Sights Of Archaeological Interest Tour

Sights of ARCHEOLOGICAL Interest

Day 01: Arrival

Arrive at Asmara International Airport and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in Asmara

Day 02: Asmara City Tour

Asmara, the capital of Eritrea is the largest City. Lying at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level the City has a year-round pleasant climate at a range of 18-25 Celsius. Even during the summertime, Asmara has an enjoyable climate. The modern city of Asmara was created by the Italians between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th Century. The city’s elegant streets and the adjoining promenade are comfortable for day or night walking.

The city now accommodates more than 400 Art Deco buildings officially recognized by UNESCO. The city maintains its cleanliness, which is commended by many visitors. One of the attractive features of Asmara, in particular, and the country in general is that it is the safest place to enjoy. One would feel as if one is in Rome when touring Asmara. Many Italians used to call it “Asmara Bella” meaning “Asmara the beautiful”.

The following Sites will be visited in Asmara:

The Peak of St Mary Cemetery where one can see the whole of Asmara.

The Medeber, where artisans recycle old tyres and tins. They make shoes, ovens, carpentry, and red pepper mills. It was built circa 1912.

The St Mary's Church was built circa 1900.

The Grand Mosque was built circa 1920s

The Cathedral built circa the 1920s

The Post Office was built in 1916, and Albergo Italia was built in 1899.

The Municipality was established in 1890, and Theatro Asmara was built 1920s,

Cinema Odeon, Cinema Roma built 1920s,

Villa Roma was built circa 1907 (now the residence of the Italian Embassy)

Hotel Hamasien was built circa 1916, l) The Mercato of the indigenous people built at the turn of the 20th Century m) the railway built in 1900 where there are still century-old locomotives running between Asmara and Nefasit on orders n) The Brewery built in 1940 o) The Eritrea Musem P) The tank graveyard, remnants from the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia from 1961-1991

Overnight in Asmara

Day 03: Asmara - Massawa - Adulis - Zula - Massawa

A spectacular driving down from Asmara to the East through the Masswa-Nefasit route from an altitude of 2400 meters to sea level in about 3 hours. Visitors will experience three climatic changes along the way:-. Cool, moderate, and hot climate. A brief coffee break will be essential in Massawa.

Driving further to the southeast of Massawa, Visitors will observe the ancient port of Adulis some 70 kilometers away from the Port City of Massawa. Zula is also adjacent to Adulis. These two ancient ports were a hub for the then-vibrant trade that prevailed in the Middle East. In 1868 A British Military Expedition led by General Napier built a 21-kilometer railway from Zula to Kumaile.

They used the short railway to transport their Elephants, donkeys, and army personnel to a long journey of 600 kilometers inside Ethiopia, namely, the province of Gondar in northwest Ethiopia, to fight against King Tewodros the then Emperor of Ethiopia. Overnight Massawa

Day 04: Massawa – Green Belt - Asmara

Leaving the port City of Massawa behind visitors will start their journey back to Asmara, a turn to the right will be necessary at Gahtelai some 45 kilometers, and passing along the hot spring of Mai Wuuii, a gradual ascending will be enjoyed along the Green Belt. In the middle of the Green Belt there will be a spectacular view of one of Eritrea’s dense forests and watching some birds adoring the trees flying here and there and gazelles grazing along the way. It will be about a 4-5 hour journey. Overnight in Asmara.

Day 05: Asmara- Adikeyh -Kohaito- -Senafe

An early hour’s journey towards the southeast of Asmara will take the visitors to Dekemhare, 40 kilometers, Serenity, 65 kilometers, Adi Keyh 115 kilometers. Turning to the left through a weather road of 12 kilometers visitors will enjoy the archaeological site in Kohaito. An ancient dam, some standing pillars, traces of an ancient palace, Rock paintings, and tombs. Included is also the breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon.

There was a road still visible that used to connect the area to the port city of Massawa and the neighboring Tigray in Ethiopia. Overnight in Adi Keyh.

Day 06: Senafe- Metera- Segeneiti- Asmara.

Following a good night's stay in Adi Keyh visitors will travel further to the South about 25 kilometers from Adi Keyih on the way to Senafe, a border town with neighboring Ethiopia. Visitors will enjoy the archaeological site of an ancient town in Belew Kelew overshadowed by the 2.5-meter erect stele, demonstrating the ancient civilization in that area The physically fit can climb the Metera mountain and witness the breathtaking view of 360 degrees where the majestic chains of the Ambassoira mountains adore the scenery.

There is also a baobab tree that gives fruits every month in its twelve branches, adjacent to the ancient church of St. Mary. Legends have it that the tree used to feed the monks by yielding fruit every month. In present times, though not edible, the fruits are still ripe in its twelve branches every month.

While returning to Asmara visitors will have an observation of the several majestic baobab trees found in the town of Segeneiti, 65 kilometers from Asmara or almost halfway to Senafe. The Eritrean currency of the 5 Nakfa note commemorates one of the biggest baobab trees in the town.

Later in the evening, the visitors will be transferred to the airport for their bon voyage back home.

End of Tour !!!