Our 11 Day Eritrea Tour is a private, fully guided journey through Asmara, Keren, Agordat, Barentu, Massawa, Dahlak Islands, Qohaito, led by our own local guides.
11 Day Eritrea Tour — overview
Our flagship journey threads together the very best of Eritrea: the Art Deco capital of Asmara, the highland canyons of Adi Alauti, the camel markets of Keren and the coral coast of Massawa. Led end to end by Eritrean guides, it is the most complete way to understand this hidden gem of the Horn of Africa.
Eritrea is a destination for the intellectually curious traveller in search of genuinely authentic experiences. This journey moves through three distinct worlds: Asmara, the highest capital in Africa, with its unrivalled concentration of 1930s Italian Modernist architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017; the western Gash-Barka lowlands, where the Cunama and Nara peoples maintain traditions that reach back centuries; and the Dahlak Archipelago, more than 200 Red Sea islands, most of them uninhabited and untouched by mass tourism.
The itinerary is built around genuine access, small groups, knowledgeable Eritrean guides and honest, day-by-day descriptions of what to expect. Everything you need to prepare, from visas and currency to vaccinations and packing, is covered in the practical information below, and we take care of all permits and paperwork for you.
11 Day Eritrea Tour highlights
- UNESCO Art Deco Asmara
- The historic 1930s steam train
- Keren's Monday camel market
- Massawa's Ottoman old town
- Adi Alauti highland canyon
- Traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony
Why book this 11 Day Eritrea Tour with Adulis Travel
Adulis Travel is an Eritrean-owned operator based in Asmara, so every 11 Day Eritrea Tour is led by local guides who know the region first-hand. We keep groups small, arrange the visas, travel permits and logistics, and stay with you from arrival to departure.
11 Day Eritrea Tour itinerary, day by day
Arrival in Asmara, the ‘Piccola Roma’
Arrive at Asmara International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Asmara, the highest capital in Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an unrivalled concentration of 1930s Modernist architecture. If you arrive early, take an afternoon stroll to see the iconic Fiat Tagliero building.
Asmara Art Deco tour, the City of Dreams
A full day among the world's greatest concentration of intact 1930s Modernist architecture, moving between Futurist, Rationalist and Expressionist buildings. Visit Asmara Cathedral, the Opera House, the restored Cinema Impero and the Medebar covered recycling market. Pause for macchiato at historic Italian cafés and join the evening passeggiata along the Corso.
Vintage steam train & road to Keren
An optional morning ride on the vintage Eritrean steam train, a restored 1897 Mallet locomotive descending the highland escarpment over 65 bridges and 30 tunnels (subject to availability, payable locally). The scenic escarpment road continues to Keren, famed for its silver-filigree workshops and the Mariam Da'arit shrine built inside a hollow baobab tree.
Keren market, Agordat & Barentu
Rise early for Keren's morning market, spices, textiles, incense and a vast livestock section where hundreds of camels and cattle are traded. Continue west into the Gash-Barka lowlands, with a lunch stop in Agordat, to the off-the-grid town of Barentu and its surrounding villages for an unfiltered look at rural lowland life.
The Cunama people & village life
A full day with the Cunama, one of Eritrea's most distinct indigenous communities. Begin at the Mogolo market, then walk into a Cunama village of circular thatched tukul houses where your guide facilitates respectful introductions. Drive back east to Asmara by evening.
Descent to Massawa, Pearl of the Red Sea
A dramatic descent of 2,000 m to the Red Sea coast through juniper forest and scrubland. Massawa has been a port of consequence for over 1,500 years; explore the 16th-century Sheikh Hanafi Mosque, the Imperial Palace and the moving Tank Graveyard, then spend the evening on the waterfront over the freshest seafood.
Dahlak Islands, private speedboat expedition
Board a private speedboat into the Dahlak Archipelago, over 200 mostly uninhabited islands. Visit Dissie and Madote, where water clarity exceeds 20 m, for superb snorkelling over coral gardens. In the evening, settle into a fully equipped beach camp on Dissie Island and sleep beneath a sky with no light pollution.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dahlak Islands & return to Massawa
A relaxed morning of swimming and island exploration before the speedboat returns to Massawa by late morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Mangrove coast & return to the highlands
A morning boat trip to the Red Sea's rare mangrove ecosystem, rich in birdlife and juvenile fish, followed by the spectacular escarpment drive back up to the Eritrean highlands with a scenic lunch stop along the way.
Qohaito, 2,750 years of history
Visit Qohaito, one of East Africa's most significant and least-visited archaeological sites, dating to at least 750 BCE. See the ‘Great Wall’, standing stelae older than Aksum's obelisks, rock art and temple ruins on the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Return to Asmara by late afternoon.
Final Asmara morning & departure
A final morning at leisure, a last macchiato, a browse of the Medebar market or a walk along the Corso, before your transfer to Asmara International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Where you will stay
- Bologna Hotel, Asmara — A comfortable, central base in the heart of UNESCO-listed Asmara, used for the highland nights of the tour.
- Sarina Hotel, Keren — A welcoming hotel in Eritrea's second city, a short walk from the famous Keren market.
- Merhaba Hotel, Barentu — A simple, friendly hotel in the off-the-grid Gash-Barka capital of Barentu.
- Dahlak Hotel, Massawa — Sea-view rooms in the historic Red Sea port of Massawa.
- Beach Camp, Dissie Island — A fully equipped beach camp on Dissie Island, igloo tents with mosquito nets, bedding, camp chairs and a dedicated cook.
What is included
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast each day; full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bottled water) during the Dahlak Islands overnight
- English-speaking guide
- Local taxes and entrance fees
- Travel permit fees
What is not included
- International flights and entry visa
- Lunch and dinner outside the Dahlak Islands
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and optional tours
- Any services not listed above
Optional extensions
Upgrade your lodge
Step up to a premium tented camp or boutique lodge for the ultimate in comfort and seclusion.
Private photographic guide
A dedicated photography guide to help you capture the light, the wildlife and the architecture at their best.
Bush breakfast or sunset dinner
A private meal set up in a spectacular spot: sunrise on the plains, or sundown beside the sea.
Extra nights on the coast
Extend your journey with relaxed days on the Red Sea or Indian Ocean before flying home.
Scenic charter
Add a light-aircraft or boat charter for a memorable new perspective on the landscape.
Cultural add-on
A guided visit to a local community, market or craft workshop, arranged with care and respect.
Practical travel information for Eritrea
Essential Travel Information: Discover Eritrea – Hidden Gem
Planning a trip to Eritrea is exciting, but smart preparation makes all the difference. Below is everything experienced travellers wish they knew before flying to Eritrea, followed by answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is Eritrea Safe to Visit?
Eritrea has a well-earned reputation as one of Africa's safest and calmest destinations. Asmara is famously walkable, clean and low-crime, day or night.
The real challenge for visitors is paperwork (visas and travel permits) rather than security. Everything on this tour is arranged and accompanied by a licensed local guide.
Travel Permits: Required Outside Asmara
This is the single most important practical point for visitors to Eritrea: any travel beyond 25 km from Asmara city centre requires a government-issued travel permit. This includes Keren, Massawa and every destination outside the capital.
Permits must be applied for in advance and specify the exact destinations, dates, vehicle and licensed guide.
When you book this tour with us, we arrange all travel permits on your behalf, one of the key advantages of using a licensed local operator instead of travelling independently.
Visa for Eritrea
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival in Asmara for around USD 70; some nationalities instead need to obtain one in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days.
We can issue a visa support / invitation letter for guests who have booked a tour. Ask us when you book.
Money & Currency: No ATMs in Eritrea
There are no ATMs in Eritrea. Zero. None.
You must bring all the cash you will need for your entire stay.
Bring EUR or USD, both accepted.
Critical rule for USD: Only clean, new banknotes printed after 2016 are accepted. No rips, no marks, no old series.
Best Time to Visit Eritrea
The optimal time to visit Eritrea is October to April.
Highlands (Asmara, Keren): spring-like temperatures of 18–25°C and green landscapes after the rains.
Coast (Massawa): hot year-round, but most comfortable October–February.
Avoid July–August, when the highlands receive heavy rain and the coast becomes extremely hot. Keren's Monday camel market runs year-round.
Flights to Asmara (the only international airport)
You will fly into Asmara International Airport (ASM). These airlines operate direct flights:
Flydubai, from Dubai (DXB)
Flynas, from Jeddah (JED)
EgyptAir, from Cairo (CAI)
Turkish Airlines, from Istanbul (IST)
Tarco Air, from Port Sudan (PZU)
⚠️ Baggage delay alert: Luggage delays are common. Always keep medication, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and your camera in your carry-on bag.
Vaccinations & Health
Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations often include:
Hepatitis A & B
Yellow fever (if traveling from an endemic country)
Malaria is present in some lowland and coastal areas. Ask your doctor about prophylactics if your itinerary includes the Red Sea coast or Dahlak region.
Bring any personal medication with you. Pharmacy supplies outside Asmara are limited.
Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable
You are responsible for your own travel insurance. We strongly recommend a policy that covers:
Emergency medical evacuation (remote areas have limited facilities)
Trip cancellation
Baggage delay
Check SafetyWing for digital-nomad-friendly plans.
What to Pack for Eritrea
Eritrea spans cool highlands and a hot Red Sea coast, so pack for both:
Highlands (Asmara, Keren): light layers. Evenings can be cool at 2,300 m. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential.
Coast (Massawa): lightweight, breathable clothing; modest dress near mosques and markets; swimwear for Green Island.
Health kit: personal medication, oral rehydration salts, basic first aid.
Documents: passport (valid 6+ months), visa, printed flight confirmations, and all your cash in USD/EUR.
Food & Drink in Eritrea
Eritrean cuisine is a highlight in itself.
Injera (sourdough teff flatbread) served with zigni (spiced beef stew) and tsebhi birsen (lentil stew) is the national staple.
Asmara's Italian heritage means excellent pasta and the famous macchiato coffee culture.
The traditional coffee ceremony (roasted, brewed and served in three rounds) is a must.
On the coast, Massawa is known for fresh grilled Red Sea seafood.
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken in hotels and by tour operators. The official working languages are:
Tigrinya
Arabic
English (plus some Italian in Asmara)
Your guide handles all local communication throughout the tour.
Connectivity, SIM Cards & Internet
Internet in Eritrea is slow and often unreliable, especially outside Asmara.
Mobile data and public Wi-Fi are very limited; do not rely on being constantly online.
Download offline maps, documents and entertainment before you arrive, and let family know you may be offline for stretches.
Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A discretionary tip for your guide and driver at the end of the tour is customary if you are happy with the service.
Dress modestly at religious sites and markets, and always ask before photographing people.
Electricity & Water
Electricity: 230V, European-style plugs (Type C & F). Power cuts happen. Bring a power bank.
Water: drink only bottled or boiled water.
How do I pay for the tour?
We require a 10% deposit to confirm your booking. Pay via bank transfer in USD or EURO. We will send you an invoice with all banking details. The remaining balance is paid in cash upon arrival in Asmara (USD or EUR preferred). You may also prepay 100% via bank transfer if you prefer.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If Adulis Travel fails to deliver a service listed in the itinerary (excluding force majeure, weather delays, flight cancellations, road conditions, or government travel permit denial), we will refund the cost of that specific service. No refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or voluntary changes made by the traveller.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions of Adulistravel.com form the basis of the agreement when you book a trip with Adulistravel.com. Therefore, we kindly ask you to carefully review the Adulistravel.com terms and conditions.
11 Day Eritrea Tour — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions travellers ask us most before booking this tour.
Can I travel to Eritrea independently?
Yes, within Asmara. For Keren and Massawa you need travel permits, which require a licensed local operator. Most independent travellers find the cost worth it for the time and stress it saves.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Departures are confirmed with a minimum of one guest. A single-room supplement applies if you want your own room, or we can pair you with another solo traveller to reduce the cost. Just let us know.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Yes. This is our most popular fixed tour, but we also build bespoke itineraries: longer stays, different combinations, and add-ons to the Dahlak Islands, the Danakil Depression, or archaeological sites. Contact us with your interests.
What if the Keren permit is denied?
It happens only rarely. When it does, we immediately arrange an alternative day of equivalent quality, usually extended Asmara exploration, a drive to Filfil, or a scenic highland excursion. We contact you before departure if there is any risk for your dates.
Is the Monday Camel Market guaranteed?
We design the Keren day to fall on a Monday wherever possible. Confirm this with us when booking. The market runs throughout the week regardless, and camels are a common sight in Keren's streets every day.
Can vegetarians and vegans eat well in Eritrea?
Very well. Eritrean food is naturally plant-friendly: lentil stew, fava beans, salads and injera are all excellent. Tell us your requirements when booking and we brief your guide and restaurants in advance.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
Only if you are arriving from a country on the WHO yellow fever endemic list. It is not required for most European, North American or Asian travellers, but is still recommended as a general health measure. Always carry your yellow vaccination card.
Is Eritrea safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Same-sex relationships are illegal under Eritrean law, so LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise significant discretion and avoid public displays of affection. Please check your government's current travel advice before booking.
Can I extend the tour to include the Dahlak Islands or the Danakil Depression?
Yes, both are possible as add-ons or as part of a longer custom tour. Dahlak adds 1–2 days from Massawa; the Danakil needs 3–4 extra days. Contact us for details and pricing.
Useful resources
For background before you join the 11 Day Eritrea Tour, these external sources are worth a read:
Explore more of the Horn of Africa
Ready to join our 11 Day Eritrea Tour? Places on this private journey are strictly limited, so early booking is essential. Contact Adulis Travel to reserve your place or to tailor the itinerary around your dates.
