From North To South To The Red Sea In Yemen

13 nights / 14 days

DAY 1 - Arrive at the airport, transfer to the hotel in Sana'a, the capitol of Yemen. Perched high in the mountains, this picturesque city lends itself to exploration. The architecture is distinct; many houses are several stories high. This afternoon, enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Overnight the Hilltwon Hotel in Sana'a.

DAY 2 - In the morning, tour the National Museum and see its early archaeological artifacts before leaving Sana'a to journey to Wadi Dhar, also known as Dar Hajjar, the place of the rock. This bucolic valley is covered with vines and fruit trees. See the palace built by the Immam Yahaya (King of Yemen 1919-1948). Lunch along the way. Tour Thula with its four gates and great mosque and see its lofty fortress, and Kawkaban, sitting on top of a mountain with a magnificent view of the countryside. Stop at Hababah to explore its quaint houses and narrow streets. Return to Sana'a for overnight.

DAY 3 - Departing Sana'a, our land-cruiser goes north to the fortified village of Amran sitting amid lush fertile fields and stops at the suq at Khamir a trading center. Continue on our way to the quaint farming village of Huth and Sa'ada hidden behind its mud brick wall. Overnight in Sa'ada.

DAY 4 - This morning, tour the area surrounding this northern village. Stop at the biggest open-air market in Yemen at Suq Al Talh and Majz. After lunch, continue to tour Sa'ada stopping at the Al Hadi Mosque and the old fortifications. Overnight in Sa'ada.

Day 5 - Set out for Raydah - a large market town. The road curves up steeply from the wadi, passing by coffee bushes and thick vegetation. You can see Hajjah high on the escarpment, a new tourist destination between the mountains and the Tihama of the Red Sea. Take a diversion to see Kuhlan and its old fortified ancient citadels. Reach Hajjah where the occupying Turks had a strategic position and a jail to detain political prisoners - today a municipal building. Tour this area including a visit to the Citadel of Al Qahirah. Overnight in Hajjah.

DAY 6 - Descend the mountains to the Tihama area along the coast of the Red Sea. Enjoy the scenic drive along the shore stopping to see the Wadi Moor with its African style villages. Enjoy lunch in Al Hodeidah and a sightseeing tour of this fishing village on the Red Sea. Overnight in Al Hodeidah.

DAY 7 - Journey to Zabid, an old Islamic cultural center with its 5th C AH mosque and university for a tour of this area. Stop at Al Jarrahi to inspect the suq. Arrive in Khawkha a seaside resort town on a palm fringed beach in time for lunch and afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Khawkha.

DAY 8 - A full day to explore the region, snorkel on the reef, shop, or beach. Overnight at Khawkha.

DAY 9 - Drive along the coastal road to Mokha, the famed port where Yemeni coffee has been shipped. Continue to Yakhut and the Taiz in the mountains, one of Yemen's larger towns. It has played an important role throughout Yemeni history. See the Kahira Fortress and the museum as well as two famous mosques. Overnight in Taiz.

DAY 10 - Heading north once again, visit the ru ins at Jiblah of Queen Arwa bint Al Solayhi who united the Yemeni tribes in the 11th and 12th centuries. Wonder at the magnificent green valley as the vehicle arrives in Ibb with its houses built of stone blocks and see the windows with the common gypsum motifs. Return to Sana'a for overnight.

DAY 11 - A full day of sightseeing in Sana'a. Explore the nooks and crannies of its famous old city and its suq, see the archaeological artifacts and local handicrafts in the museum. Overnight in Sana'a.

DAY 12 - Early in the morning, fly south to the Arabian Sea port city of Aden with its charming fishing boats. Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise. Overnight in Aden.

DAY 13 - Enjoy a leisurely day exploring this fascinating city and doing last minute shopping. Overnight in Aden.

DAY 14 - Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Cities and Sites to be visited:
Sana'a, Wadi Dhar, Thula, Kawkaban, Hababah, Amran, Huth, Saada, Al Talh, Majz, Raydah, Kulan, Hajjah, Wadi Moor, Al Hodeidah, Zabid, Khawkha, Mokha, Yakhut, Taiz, Jibla, Ibb, Aden.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

INCLUDED:
4 or 5 Star hotels depending on local availability
Full board
4-wheel drive vehicles with driver
English-speaking driver and/or guide in each vehicle
Internal flights
All fees to monuments and sites listed on the itinerary.
Local service charges and taxes

NOT INCLUDED:
Personal expenses such as room service, mini-bar charges, telephone/fax calls
Optional tours or entrance fees not on the itinerary
Refreshments, alcoholic beverages, snacks, etc. en route or during meals
Tips for guide and driver(we usually recommend $2 or $3 for the driver and $5 for the guide-all per peson per day).

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