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
Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.
Tour: Iraqi Kurdistan
★★★★★
My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.
Tour: Socotra Island Adventures (Yemen)
★★★★★
Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.
Tour: Caucasus Explorer
★★★★★
Interesting trip in a different part of the world. with a possibility to learn a lot. Visit to spectacular churches and monastries, museums, wine producers, nature and beautiful cities. This tour is recommended.
04.06.2023 10:00
Nestled in the heart of El Salvador, the picturesque town of Suchitoto beckons travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This colonial jewel, perched on the banks of Lake Suchitlán, offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant art scene, and warm hospitality, Suchitoto has emerged as a must-visit destination for those...
30.05.2023 13:30
Isfahan, a city steeped in rich history and unparalleled beauty, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Persian civilization. Located in central Iran, Isfahan boasts a mesmerizing blend of architectural marvels, vibrant bazaars, and serene gardens that have captivated travelers for centuries. With its UNESCO-listed landmarks, such as the majestic Imam Square and the stunning Shah Mosque,...
29.05.2023 14:55
Kenya, a land of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, holds an array of hidden gems for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Among these treasures lies the captivating Lake Nakuru, a mesmerizing waterbody nestled within the Great Rift Valley. Renowned for its abundant birdlife and stunning scenery, Lake Nakuru National Park offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and...
24.05.2023 16:26
Nestled in the heart of Yemen, the city of Shibam stands as a living testament to the ingenuity and architectural marvels of ancient civilizations. Renowned as "the Manhattan of the desert," Shibam boasts a skyline of towering mud-brick skyscrapers, capturing the essence of Yemen's rich history and cultural heritage. Shibam, located in the Wadi Hadramaut region, is a UNESCO World...