then ascends steeply to Turbah. Visit Yifrus old village and continue via Wadi Dhabab to Taizz. An evening in the lovely center (hotel).

Day 12 Taizz – Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm (B,D) Visit Al Ashrafiya mosque in the morning. Make excursion to the north. Visit on of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Later visit the old towns of Ibb and Jibla. Drive down to Udayn and then to the Jabal al Hazm (camping).

Day 13  Jabal al Hazm – trekking - Al Janad – Jabal Sabir - Taizz  Do a trekking in Jabal al Hazm. Depart to Taizz. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world: Al Janad. Drive to the top of Sabir Mountain and enjoy in great views. Return down to Taizz (hotel).

Day 14 Taizz – Kairo castle - Mokha - Al Khokha - Al Fazzah (B,D)  In the morning visit Cairo castle abve Taizz. Depart towards the Red Sea. Pass Mokha and drive near the coast to Khokha, a small village on the Red Sea coast. Continue to Al Fazzah on the Red sea coast (camping).

Day 15  Al Fazzah – Zabid – Utmah - Jabal Reima (B,L,D) After the morning swim, depart from Al Fazzah to jabal Reima. Drive via Wadi Zabid to Zabid. Visit this old Yemeni town (UNESCO) and take a lunch in a guesthouse. Visit one of the typical Tihama villages. Continue to Jabal Reima (camping).

Day 16  Jabal Reima - trekking – Jabal Burra  (B,picnic L,D) Do a nice trekking in Reima Mountain. Take a picnic lunch and visit Utmah National park. Depart to Burra Mountain (camping).

Day 17  Jabal Burra - trekking – Wadi Sara – Mahweet (B,picnic L) Do a difficult trekking from the top of Burra Mountain to the National park below. Take a picnic lunch and continue via Wadi Sara to Mahweet. Take a rest (hotel).

Day 18 Mahweet – Riadi – Tawila – Shibam - Hababa – Zakati – Thula – Kawkaban (B,D) Visit the old part of Mahweet and Riadi village nearby. Depart to Kawkaban region. Visit Tawila village, then drive to Shibam, Hababa and Zakati villages. Visit also the jewel, Thula village. Drive up to Kawkaban (local pension).

Day 19  Kawkaban – trekking – Matnah – Manakah (B,D) Do a nice morning trekking from Beduga to Al Ahjur. Later depart to Manakah via Matnah. Enjoy the presentation of Yemeni dances in Manakah (local pension).

Day 20  Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking - Jabal Shogruf (B,D) In the morning visit the famous Al Hajjarah village and then drive towards Shogruf Mountain. Do a trekking in that area (longerity upon your wishes) till you arrive to Shogruf Mountain (camping).

Day 21 Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L) Depart from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah and visit also Al Khoteib village, the center of Yemeni Ismailia. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to Wadi Dhar and visit the Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar).

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a - Amran – Huth - Shahara (B,L,D)

Depart from Sana’a to Shahara. Visit the old town of Amran, sourrended by a city wall and with houses made of stone and clay. Escorted by the military, continue your way to the north. After passing Huth you will turn west towards Shahara Mountain. The tropical nature among the high mountains is the result of the incoming warm winds from the Red Sea. Drive by unpaved road to Al Gabei village under Shahara Mountain. Drive with the local’s cars to the top of Shahara Mountain. The ride on a steep mountainous way by pick up cars is a special experience and one can be impressed by the achievements of Yemeni road builders. Visit the fortified Shahara village, an unconquered fortress of Zaydi’s Imams and then descend to the famous 17 centuries stone bridge that connects the two villages on the two mountains: Shahara al-Amir and Shahara al-Feish. (local pension).

Day 2  Shahara – trekking – Kuhlan – Beyt Bouss – Sana’a (B)

The best way to experience Shahara is to walk down the mountain to Al Gabei village. Change to your car again and drive back towards Sana’a. On the way visit Kuhlan village, the ancient Zaydi administrative center of the surrounding area. Drive to Sana’a and directly to Beyt Bouss, famous in the past for the homogeneity of Jews and Muslims. Visit also the new, Presidental mosque (hotel).

Day 3   Sana’a – Marib (old dam, new dam, temple of the moon, temple of the sun, old Marib) - Ramlat al Sabatyn desert (B, D)

Depart from Sana’a to the east and drive through the scenic mountains to Marib, the biggest archeological place in Yemen and the legendary capital of the kingdom of Sheba. Visit the magnificent stone remains of the famous dam, on which the prosperity of the kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the new dam. Later visit the remains of the temples of the God of the Moon and the God of the Sun. Continue via Safir (refinery), to the desert (camping).

Day 4   Ramlat al Sabatyn desert - Old Shabwa – Sayun (B, picnic L)

Expect the sunrise in the desert. Drive towards old Shabwa via Ramlat al Sabatyn desert. Enjoy the desert dunes, each of you in a different way. Visit the remains of the Old Shabwa, the capital of the ancient kingdom Hadramawt whose prosperity based on taxation of the passing caravans, trading and on exploration of the nearby salt mines. Continue the way via Wadi Hadramawt, to its center, the Sayun town, at the edge of the table mountains (hotel).

Day 5   Sayun – Tarim – Shibam – Sayun (B)

In the morning drive to Tarim, early important centre of Sunni teaching. Visit the Al Kaf palace and the town. Visit also the library with one of the biggest collection of Holy Quraans. Return to Sayun. On the way, you can witness the preparation of mud bricks, baking the limestone and you might see the Hadramawt woman in their unique dresses working on the fertile fields. In the afternoon depart to Shibam, the “Manhattan of the desert”. The visit of this jewel of the southern Yemen, with the skyscrapers from mud bricks, will complete your nice day. Return to Sayun (hotel).

Day 6   Sayun – Wadi Doan – Khureiba (B,D)

In the morning visit the magnificent Sultan’s palace in Sayun, built of mud bricks and covered with qudad. Enjoy in collection of the photos from early explorers. Visit also the traditional handicraft market, where you can buy some traditional items, like woman’s hat. Depart to Wadi Doan. A fertile wadi among the Table Mountains, in the past one of the most remote regions in Yemen, cannot leave you stoical… tombs of Mashad Ali, unique architecture of the villages in the valley, picturesque towns of Al Hajjaryn, Sif and others will spend your camera’s film. Arrive to Khureiba (local pension).

Day 7   Khureiba – trekking - Arubat – Khahila - Mukalla (B)

Do an early morning trekking to the mountain above Khureiba and witness the rare frankincense trees. Take a Bedouin path down and visit the nearby Arubat village from where the family of Bin Laden’s come from. Depart from Khureiba towards Bir Ali. Visit the other part of Wadi Doan, with Bugshan’s house. Have a nice view from Hayd al Jazeel hotel. Continue your way over the Al Joul plateau that does not seem to belong to this world, to Al Mukalla. Spend an evening crawling round the small streets of this “white”, colonial town where you will be offered the aromatic frankincense and myrrh. Have a fresh, delicious fish for your dinner (hotel).

Day 8  Mukalla - Bir Ali (B,D)

In the morning, visit fish and fruit market in Mukalla. Visit also miniature Al Guayzi fortress and see the town in a daylight. Depart to the west, towards Bir Ali. Drive via beautiful volcanic landscape and climb the volcano before Bir Ali. Arrive to the georgious beach and spend the afternoon in swimming and sunbath (camping).

Day 9   Bir Ali full day (B,D)

Spend a full day in swimming and sunbath on the wonderful white coral beach, on the foot of Ghurab Mountain. It was here, where the old Qana lied, where the ancient incense caravan route started. If you want to be active, you can climb the mountain where you will find the remains of the fortress that protected the ancient town of Qana. While climbing you can notice some old Sabean inscriptions and the top will offer you great views. You can visit the fishing village of Bir Ali and if you are lucky, you might witness fresly catched sharks. Another peaceful evening on the Indian Ocean’s coast (camping).

Day 10   Bir Ali – Aden (B)

Take another refreshing swim in the morning. Depart to Aden, via long coastal road. In Aden, visit the ancient water tanks (the cisterns) that may exist since the time of the Himyar kingdom. It is possible to visit the remains of 19^th century Zaratustrain temple of silence. Later do sightseeing of Aden by car. Spend an evening in Crater center, vivid till the early morning hours (hotel).

Day 11  Aden – Tur al Bahah – Turbah – Yifrus – Wadi Dhabab - Taizz (B)

In the morning visit Siira Island near Crater. It is worth to climb up to the fortress to have a great view over Crater area and along the Abiyan beach. Do another sightseeing of Aden by car. Depart to Taizz via Turbah. Drive via hot wadi and then start to ascend steeply till you arrive to Turbah. On the way to Yifrus witness the great Baobab tree. Visit a mystical village Yifrus that was the center of Yemeni Sufism.. Drive via fertile, “African” Wadi Dhabab and arrive to Taizz (hotel).

Day 12  Taizz – Ibb – Jibla – Udayn – Jabal al Hazm (B,D)

In the morning visit Al Ashrafiya, one of the most beautiful Yemeni mosques. Make excursion to the north. Meet the green part of Yemen with fertile terraces. Ibb is a lovely town, an interesting labyrinth of narrow streets where one needs to loose his way to feel all its charm, with one of the nicest small mosques Al-Jalaliya. And then the ancient capital of the Ismaili Queen Arwa, Jibla, where you can visit the mosque with a tomb of Queen Arwa and enjoy the picturesque old town with Yemeni middle land architecture. From Ibb descend steeply to Udayn and continue to Jabal al Hazm (camping).

Day 13  Jabal al Hazm – trekking - Al Janad – Jabal Sabir - Taizz  (B)

Do a nice trekking in Jabal al Hazm, green area of Yemen. Depart to Taizz. Visit one of the oldest mosques in the world, Al Janad mosque, built in the time of the Prophet.

Then drive to Taizz and directly drive to the top of 3000 m high Sabir Mountain where you can enjoy in great views. It is possible to have an easy walk down. You can also enjoy shisha with a view over Taizz. Return to Taizz. Maybe spend some time crawling round the old market in Taizz, do some shopping and try delicious cheese from Taizz area (hotel).

Day 14 Taizz – Mokha - Al Khokha - Al Fazzah (B,D)

In the morning visit Cairo castle above Taizz from where one can have a great view over Taizz. Depart from Taizz towards Red Sea. Pass Mokha, nowadays a small village, where only old ruined houses witness the importance of this town in the past, as the old coffee port (Mokha coffee). Continue towards Khokha, small fishing village in the past known by the construction of all kinds of Yemeni boats, wooden vessels called khashaba, small boats, kuri and big boats, called sambuq. Continue to the nearby coastal place Al Fazzah. Enjoy in swimming and sunbath on the wild beach (camping).

Day 15  Al Fazzah - Zabid – Jabal Reima (B,L,D)

After the morning swim, depart from Al Fazzah to Jabal Burra. Tihama region, the hot plain west from the Red Sea will meet you with a completely different, much African atmosphere and with unbelievable contrasts of desert and fertile wadis. Drive via fertile Wadi Zabid to Zabid, one of the Yemeni jewels (Unesco World Heritage list), an important early Islamic center of learning, where algebra likely has been invented. The visit of the old town will give you an impression of the middle age. Take a lunch in a local guesthouse. Later visit one of the typical Tihama villages with small, straw-covered huts made from palm trunks. Continue to the Reima Mountain (camping).

Day 16  Jabal Reima - trekking – Jabal Burra  (B,picnic L,D)

In the morning do a nice trekking in Reima Mountain. Enjoy the green landscape. Take a picnic lunch and visit Utmah National park. Depart to exceptional Burra Mountain, with dozens of small villages and steep terraces (camping).

Day 17  Jabal Burra – Wadi Sara – Mahweet  (B,picnic L)

In the morning drive to the top of exceptional Burra Mountain and do a hard trekking from the top of the mountain, down to Burra National park. Drive to Khamis Beni Sad and take a way through picturesque and hot Wadi Sara. If lucky, you will find many of bottle trees blossoming. Finaly ascend to the mountain town of Mahweet, the center of coffee production. Take some rest in a peaceful town (hotel).

Day 18 Mahweet – Riadi – Tawila – Shibam - Hababa – Zakati – Thula – Kawkaban (B,D)

In the morning visit the old part of Mahweet, caled Masna. Visit also Riadi village near Mahweet and enjoy in a magnificent view. Winding ride from Al Mahweet to Tawila can offer you many great sights. Visit this interesting village and then drive to Shibam. Visit this old village and then continue to Hababa village, famous for its picturesque cistern. Climb the magnificent Zakati fortress that used to be used by the locals for storing the grain. Finally visit the magnificent fortress town Thula, with its originally preserved walls that are a prime example of Arabs use of stone as a building material. Drive up by the steep road to the fortress town Kawkaban, at 3000 m (local pension).

Day 19  Kawkaban – trekking – Matnah – Manakah (B,D)

In the morning drive to Beduga and do a nice trekking to Al Ahjur via valley Wadi Gazuan, famous for its excellent ghat. Drive via Matnah and by the winding road, passing Beni matar and Haima tribe, to the the capital of Haraz Mountains, Manakah. Take a walk in this ancient market town full of narrow alleys, suqs and attractive four-story houses. Enjoy in traditional dinner and in rhytms of traditional Bara'a dance with the locals in Manakah (local pension).

Day 20  Manakah – Al Hajjarah – trekking - Jabal Shogruf (B,D)

In the morning visit the famous fortified village Al Hajarah. Drive by the dirty road towards Shogruf Mountain. Depends on your wishes and how fit you are, we will choose a trekking route (from 3-8 h), that will lead you to the mystical Shogruf Mountain. Spend a night at the edge of the world (camping).

Day 21 Jabal Shogruf – Manakah – Al Khoteib – Dar al Hajar – Sana’a (B,L)

Do an easy walk in the morning from Shogruf Mountain back to Manakah. Visit Al Khoteib village, a center of Yemeni Ismailia and a pilgrimage center for this Shi’a sect. Take a traditional lunch in a local pension and d a final dance with the locals. Depart towards Sana’a. Do extension to the fertile valley Wadi Dhar and visit the famous Imam’s palace on the rock (Dar al Hajar), the symbol of Yemen. Return to Sana’a (hotel).

SOQOTRA PROGRAMS

Here we present some of the possible Soqotra itineraries. As nowadays Soqotra has good road connections between the main parts of the Island, all the programs can be adjusted to the visitor’s wishes. It means that visitors can choose among the programs that include camping, if they want to immerse in the nature of Soqotra taste. If a visitor wishes to relax each night in a hotel, he/she can return daily to the capital of Soqotra, Hadiboo, where all the hotels are located. The best hotel in Soqotra is Summerland hotel that corresponds to 3* hotel in Europe. The other hotels are simpler and also less clean. Some people like to combine few nights in a hotel with few nights on camping in different areas. This is also possible, we simply make itinerary upon the specific wishes of each client.

Clients that spend all the nights in Soqotra on camping usually do not like spending the last night in a simple hotel in Hadiboo, as those concrete hotels do not fit in Soqotra’s environment. In that case we recommend spending the last night in Adib campsite where a small tree nursery is located.

A glance of Soqotra; 3 days (Classical); Trip Code: 3D ST 1    
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Hadiboo – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Erher – Ras Ersel - Hadiboo (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. Depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Continue to Erher and then to Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 2  Hadiboo – Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D) In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and do swimming on Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3   Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya - Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart. If time, visit Wadi Ayhaft on the way. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4   Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 6.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. Check in to the hotel and if you feel tired, take some rest. Depart to Dihamry protected area, take a lunch and if you like snorkeling, Dihamry is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Continue to the west part of the Island. Enjoy many fig trees and bottle trees on the way. Climb the desert dune near Erher and drive to the western point, Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 2   Hadiboo – Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Depart to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive down to the beautiful Dirhur valley full of different plant species. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island and do swimming on white sand Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3   Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya - Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Depart from Hadiboo to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village on the way and local, mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo. If time, visit Ayhaft valley on the way. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4   Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at xx (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

A taste of real Soqotra; 3 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 3D ST 2        
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Ras Ersel – Erher – Hoq cave - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. Depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Continue to Ras Ersel and then to Erher (camping).

Day 2  Erher – Hoq cave - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (B,L,D) In the early morning climb to the Hoq cave. After return to the car, depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and do swimming on Amak beach (camping).

Day 3   Amak – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart. If time, visit Wadi Ayhaft on the way. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4   Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Dihamry – Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 6.00 am (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. Depart to Dihamry protected area, take a lunch and if you like snorkeling, Dihamry is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Continue to the west part of the Island. Enjoy many fig trees and bottle trees on the way. Visit the most western point, Ras Ersel and then return to Erher (camping).

Day 2   Hadiboo – Hoq cave - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (B,L,D)

In the early morning climb the desert dune near. Depart towards Hoq cave. Climb up (1,5 h of walk uphill), then visit the cave (0.5 h) and return to the car. Depart to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive down to the beautiful Dirhur valley full of different plant species. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island and do swimming on white sand Amak beach (camping).

Day 3  Amak beach – Ghubba – Qalanisya – Schuab – Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Depart from Amak beach to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village on the way and local, mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo. If time, visit Ayhaft valley on the way. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4   Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 or 11.55 am (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

Quick Soqotra tour; 4 days (Classical); Trip Code: 4D ST 1      
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft - Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo – Dihamry – Homhil – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Hadiboo – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft - Erher – Ras Ersel - Hadiboo (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Erher and then to Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 2  Hadiboo - Dihamry – Homhil – Hadiboo (B,L,D) In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3  Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D) In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and do swimming on Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4  Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Take a picnic lunch there. Later continue to the western part of the Island. Enjoy in observing interesting fig trees and bottle trees on the way. Climb the desert dune near Erher and drive to the western point, Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo and check in the hotel (hotel).

Day 2 Hadiboo - Dihamry – Homhil – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive up to Wadi al Shiifa and climb Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools on plateau. Walk down to your car and return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3  Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Depart to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive down to the beautiful Dirhur valley full of different plant species. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island and do swimming on white sand Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4 Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya - Wadi Ayhaft – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Depart from Hadiboo to Qalansiya area. On the way visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5 Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

Protected areas of Soqotra; 4 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 4D ST 2 
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft - Ras Ersel - Erher – Hadiboo – Dihamry – Homhil – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Hadiboo – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft - Ras Ersel – Erher (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Ras Ersel and then to Erher. Overnight camping in Erher (camping).

Day 2  Erher - Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D) In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools (camping).

Day 3   Homhil - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (B,L,D) Walk down from Homhil to your car. Drive to Hadiboo and visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and swim on Amak beach (camping).

Day 4  Amak – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Take a picnic lunch there. Later continue to the western part of the Island. Enjoy in observing interesting fig trees and bottle trees on the way. Drive to the western point, Ras Ersel and maybe have a short swim there. Return to Erher area and find your place for camping under the desert dune and sweet water stream (camping).

Day 2 Erher - Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there if the sea will not be too heavy. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive up to Wadi al Shiifa and climb Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil plateau and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools there. Relax and have a peaceful night (camping).

Day 3  Homhil - Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (B,L,D)

Walk down Wadi al Shiifa to your car. Drive to Hadiboo and visit the Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open-closed on Thursday, Friday). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Depart to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive (or walk) down to the beautiful Dirhur valley, that is full of different plant species. Enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island and do swimming and camping on white sand Amak beach (camping).

Day 4  Amak – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Wadi Ayhaft - Hadiboo (B,L,D) 

Depart from Amak beach to Qalansiya area. On the way visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

The land of dragoons blood trees; 5 days (Classical); Trip Code: 5D ST 1       
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft - Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo – Dihamry – Homhil – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Hadiboo – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha - Hadiboo (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Dilisha beach, relax there and enjoy in swimming. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 2  Hadiboo - Dihamry - Erher – Ras Ersel - Hadiboo (B,L,D) In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive to the eastern part of the island. Visit Erher and then Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3  Hadiboo – Ecological Center – Homhil – Hadiboo (B,L,D) In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Then drive to Wadi as Shiifa and walk up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4  Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and do swimming on Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5  Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 6  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha - Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Return to Hadiboo and check in to the hotel. In the afternoon drive to the nearby Dilisha beach. Relax on this sandy white beach and enjoy in swimming or take a walk and observe colorful shells, fossils and stones lying freely on the beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 2   Hadiboo – Dihamry - Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there if the sea will not be too heavy. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive to the eastern part of the island. Climb the desert dune near Erher that literarily touches the sea. And yes, you can wash your face in a sweet water stream coming from the mountain. Continue to the uttermost eastern point of Soqotra, Ras Ersel. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 3  Hadiboo – Ecological Center – Homhil – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (opened from Sat to Wedn from 9.00 am to 13.00). Take some time studiing the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Then drive to Wadi as Shiifa and walk up to Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools on plateau. Walk down to your car and return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 4  Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Depart to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive down to the beautiful Dirhur valley full of different plant species. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island, called Nuged and do swimming on white sand Amak beach. Return to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 5 Hadiboo – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya - Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Depart from Hadiboo to Qalansiya area. On the way visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 6  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 or 11.55 am (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

Dragoons blood trees and incense trees; 5 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 5D ST 2
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha – Dihamry -  Ras Ersel – Erher - Hadiboo – Homhil – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Dilisha beach, relax there and enjoy in swimming (camping).

Day 2  Dilisha - Dihamry - Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D) In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive to the eastern part of the island. Visit Ras Ersel and then drive back to Erher (camping).

Day 3 Erher – Ecological Center in Hadiboo – Homhil (B,L,D) In the morning visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Then drive to Wadi as Shiifa and walk up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools (camping).

Day 4  Homhil – Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (B,L,D) Walk down from Homhil. Depart via Hadiboo to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and drive down to Dirhur valley. Continue to the south and do swimming on Amak beach (camping).

Day 5  Amak – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Depart from southern coast to Qalansiya area. Visit Ghubba village and mini salt flats on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach. Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart. Return to Hadiboo (hotel or Adib camp).

Day 6  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Return to Hadiboo and continue to the nearby Dilisha beach. Relax on this sandy white beach and enjoy in swimming or take a walk and observe colorful shells, fossils and stones lying freely on the beach (camping).

Day 2   Dilisha – Dihamry - Erher - Ras Ersel – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there if the sea will not be too heavy. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive to the uttermost eastern point of Soqotra, Ras Ersel. Enjoy the great scene there. Return toward west and stop in Erher. Climb the desert dune in Erher that literarily touches the sea. And yes, you can wash your face in a sweet water stream coming from the mountain. Search for a place for your tent (camping).

Day 3  Hadiboo – Ecological Center – Homhil – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the morning drive to Hadiboo and visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (opened from Sat to Wed from 9.00 am to 13.00). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Return to Wadi al Shiifa and walk up to Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools on plateau. Enjoy the peace on this fairytale place (camping).

Day 4  Homhil - Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the early morning walk down to your car. Continue via Hadiboo to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Drive down to the beautiful Dirhur valley full of different plant species. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy in swimming in the small pools there. Continue to the southern coast of the Island, called Nuged and do swimming on white sand Amak beach or simply do a long walk over the beach (camping).

Day 5 Amak – Ghubba – Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya - Hadiboo (B,L,D)

In the early morning depart from Amak to Qalansiya area. On the way visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo. If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you can stay in a simple Adib camp near Hadiboo (hotel).

Day 6  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 or 11.55 am (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

Relaxing tour round the “Galapagos of the Indian ocean”; 6 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 6D ST 1   
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha – Dihamry – Homhil -Ras Ersel – Erher - Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Amak (Nuged) – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Dilisha beach, relax there and enjoy in swimming (camping).

Day 2  Dilisha - Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive to Wadi al Shiifa and climb up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools (camping).

Day 3  Homhil - Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D)

Walk down from Homhil and meet your car again. Continue to the eastern part of the island. Visit Ras Ersel and then drive back to Erher (camping).

Day 4  Erher – Ecological Center in Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur (B,L,D)

Drive from Erher to Hadiboo and visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Then depart to Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees and walk down (or drive) to Dirhur valley. Visit also Dirhur village. Overnigh in Wadi Dirhur (camping).

Day 5   Wadi Dirhur - Amak - Ghubba – Qalansiya (B,L,D)

Depart from Wadi to the southern coast (Nuged) and swim on the Amak beach. Later depart towards Qalansiya. Visit Ghuba village and salt flats on the way. Overnight at the edge of Detwah lagoon (camping).

Day 6  Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach I(if the weather will allow). Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart towards Hadiboo (hotel or Adib camp).

Day 7  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Return to Hadiboo and continue to the nearby Dilisha beach. Relax on this sandy white beach and enjoy in swimming or take a walk and observe colorful shells, fossils and stones lying freely on the beach (camping).

Day 2  Dilisha - Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there if the sea will not be too heavy. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive to Wadi al Shiifa and climb up to Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools on plateau. Enjoy the pace on this fairytale place (camping).

Day 3  Homhil - Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D)

Enjoy in swim in the morning. Then walk down to your car. Continue to the uttermost eastern point of Soqotra, Ras Ersel. Enjoy the great scene there. Return toward west and stop in Erher. Climb the desert dune in Erher that literarily touches the sea. And yes, you can wash your face in a sweet water stream coming from the mountain. Search for a place for your tent (camping).

Day 4  Erher – Ecological Center in Hadiboo - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur (B,L,D)

Depart from Erher back to Hadiboo. Visit the Ecological center near Hadiboo (opened from Sat to Wed from 9.00 am to 13.00). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. Continue to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Walk (or drive) down to the beautiful Dirhur valley that is full of different plant species. Visit also Dirhur village. Overnight in Wadi Dirhur (camping).

Day 5   Wadi Dirhur - Amak - Ghubba – Qalansiya (B,L,D)

Wash yourself in the morning while swimming in the small pools with sweet water. Depart from Wadi to the southern coast of the Island, called Nuged and do swimming on white sand Amak beach or simply do a long walk over the beach. In the afternoon depart towards Qalansiya beautiful beach. On the way, visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and go to the camping place near Detwah lagoon (camping).

Day 6  Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya from the top. If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo. If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you can stay in a simple Adib camp near Hadiboo (hotel or camping).

Day 7  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 or 11.55 am (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

Active tour on wonderful Soqotra; 7 days (Adventure); Trip Code: 7D ST 1   
Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha – Hoq cave - Ras Ersel – Erher - Dihamry – Homhil - Hadiboo – Heyf –Zahek - Amak (Nuged) – Degub cavern - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Ghubba - Qalansiya – Schuab – Hadiboo – Sana’a

Brief itinerary:

Day 1  Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D) Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island. After arrival drive to Wadi Ayhaft and visit this karstic valley. After lunch, depart to Dilisha beach, relax there and enjoy in swimming (camping).

Day 2  Dilisha – Hoq cave - Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D) Depart from Dilisha beach to the Hoq cave. Explore the cave. Later depart to the eastern part of the island. Visit Ras Ersel and then drive back to Erher (camping).

Day 3  Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D) In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there. Later drive to Wadi al Shiifa and climb up to Homhil area and enjoy the beautiful karstic nature there. Possible swim in the small pools (camping).

Day 4 Homhil - Ecological Center in Hadiboo – Heyf – Zahek - Amak (B,L,D) Walk down from Homhil and meet your car again. Drive to Hadiboo and visit Ecological center near Hadiboo (if it will be open). Then depart to the southern coast (Nuged). Visit the sand dunes of Heyf and Zahek. Do camping on the sand Amak beach (camping).

Day 5  Amak beach – Degub cavern - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Dirhur village – Wadi Dirhur (B,L,D)  In the morning visit the Degub cavern if you want and then drive to the Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees. Walk down (or drive) to Dirhur valley. Visit also Dirhur village. Overnigh in Wadi Dirhur (camping).

Day 6 Wadi Dirhur - Ghubba – Qalansiya (B,L,D) Depart from Wadi Dirhur towards Qalansiya. On the way visit Ghuba village and salt flats. Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya. Overnight at the edge of Detwah lagoon (camping).

Day 7 Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D) Enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya and take a boat trip to Schuab remote beach (if the weather will allow). Enjoy in swimming there. Return to Qalansiya and then depart towards Hadiboo (hotel or Adib camp).

Day 8  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B) Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1   Sana’a – Hadiboo (Soqotra) – Wadi Ayhaft – Dilisha (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the Sana’a airport. Take a flight to Soqotra Island at 5.00 am (Yemenia on Friday) or 7.00 (Felix airways-depends on a day). Plane stops in Mukalla and continues to Soqotra Island. Arrive to the airport near Hadiboo and drive to the capital of Soqotra Island, Hadiboo. First visit Ayhaft valley, where you will meet first strange trees and beautiful karstic valley. Return to Hadiboo and continue to the nearby Dilisha beach. Relax on this sandy white beach and enjoy in swimming or take a walk and observe colorful shells, fossils and stones lying freely on the beach (camping).

Day 2  Dilisha – Hoq cave - Ras Ersel - Erher (B,L,D)

In the morning depart from Dilisha beach towards the biggest explored cave on the Island: Hoq cave. Walk up to the cave (appr. 1,5 h of walk uphill), spend around an hour in the cave and the return down. Continue to the uttermost eastern point of Soqotra, Ras Ersel. Enjoy the great scene there. Return toward west and stop in Erher. Climb the desert dune in Erher that literarily touches the sea. And yes, you can wash your face in a sweet water stream coming from the mountain. Search for a place for your tent (camping).

Day 3  Dihamry – Homhil (B,L,D)

In the morning depart to Dihamry protected area and do snorkeling there if the sea will not be too heavy. This is the best place to enjoy the great underwater world. Later drive to Wadi al Shiifa and climb up to Homhil area (1.5-2 h of a climb). Enjoy the beautiful karstic nature in Homhil and the frankincense trees. It is possible to swim in the small pools on plateau. Enjoy the pace on this fairytale place (camping).

Day 4 Homhil - Ecological Center in Hadiboo – Heyf – Zahek - Amak (B,L,D)

Maybe refresh yourself in the pools in the morning. Walk down from Homhil and meet your car again. Drive to Hadiboo and visit the Ecological center near Hadiboo (opened from Sat to Wed from 9.00 am to 13.00). Take some time studying the posters about flora, fauna and geology of Soqotra Island. There is also a collection of some animal and botanical species. (if it will be open). Then depart to the southern coast of the Island, called Nuged. Visit the great white sand dunes of Heyf and Zahek. Do swimming on white sand Amak beach or simply do a long walk over the beach. Find a place for your tent (camping).

Day 5  Amak beach – Degub cavern - Dixam – Wadi Dirhur – Dirhur village – Wadi Dirhur (B,L,D) 

In the morning visit the Degub cavern if you will wish so. Drive to the central part of the Island, Dixam plateau, the land of Dragoon’s blood trees that like umbrellas cover the plains of Dixam. Walk (or drive) down to the beautiful Dirhur valley that is full of different plant species. Visit also Dirhur village. Overnight in Wadi Dirhur (camping).

Day 6  Wadi Dirhur - Ghubba – Qalansiya (B,L,D)

Wash yourself in the morning while swimming in the small pools with sweet water. Depart from Wadi Dirhur towards the north-western point of the Island, called Qalansiya. On the way, visit Ghubba village with a small lake and local mini salt flats. Arrive to Qalansiya and enjoy the beautiful scene of Qalansiya from the top. You can also climb a mountain to have a view over Detwah lagoon. Overnight in the camping place near Detwah lagoon (camping).

Day 7  Qalansiya – Schuab – Qalansiya – Hadiboo (B,L,D)

If the weather will allow (if it will not be too windy), depart by a small boat to the remote beach of Schuab, that lies behind the Schuab peninsula area. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and swimming there. Return to Qalansiya. On the way you might witness the dolphins that will compete with your boat. After arrival to Qalansiya, visit also Detwah lagoon and then depart back to Hadiboo. If you don’t want to stay in a hotel, you can stay in a simple Adib camp near Hadiboo (hotel or camping).

Day 8  Hadiboo – Sana’a (B)

Transfer from the hotel or Adib camp to the airport near Hadiboo. Take a flight to Sana’a at 08.45 (Yemenia on Friday) or at 9.55 or 11.55 am (Felix airways - time depends on a day).

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