Yemen Tour: Unveiling the Ancient Wonders

1910 €, 7 Days

Yemen, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, was a popular tourist destination before the civil war broke out in 2014 and almost turned it into a failed state. Even though the conflict is still ongoing in some parts of the country, the region of Hadhramaut in the east of the country is now widely considered safe for travel. Inspired by this news, we are happy to be able to once again explore this land of ancient civilisations, unique mud-brick settlements, vast deserts and centuries old traditions.

Highlights:
♦ Shibam - a 16th century town famous for its mud brick tower houses, which is included in UNESCO world heritage site
♦ Wadi Dawan - a scenic valley, known for its extensive palm gardens
♦ Tarim - an important pilgrimage site for Sufis

Itinerary:

Day 1. Salalah - Al Ghaydah
Today we are leaving the city Salalah in Oman and heading towards the border with Yemen (Sarfayt border point). We will drive along scenic coastline roads on both sides of the border and have short stops to take in the views. We start our journey in Yemen from the Al Mahrah Governorate - the easternmost part of the country. The region is part of the so called “Rub' al Khali” , which in English translates to “The Empty Corner” - an expansive desert area, which covers large desert territories in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and United Arab Emirates. We will spend the night in the capital of the governorate - Al Ghaydah. B/-/-

Day 2. Al Ghaydah - Rumah
Today we continue travelling across the desert highway reaching the Hadramout region. On the way we will have short stops in the towns of Rumah and Thamud, where we will have the chance to observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Rumah. B/-/-

Day 3. Rumah - Tarim
Our first stop of the day is the village Qabr Hud, known for being the burial place of the prophet Hud, mentioned in the Quran. According to Islamic belief, he was sent as a prophet to teach among the Aad people - an ancient Arabic tribe that lived in the region. The majority of the people however rejected his teachings and were punished by a tornado that ended their civilization. It is believed that the hilll where the complex is located nowadays is the hill where he climbed to perform the call to prayer. We will then continue to the town of Tarim. Nicknamed “the town of miracles”, Tarim has long been a center of theological, juridical and Islamic learning, especially for the followers of Sufism - the mystical branch of Islam. Here we will visit the spectacular Al Muhdlar Mosque, which has the tallest minaret in Yemen - 46 meters. We will also spend some time wandering around the narrow alleys of the local market, where among other things, locals can also been selling khat - a local plant that can be used as a stimulant. Overnigh in a hotel in Tarim. B/-/-

Day 4. Tarim - Shibam - Wadi Dawan
Today we are leaving the town of Tarim and heading towards the valley of Wadi Dawan. The valley is known for its extensive date palm gardens and small villages with mud brick houses. On the way we stop to explore the ancient walled city of Shibam. The town was first built in the 16th century and was an important caravan stop on the spice and incense route across the Arabian Peninsula. Its distinguishable mud brick tower houses have been preserved to this day and are now part of the UNESCO world heritage sites list. We will then continue to the village of Al Hajrain, where we will get the chance to meet some of the local beekeepers, as the region is famous for producing some of the finest honey in the world. Overnight at hotel in Wadi Dawanl. B/-/-

Day 5. Wadi Dawan
Today we have a full day to explore the valley of Wadi Dawan. One of the highlights of the day is the village of Beit Buqshan, known for its colorful palace. Overnight in Wadi Dawan. B/-/-

Day 6. Wadi Dawan - Seiyun
Today we start our drive back north towards the city of Seiyun for our last night in Yemen. Some of the highlights of the city include the Seiyun Palace - one of the biggest mud brick structures in the world, Al-Handal Souq, the main mosque and town center and others. Overnight in a hotel in Seiyun.

Day 7. Departure
Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Cairo

Price Includes:
Letter of invitation LOI
Standard hotels with breakfast
All transport from Salalah to Seiyun
Flight tickets Seiyun-Cairo
entrance fees
English-speaking guide
Penguin travel tour leader (at min.8 people)

Not Included:
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
tips and personal expenses
international flights