Revisit Ancient History and Archaeology

Travel from Asmara to Massawa. Drive further to archaeological sites of ancient port of Adulis and Zula.

Visit ancient port city of Adulis, also known as Aduli, was once a popular metropolitan city about 45 kilometers south of Massawa. It is described in the 1st century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a guide of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Adulis was once a renowned gateway to ancient civilization, a major trade route, once numbering among the greatest ports of the ancient world that has links to the Roman, Egyptian and Greek World Empires. Recent excavations undertaken by an Eritrean and Italian Archaeological team have recently uncovered the ruins of ancient palaces, two temples, ancient ceramic leftovers from the Middle East, as well as walls and other artefacts. The excavation is still going on and recovering new relics from time to time.

Visit Gulf of Zula – a deep cleft in Eritrea’s coastline which is the birthplace of the Great Rift Valley on the African continent.

After getting rest, go for a partial city tour Massawa. 

Visit the port city of Massawa – City of islands and the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’, a city which for centuries has been one of the region’s most important ports.

Massawa is home to the popular Northern Red sea regional museum. 

With its exquisite Turkish-style architecture and shopping arcades, beautiful mosques and delicious sea food, Massawa is the perfect destination to cater for all tastes. In addition to the city's attractions, pristine Gurgsum beach and world class swimming are available just a short distance from the city centre, rest and recreation

Continue the remaining city tour Massawa, what is left from yesterday. 

Visit the colourful Rashaida ethnic group located in the environs of Massawa.

The Rashaida are expert livestock and camel rearers, traders along the Red Sea coast. The Rashaida women are known for their black and red geometrically patterned dresses, their long veil (burqa) elaborately embroiled with silver threads.

Mingle, enjoy coffee ceremony and have a delicious local porridge with the local Rashaida ethnic group.  

Drive from Massawa via Nefasit further to Dekemhare and the town of Adiekyh,

Thrilling trekking to famous Archeological site of Qohaito (Kohaito), some 15 km off-road from Adikeyh. Visit this famous historical site that features a superb array of archaeological sites that recount volumes of history.

Some of the wonders to see in Qohaito include: a pre-Christian temple of Mariam Wekiro, tombs, giant pillars, impressive prehistoric cave paintings (that date back circa 4000 – 5000BC), Safira Dam (a large dam dating back to 1 century AD, believed to be a place of worship with 79 words long Geez inscriptions) the foundation of ancient palaces and more.

Travel from Adikeyh, some 30km, to Senafe.

Exciting trekking to Matara (Metera), equivalent to an important ancient town named Koleo from 2nd century AD, situated 20km south of Qohaito, house some of Eritrea’s most important historical sites.

Some of the things to be seen in Matara are a 2.5m tall enigmatic stele known for its pagan, pre-Christian symbol of the sun over the crescent moon – a south Arabian divinity, engraved on the top of the eastern face and it faces eastward, which is unique in Eritrea; a royal palace, a tomb chamber, etc.

Drive uphill while enjoying the magnificent scenery and lush vegetation all the way to Asmara.

En route stop to visit the town of Segeneiti- a lush fertile area. Visit the huge Sycamore tree locally known as Daaro revered by the locals –for its beauty, for its generous shade, for its fruitful home for beehives and for providing important social purpose– as it form a place where the community can assemble for discussions and debates. The tree has been immortalized on the five-nakfa note.

Transfer to Airport for departure, as per your flight schedule