Our Eritrea Holidays is a private, fully guided journey through Asmara & Massawa, led by our own local guides.
Eritrea Holidays — overview
Tucked away in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea is one of the most undiscovered and authentic destinations in the world. This 3-day tour takes you through the highland capital of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its remarkable Italian Art Deco architecture, and down to the historic Red Sea port of Massawa. Along the way you will experience one of Africa's most spectacular mountain roads, descending from cool highlands at over 2,300 metres to the warm coast of the Red Sea.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is unlike anywhere else in Africa. Often called "Piccola Roma" (Little Rome), the city is home to over 400 preserved Art Deco, Futurist and Rationalist buildings dating from the Italian colonial era, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017. Wide palm-lined avenues, vintage cafes and the iconic Fiat Tagliero service station make it a living museum of 20th-century architecture.
From the highlands, the journey continues down the dramatic mountain road to Massawa, the "Pearl of the Red Sea." This ancient port city blends Ottoman, Egyptian and Italian influences, with coral-stone buildings, historic mosques and a relaxed coastal atmosphere on the edge of the turquoise Red Sea.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a traveller seeking somewhere truly off the beaten path, these Eritrea holidays offer an unforgettable introduction to one of the world's last great undiscovered destinations. Read more about Adulis Travel or explore our other Eritrea tours.
Eritrea Holidays highlights
- UNESCO Art Deco Asmara, over 400 preserved buildings
- The iconic Fiat Tagliero service station & Cinema Roma
- Asmara Catholic Cathedral & the Opera House
- Spectacular mountain road descent from Asmara to Massawa
- Historic Red Sea port of Massawa & its old town
- The ancient Mosque of the Companions in Massawa
Why book this Eritrea Holidays with Adulis Travel
Adulis Travel is an Eritrean-owned operator based in Asmara, so every Eritrea Holidays 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.
Eritrea Holidays itinerary, day by day
Asmara, Art Deco City Tour
After breakfast, explore Asmara on a full-day city tour. Wander down Harnet Avenue, the city's elegant main boulevard lined with palm trees, cafes and colonial-era buildings. Visit the iconic Fiat Tagliero service station, a masterpiece of Futurist architecture shaped like an aeroplane, along with Cinema Roma, the Asmara Catholic Cathedral and the historic Opera House. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will understand why as you discover its more than 400 preserved Art Deco buildings. Overnight in Asmara.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Asmara to Massawa, Mountain Road to the Red Sea
Today we take one of the most spectacular drives in Africa. The road from Asmara to Massawa descends more than 2,300 metres through dramatic mountain scenery, hairpin bends and changing landscapes as we travel from the cool highlands to the warm Red Sea coast. On arrival in Massawa, the "Pearl of the Red Sea," we explore the historic old town with its coral-stone architecture, Ottoman and Italian influences, and the ancient Mosque of the Companions, one of the oldest mosques in Africa. Overnight in Massawa.
Overnight: Dahlak Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Massawa to Asmara, Return through the Highlands
After a relaxed morning in Massawa, perhaps enjoying the coastal atmosphere and the views over the Red Sea, we begin the scenic return journey back up the mountain road to Asmara. The drive offers a completely different perspective of the highlands as we climb back to the capital. Depending on your departure time, there may be a chance for some last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping in Asmara before the tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Where you will stay
- Bologna Hotel, Asmara — A smart, central downtown hotel with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant.
- Dahlak Hotel, Massawa — Sea-view rooms in the historic Red Sea port of Massawa, with a pool near the old town.
What is included
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel
- 2 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast each day
- English-speaking guide
- Local taxes and entrance fees
- Travel permit fees
What is not included
- International flights and entry visa
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and optional tours
- Any services not listed above
Practical travel information for Eritrea
Essential Travel Information: Eritrea Holidays: 3-Day Tour to Asmara & Massawa
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.
Eritrea Holidays — 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 Eritrea Holidays, these external sources are worth a read:
Explore more of the Horn of Africa
Ready to join our Eritrea Holidays? 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.
