Mainland Yemen

Itinerary: 

Day 1. Flight Cairo-Al Mukalla
The group meets this morning at the airport in Cairo to catch a flight to Al Mukalla, tha capital city of Hadhramaut region.
Al-Mukalla was founded in 1035 AD as a small fishing village. Over the centuries, it grew into an important trading port due to its strategic location along the Arabian Sea. The city's history is marked by its role in maritime trade, linking Yemen with East Africa, India, and the broader Arabian Peninsula. This rich history is reflected in its architecture, culture, and economic activities. We will explore the narrow, winding streets and traditional houses of the old city, take a walk along the corniche and visit the historic Sultan Al-Qu'aiti Palace . Al-Mukalla has faced significant challenges, including periods of control by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) from 2015 to 2016. In April 2016, local forces, supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, successfully recaptured Al-Mukalla from AQAP, restoring control and beginning the process of rebuilding and recovery. We will spend the night in a hotel in the city. B/-/-

Day 2. Al Mukalla – Seiyun
Today we drive to Seiyun, Hadramaut second largest city, the trip taling about three hours. After arriving in Seiyun, we will check in at the hotel and head out to explore the city. We will visit the Seiyun Palace, also known as the Sultan Al Kathiri Palace, one of the highest mud-brick structures in the world. The palace was built in the 1920s, and it stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Kathrini dynasty, which ruled the region for an extended part of its history. The building's design reflects a blend of traditional Yemeni architectural elements and Islamic artistry, with influences from Indian and Southeast Asian styles, due to the historical trade connections between Hadhramaut and those regions. We will then explore the old town and wander around the Al-Handal Souk. B/-/-

Day 3 . Seiyun - Tarim – Shibam – Seiyun
This morning, we are heading east and will drive through the scenic valley until we reach the town of Tarim. The city has long been a hub of religious scholarship and Sufism, extending its influence beyond its geographical boundaries. The town is renowned for its numerous mosques, madrasas, and libraries, many of which have been active for centuries. Among these, the Al-Muhdar Mosque stands out with its striking white minaret, one of the tallest in Yemen, soaring 50 meters into the sky. Tarim is also particularly noted for its palaces adorned with intricate geometric patterns and delicate wooden latticework known as "mashrabiya." Most of these houses belonged to wealthy merchant families who made their fortunes in trade. Then we continue to Shibam. Often called "the Manhattan of the Desert" because of its distinctive and remarkable skyline. The city is characterized by its ancient mud-brick high-rise buildings. Similar to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the high-rise buildings of Shibam are designed to make the most of limited space. Some of these buildings date back to the 16th century, making them some of the oldest examples of vertical urban planning in the world. Despite being made of mud bricks, Shibam's buildings have proven remarkably durable over the centuries. UNESCO recognized this heritage and designated Shibam as a World Heritage Site in 1982. Back to Seiyun for overnight. B/-/-

Day 4-5. Seiyun - Wadi Dawan Valley (the villages of Saif, Beit Bukshan, Khaylla, Haed Al Jazeel)
These two days we will explore the Wadi Dawan Valley, well-known for its extensive date palm gardens and small villages with mud-brick houses. We will visit some of these villages that offer a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage, agricultural practices, and vibrant community life. The villages are known for their close-knit communities, where residents maintain a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries. Agriculture plays a central role in daily life, with families cultivating date palms, grains, and vegetables. Beit Bukshan stands out for its vibrant and colorful architecture, which adds a lively charm to the otherwise earthy tones of the region. Haid Al-Jazeel is the most visually striking of the villages, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the valley. We will spend the night in a nearby hotel, enjoying the region's tranquility and the dramatic landscapes. Hotel in Wadi Dawan. B/-/-

Day 6. Wadi Dawan - Al-Mukalla
Today, we are heading back to Al-Mukalla. Free time to relax on one of Al Mukalla beaches. Hotel in Al Mukalla B/-/-

Day 7. Al Mukalla - Al-Ghaydah
A long day driving along the scenic coast of Bay of Aden before we reach Al-Ghaydah late in the afternoon. Overnight in Al-Ghaydah B/-/-

Day 8. Al-Ghaydah – Sallalah (Oman). End of services.
Today, we will cross the border into Oman. The border crossing procedure is usually relatively fast and hassle-free, but keep in mind that on occasion, it might take a few hours. We will drive to the coastal city of Salalah, where our tour officialy comes to an end. Free time in the city and departure on own arrangement. B/-/-
 

Practical information:

• On this tour, you will explore Hadramaut, the only region accessible to tourists in Yemen as of 2024.  
• After your booking is confirmed, we will apply for a tourist visa and security clearance on your behalf. To apply, you need to provide us a copy of your passport and a few other documents. The required documents may vary, so they will be confirmed by email when your booking is finalized.
• Both men and women must wear traditional Yemeni clothing during the trip. Women must wear abaya, hijab and niqab in certain places. You can buy these types of clothes on the first day of the tour.
• Women might not be allowed to enter some of the religious sites on this itinerary. Our local partners will attempt to negotiate this, but we ask for your understanding and respect if this occurs.
• When traveling between cities, you will encounter multiple checkpoints. Typically, the process is fast and hassle-free, but on occasion, it may take a few hours.
• This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues.
• Please note that during your trip, there may be differences compared to the description above. While we strive to adhere to the planned schedule, we might need to make adjustments before or during the trip due to unexpected circumstances and other factors to ensure your safety and the best possible experience.
• You can read more helpful pre-departure information in the file below: