YEMEN
Anyone who had the privilege of doing so decades ago describes Yemen as one of the most beautiful journeys in the world. Over the last 20 years, the country has been plagued by serious internal conflicts, famines, and socio-economic issues, making travel effectively impossible. The situation is far from stable, but there is a glimmer of hope: in the eastern region of Hadramawt, one of the most beautiful in the country, conditions are slowly improving. And it is here that our 6-day expedition will take place, exploring the port of Mukalla and the remote valleys of Wadi Dawat, among canyons and mud villages perched on rocky outcrops, ending with the proto-skyscrapers of Shibam, the legendary «Manhattan of the desert»
The BHS touch
While waiting to be able to return to Sana’a, the legendary capital of Yemen, which is now inaccessible, we are ready to bring travel back to the country! With a local guide, we will be among the very first Westerners to set foot again in these breathtaking lands in more than 10 years. We will be based in the village of Haid Al-Jazil, one of the most remote and spectacular in Yemen, where time seems to have stood still. And from the desert, seeing the magical silhouette of the mud skyscrapers of Shibam suddenly emerge will feel like an extraordinary mirage.
Highlights
The eastern region of Hadramawt
The valleys of Wadi Dawat
The port of Mukalla
The proto-skyscrapers of Shibam
Where we sleep
3- and 4-star hotels in traditional buildings
How we travel
4×4 vehicles with driver
YEMEN
TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 1: flight to Cairo, visit to the main attractions depending on arrival times. Overnight stay in a hotel in Cairo
DAY 2: meeting in Cairo and flight to Seiyun. Arrival in Yemen, meeting with local representatives at the airport, customs procedures and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel
Morning: breakfast and transfer to Seiyun Old Town to purchase local clothing. Transfer through Wadi Sah towards Mukalla, one of the main cities in Yemen as well as one of the most important ports in the country. Arrival, check-in at the hotel and traditional seafood lunch.
Afternoon: walk through the port streets, visit the Al-Ghawizi city fortress, and continue with a visit to the old city of Mukalla and the old market.
Evening: dinner and overnight stay at the hotel with a beautiful view over the Arabian Sea.
Morning: breakfast, visit to the Mukalla fish market and transfer to Wadi Do’an, a breathtaking valley dotted with ancient traditional villages. Lunch with a view of Haid Al-Jizil, a small village perched on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the valley, admiring the most beautiful and iconic panorama of the entire Wadi Dawan.
Afternoon: easy and wonderful trek to the village of Hawfah in Wadi Do’an. This beautiful trek leads to the village of Hawfah. Transfer to the village of Buqshan, with its incredible colourful palaces.
Evening: return to the hotel and sunset dinner overlooking Wadi Dawan.
Morning: breakfast and departure towards Ribad, visit to the city of the Bin Laden family, and continuation to Qarht Bahumaish, the last village of Wadi Do’an. The journey continues towards Shibam with several photographic stops along the way, including the village of Musainah and the town of Al-Khuraiba. Picnic lunch under the trees in front of the beautiful village of Qarn Majed.
Afternoon: visit to the city of Sif, second in beauty only to Shibam, with photo stops at various viewpoints in the valley, including the town of Al-Hajjarain, and a beautiful sunset overlooking Shibam.
Evening: return to Seiyun, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning: transfer to Shibam. The historic capital of Hadramawt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known as the “Manhattan of the desert.” The city is entirely built of mud, with 500 tower houses reaching 5–9 stories in height, dating back to as early as the 16th century: these are true ancient skyscrapers, creating one of the most incredible skylines in the world. Transfer to Seiyun and visit of the following attractions: old town, honey market, traditional Al-Handhal market, fruit and vegetable market, and Al-Fals Palace. Continue to Tarim, a historic Sufi city built in mud.
Afternoon: visit to the beautiful historic Sufi shrines in the Aynat area and the city of Tarim with its small market and the Al-Mihdar Mosque.
Evening: return to the hotel in Seiyun, dinner and overnight stay.
Morning: transfer to the airport and return flight to Cairo
Afternoon: return flight to Italy
CHOOSE WHEN TO DEPART
Reserve online with €100
PRICE INCLUDES
- all flights
- cabin carry-on baggage and one personal item
- entry visa and consular procedures
- all overnight stays in double rooms
- all meals
- all transfers
- all entrance fees
- English-speaking guide
- Italian tour leader throughout the trip
- tour leader expenses
- medical insurance (up to €100,000)
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Tips, extras, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly mentioned
Checked luggage: available for purchase at the time of booking
Seat selection on the plane: available for purchase at the time of booking (international flights only)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: €300
Guarantees accommodation in a single room
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the return date is required.
Included
No mandatory vaccinations. Please check on http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/country/ARG
The time zone in Yemen is UTC +3.
It does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.
In Yemen, Type A, D, and G power outlets are used (the situation varies). It is recommended to bring a universal adapter.
In Yemen you can use a local SIM (such as Yemen Mobile, Sabafon or MTN Yemen (YOU)), which is inexpensive but offers slow and unstable internet, or an eSIM such as Airalo or Holafly, which is more convenient but more expensive. In general, the connection is weak, so it works for WhatsApp and little else.
The climate depends on the season and the region visited. In Yemen, temperatures range from lows of around 15–20°C to highs above 35°C, with a hot desert climate and more temperate conditions in the mountainous areas.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR SUITCASE
- Comfortable trousers
- Short-sleeved T-shirts
- Comfortable clothing
- Fleeces / sweatshirts
- Winter / light jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
TOILETRIES / MEDICATION
- No specific medication required (bring according to personal needs)
- Toiletries according to personal needs / habits
OTHER
- Power bank
Check the FAQ section here https://bhs.travel/faq/