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16 Day Eritrea, Dahlak Sailing Tour
offered by supplier M19089 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 16
day(s)
Group Size: 6
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Eritrea
Specialty Categories:
Boating and Sailing
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 2300 Pound Sterling (GBP)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2300 Pound Sterling (GBP)
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With pristine reefs, completely untouched by tourism, the Dahlak is a world-class destination for divers. For the informed traveler Eritrea has so much to offer, but for now only a pioneering number of travelers have discovered its many attractions. The capital Asmara, with one of the finest examples of post-modernist Art-Deco architecture anywhere in the world is our introduction to the country. You will be immediately impressed by the friendly welcome given by the Eritrean people, keen that you are about to explore their hidden, unknown land. A two hour drive will take us through spectacular mountain scenery down to the Red Sea and the city of Massawa. Some travelers have described Massawa as being reminiscent of Zanzibar with its mix of African and Arabian influences. The true gem of this tour lies just off the coast, the superb Dahlak Archipelago. This is a unique opportunity to take a leisurely cruise around the islands aboard our chartered yacht, the comfortable 20m, 38 ton Maila. With its mix of experienced European and local crew, including a qualified Dive Master, there is no better way to discover one of the world’s premier dive sites.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: UK to Asmara. Overnight flight to Asmara via Cairo arriving early the next day.
Day 2: Asmara. Arrival in Asmara and transfer to your comfortable boutique style hotel, the Albergo Italia. Time to freshen-up before taking in some of the capital’s sights on a short city tour. Overnight Albergo Italia. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Asmara to Massawa. A drive from Asmara, which is at an altitude of 2,000 m to the coastal town of Massawa just 100 km away, means that this is always a breathtaking journey. Much of the trip will follow the Italian built railway linking the capital with the coast. On arrival in Massawa we will check into our hotel before taking a short city tour. Overnight Red Sea Hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Dahlak Cruise. Today we join our chartered yacht, Maila and depart Massawa for our voyage around the dazzling Dahlak Archipelago. Fully equipped and with a competent and experienced crew to take care of your every need, the voyage promises to be a memorable experience for even the most widely traveled. Built in 1990 enjoy the Maila’s impressive facilities including comfortable cabins, showers, sun deck, bar and the excellent cuisine served by her friendly crew. Overnight aboard Maila. Includes: (B).
Days 5-11: Dahlak Sailing. Seven full days to discover the magical Dahlak. Maila will bring you to different islands with pristine reefs where you can enjoy impressive dives, snorkel or just swim and sunbath. The Dahlaks rise above a shallow continental shelf lying off the coast. It is almost impossible to explore all 350 islands but visiting just a few makes a memorable and exciting adventure. Many islands are simply flat, sandy bars or barren rocks which jut out of the sea. The Dahlaks are true desert islands, with almost barren soils. Fresh water is scarce and today only about four islands are inhabited, with a total population of just 2,500.
A welcome side-effect of the past conflict in Eritrea and the isolation of the Dahlaks from almost any form of tourism is that marine life has been able to flourish undisturbed. Of the 1,000 and more species or sub-species of fish known to inhabit the Red Sea, some 15 per cent are not found anywhere else. Some corals and echinoderms, such as certain star fish, are also only found here. This is just an example of some of the dive sites that may be visited as part of our cruise. However, the actual itinerary will have a degree of flexibility to suit the interests of the group. Maila’s crew and her Dive Master will be happy to advise and make recommendations on the best sites to explore. Includes: (B).
Day 11: Massawa to Asmara. Afternoon return to Massawa and the end of your sailing adventure. Our staff will be waiting to transfer you back to Asmara and the exquisite colonial style Albergo Italia. Overnight Albergo Italia. Includes: (B).
Day 12: Asmara to Keren. To discover more of this fascinating country we have included an overnight excursion to the town of Keren, which tries very hard to beat the laid back ambiance of Asmara. With a distinct Arabian feel and a spectacular mountain setting Keren is known for its colourful markets. During the Second World War its strategic position, controlling the northern gateway to Asmara was very important. It was the scene of bitter fighting between the Italians and the British and today travelers can visit the Commonwealth and Italian war cemeteries. Your tour of the tour will also include a visit to Mariam D'Arit, a large baobab tree with a small chapel built inside. Overnight Serina Hotel. Includes: (B).
Day 13: Keren to Asmara. After a two hour drive through the impressive mountain landscape we are back in the capital. Its wide boulevards are a riot of color lined with jacaranda trees and bougainvillea. Sit at one of the many cafes lining the main street with a cappuccino or a chilled ‘Asmara beer’ and simply watch life go by. Overnight Albergo Italia. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Asmara. Almost the end of your adventure, but still time to join us on an optional tour. Perhaps travel south with our local driver/guide and 4WD and visit Qohaito to see its ruins including the large Safra Dam and the palace of King Saba. At 2,700 m the setting is wonderful, with sharp descents and views towards Mount Ambasoira (3,013 m) the highest peak in Eritrea and towards the Red Sea. Overnight Albergo Italia. Includes: (B).
Day 15: Asmara. A day at leisure and time to reflect on your time in Eritrea. Overnight Albergo Italia. Meals in room only.
Day 16: Asmara to UK. A very early morning transfer to the airport for your departure to the UK via Cairo, arriving the same day.
Notes for Non-Divers:
- You do not have to be a diver to discover the Dahlak
- Join us and enjoy the warm waters to swim or snorkel or simply relax on board
- Your invoice will be discounted by £400 person if you will
not be diving.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Group tours:
- 7 November 2009 to 22 November 2009: £2,990.
Price Includes:
- All accommodation based on twin/double share
- All transport and transfers
- Meals as shown
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the Malia
- All diving equipment
- 20 dives whilst on board the Maila
- An English speaking guide.
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Dahlak Islands National Park entrance fee: €20
- Optional excursion to Qohaito
- Entrance fee an additional €10
- Eritrean Visa
- Travel insurance
- Single Supplement (optional on group tours)
- Additional dives at €30 per dive, payable direct in Euro cash.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Eritrea
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
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