Yemen - you’ve probably heard of this country, but do you know more about it and its remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites? On this combined tour, we will visit many of the traveler’s gems that Yemen has to offer. We will travel to Shibam to see the mud-brick skyscrapers, the "Manhattan of the Desert," built in the 16th century and still standing, silently watching history pass by at the slow pace of desert grains of sand. Next, we’ll visit the picturesque Wadi Doa'n Valley, with its date trees that grow here. We’ll explore the traditional villages and meet the beekeepers to taste their pure honey.
After the mainland Yemen tour, we will fly to Socotra, the amazing island with the famous trees that look like they’ve come from a sci-fi movie. This magnificent island boasts unique biodiversity, with over a third of its plant species found nowhere else. This trip will be especially interesting for tourists who are passionate about nature and biology. We will have the opportunity to spend time on the island and experience its beauty at its finest.
Day 1. Cairo to Seiyun
We will take a flight from Cairo (Egypt) to Seiyun (Yemen). The best way is the whole group to meet in Cairo, so please make sure you have enough time there or even better - book an extra night in the city. When we arrive in Seiyun we will be picked up from the airport and we will go into town to exchange money and shop for some local clothing. Here in Yemen all men and women have to wear the local clothes, and we will make sure everyone looks nice. After we get our new looks, we will drive to the hotel for a check in and to refresh. We will have dinner at the hotel and have a good night rest. (-/-/D)
Day 2. Seiyun - Tarim - Aynat
After breakfast, your day begins in Seiyun with a visit to the magnificent Al Kathiri Palace, followed by a stroll through the city's famous Honey Bazaar and lively farmers' market. Next, enjoy a one-hour drive to the historic city of Tarim for lunch. Your afternoon features a walking tour of Anat town, where you will explore the old town, the local market, and the sacred tombs and shrines of Sufi saints. In the late afternoon, journey up to the Kataba Plateau to take in a breathtaking sunset before returning to Seiyun for the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 3. Shiabam "Manhattan of Arabia"
Following breakfast at the hotel, the morning begins with a drive to the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shibam Hadramaut. Affectionately known as the "Manhattan of Arabia," this ancient town is famous for its stunning mudbrick high-rises, the world's first skyscrapers. You will explore the historic streets on foot, visiting beautifully restored buildings that offer panoramic views over the town and the vast Wadi Hadhramaut, followed by stops at the Shibam Museum and the Handicraft Center to witness traditional dress weaving and skilled woodworking. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the opposite side of the valley to capture a breathtaking sunset over the unique skyline, leaving plenty of time to relax and soak in the scenery. In the early evening, you will drive back to Seiyun for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4. Seiyun - Wadi Doa'n
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic road journey to the spectacular Wadi Do’an, the vibrant cultural heartland of the Hadhrami people. The day's exploration begins in the historic town of Hajrain, where you will meet local beekeepers and discover the secrets behind the region's world-famous, premium Sedr honey. Continue deeper into the valley to visit the picturesque village of Sif, famously known as the "white palace," before concluding the afternoon in Buqshan to marvel at its remarkably colorful and iconic multi-story Hadhrami mansions.Overnight at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5. Continue exploring Wadi Doa'n
After breakfast, the morning begins with a drive into the heart of the valley to visit the remote, timeless villages of Qarn Majed, Budha, Al Khuraiba, and Al Rubat - the ancestral home of the Bin Laden family. In the afternoon, the adventure continues with an unforgettable hike starting from the dramatic cliffs of Haid Al Jazil. Descending to the canyon floor, you will trek through a striking landscape of ancient villages, verdant date palm oasis groves, and local grazing grounds, offering an intimate look at traditional valley life. Overnight at the hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6. Wadi Doa'n - Mukalla
Following breakfast at the stunning Haid Al Jazil Resort, the morning begins with a drive south out of the canyon toward the coastal port city of Al Mukalla. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the city's coastal charm and rich history, including a walking tour of its vibrant main Souq, the bustling traditional fishing port, and the iconic, cliffside Al-Ghawzi Palace. In the evening, you will enjoy a special, authentic fish dinner featuring the freshest catch from the Arabian Sea before retiring for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 7. Fly Mukalla - to Socotra - Arher freshwater creek and beach
Today, we take a morning flight from Mukalla to Socotra. You will be transferred to Mukalla Airport and greeted upon arrival at Socotra Airport. Once document checks are complete, your adventure begins with a scenic drive to breathtaking Arher Beach, a unique location where freshwater mountain streams meet the sea. Arher is famous for its towering sand dunes, which offer sweeping views of the rugged mountain backdrop and northeastern coastline.Spend the afternoon exploring this untouched landscape or swimming in the brilliant, deep-blue waters. If you're up for a challenge, hike to the top of the dunes for a sunset view that is well worth every step! Dinner and overnight at Amaq Beach. (B/L/D)
Day 8. Socotra - Dihami marine protected area - Al Shefa Valley
We begin with a drive to the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, home to one of the richest coral reefs in the archipelago. This is Socotra’s premier spot for snorkeling, offering an incredible chance to observe marine life such as parrotfish, sea urchins, and sea turtles up close. (To protect this delicate ecosystem, we kindly ask all guests to refrain from touching the living coral.) Next, we head to the Al Shefa Valley in the Homhil Protected Area to immerse ourselves in a landscape filled with iconic Dragon's Blood trees, bottle trees, and rare endemic plant species. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Socotra is world-renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity - nearly 37% of its 825 plant species, 90% of its reptiles, and 95% of its land snails exist nowhere else on Earth. We will then take a short walk down a scenic trekking path surrounded by epic landscapes. The trail leads directly to a natural infinity pool, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim while soaking in breathtaking views of the turquoise Arabian Sea and towering cliffs. Overnight in Homhil campsite. (B/L/D)
Day 9. Socotra - Kelissan Canyon - Zahek Dunes - Aomak Beach
We begin the day with a drive to one of Socotra’s most iconic landscapes: Kelesehan Canyon. Located on the Mumi Plateau in the island's eastern region, this paradise oasis offers a truly unique dual experience, you can swim in a freshwater river flanked by surreal, alien-like rock formations and refresh yourself beneath a cascading waterfall. In the afternoon, we descend from the highlands to the southern coastline, passing picturesque fishing villages along the shore of the Indian Ocean. Our destination is Aomak Beach, home to the stunning Zahek and Hayf Sand Dunes. Here, wide stretches of powdery white sand roll continuously until they meet the sea. Spend the rest of the day relaxing under the shade of palm-leaf shelters, exploring the dunes, or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean. Overnight in Homhil campsite. (B/L/D)
Day 10. Socotra - Dagub cave - Dixam Plateau - Firmihin Forest
Our first stop today is Dagub Cave, an easily accessible natural cavern home to various wildlife species, including bats and swifts. Standing at the cave entrance, you’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view overlooking the coastline and the vast ocean beyond. Next, we head up to the idyllic Dixam Plateau, famous for its dense concentration of iconic Dragon’s Blood trees, and pause at the breathtaking Shebahon Viewpoint. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of Derhur Canyon, dotted with desert roses and some of the most surreal, otherworldly rock formations on Earth. We conclude our journey at the legendary Firmihin Forest, home to the world's last remaining dense stand of Dragon’s Blood trees - a truly unforgettable sight. (B/L/D)
Day 11. Socotra - Qalansia - Detwah Lagoon
Today, we head to Qalansiya, the second-largest settlement in Socotra, situated at the island's northwestern tip. Our destination is the legendary Detwah Lagoon, a protected marine sanctuary renowned for having one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth - a breathtaking expanse of pristine white sand dunes and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Here, you can explore a magical seabed rich with endemic species and watch for stingrays gliding through the shallow waters (be mindful when wading or swimming!). The lagoon is also a haven for birdwatchers, frequented by large flocks of seabirds, including cormorants. To top off the day, we’ll take a short drive to a nearby viewpoint to take in a mesmerizing sunset over the entire lagoon. Dinner and overnight stay under the stars at Detwah Campsite. (B/L/D)
Day 12. Socotra - Shouab Beach - Detwa Lagoon - Hadibo Town
We begin with an early morning drive to Qalansiya Port, where we board a private boat bound for the pristine shores of Shouab Beach. Along the way, keep your eyes on the water - this coast is a prime location to spot energetic spinner dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to unwind on soft, powdery white sand framed by lush mangrove trees, or take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters where shades of vibrant blue and green blend seamlessly together. After enjoying lunch back in Detwah, we continue our drive to Hadibo, the capital of Socotra. Spend the remainder of the afternoon wandering through its charming narrow alleys and exploring the bustling local market. Overnight in a Jawhart hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 13. Socotra - Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Breakfast at the hotel and then a flight back from the island of Socotra to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (B/-/-)
Please note: the flight form Mukalla to Socotra is not included in the price, we will assist you with its purchase.
Tour leader from Penguin Travel at min. 10 people
International flights Cairo-Seiyun (approx. EUR 460) and Socotra-Jeddah ( approx. EUR 460 (including 23 kg checked baggage)
Flight Mukalla-Socotra ( approx. EUR 130 per person - we will assist with this ticket)