| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking Tours |
Day 01: Arrival
Arrive at Asmara International Airport and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in Asmara
Day 02: Trekking to Debrebizen
Early in the morning drive towards Nefasit on the Massawa road. It is 30-40 minutes’ drive. Visitors will start to trek that arduous journey. They will need to carry a bottle of water to protect them from dehydration from excessive sweating.
The Debre Bizen Monastery of the legendary Saint Abune Philipos is visited yearly only by male pilgrims on August 11 according to the Gregorian calendar or According to the Julian or Geez Calendar on the 5th of August. At this date, one would see male pilgrims as young as in their early teens and as old as in their late seventies trekking up towards the Monastery on that grueling journey.
The monastery overshadows the town of Nefasit from 825 meters above. The climbing requires trekking of about 7 kilometers.
Abune Philipos has sanctioned the climbing of females for he used to say “he would rather be confronted by the intent look of the lionesses rather than the faces of women”. Ever since no female pilgrim has dared to set foot on the mountainous monastery.
The Debre Bizen Monastery is located at the tip of an escarpment in the country’s topography. The road from Asmara to Nefasit, 25 Kilometers leading to the foot of the Debre Bizen Monastery, displays a breathtaking view where one would enjoy a gradual descent from 2400 meters above sea level to about 1670 meters. The road forming a hairpin bend seems to demand a good and responsible driving experience. Overnight in Asmara
Day 03: Asmara –Debresina- Keren
A drive from Asmara to the town of Keren, the second-largest city, situated 91 kilometers to the northwest of Asmara takes a gradual descent to an altitude of 1390 meters. It has a moderate climate. The fine tarmac road, built by the Italians is like a hairpin bend curved out from mountainous plateaus.
At 68 kilometers from Asmara, visitors will turn to the right to visit the famous Debresina Monastery. The shrine is curved out from the solid rock. However, there is an extension of the Modern church.
Visitors will continue their journey to Keren. overnight in Keren
Day 04: Keren –Asmara
Visitors will enjoy the Monday camel and another livestock market. Visitors would also visit the Italian and Common Wealth war cemeteries. Keren is well known for the fiercest battles that went on between the Commonwealth and the Italian forces in 1941. The fall of Keren in the hands of the Common Wealth advancing army signaled the end of the Italian occupation in Eritrea. Visitors will also visit the famous Mariam Dearit temple carved out from a Baobab tree.
In the afternoon it will be a drive back to Asmara where one would feel the gradual ascension from 1390 to 2400 meters above sea level. It is such spectacular scenery Overnight in Asmara
Day 05: Asmara City Tour.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea is the largest City. Laying 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 literally 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”.
Late in the evening transfer to the airport for departure.
End of Tour!!!
