15-Day Mainland Yemen Tour & Socotra Island Expedition

Your immersive Yemen tour will begin upon your arrival in Aden, a historic port city, where you will be warmly greeted by your professional guide and driver.

Then, you will embark on a scenic journey, heading to the Wadi Doan (or Wadi Dawan), a stunning valley in eastern Yemen. This trip will take approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Wadi Dawan is a magnificent desert valley renowned for its breathtaking canyon landscapes and centuries-old mud-brick villages. Upon arrival, you will be amazed by the mud-brick architecture in the ancient traditional village, which showcases the time-tested brilliance of architectural craftsmanship.

Strolling through the valley, you will immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and experience the warm hospitality and unique culture here. In the evening, you will head to an excellent viewing spot to witness the magnificent sunset. As the light fades, the magnificent scenery of the valley is enveloped in golden rays.

Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Wadi Dawan

After breakfast, head to the ancient city of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as "Manhattan in the Desert." It can be traced back to the 16th century and is one of the earliest examples of urban planning based on vertical architecture. Here, you will marvel at the breathtaking mud-brick tower houses rising from the desert, which creates a uniquely striking landscape.

Your Yemen trip will continue to Seiyun. You will visit the magnificent Seiyun Palace (Sultan Al Kathiri Palace), once the residence of the Sultan of Kathiri. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its towering white exterior and exquisite decorations, showing the royal history of the region. Inside, you can explore a wealth of historical artifacts, which tell the stories of the region's past.

The remaining time of the day is free for optional activities that allow you to enjoy the desert landscape. You can choose to experience the thrill of sand dune bashing by riding a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle, or opt for a more traditional adventure by crossing the undulating golden sand dunes on a camel.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Seiyun

This morning, you can embark on a driving journey lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours. Then you will arrive in the charming coastal city of Mukalla, located along the Arabian Sea.

After arrival, you will tour the city and take a stroll along the beach promenade. Take advantage of this time to appreciate the stunning coastline scenery and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the ocean.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy yourself at your own pace. This is an excellent opportunity to take photos and relax. You can witness the vibrant local life, stroll along the beach, and enjoy the clear sea water and the breathtaking scenery.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Mukalla

After breakfast, prepare to embark on an exciting  5 to 6-hour journey to Al-Mahrah. Along the way, you will traverse magnificent natural landscapes, pass through an untouched wilderness, and capture natural scenes featuring vibrant red sand dunes that contrast sharply with the horizon.

In the evening, you will be warmly welcomed into a traditional Bedouin tribe. Here, you will experience the hospitality of the Bedouins and spend a wonderful night immersed in their way of life. Sit around the campfire to enjoy the traditional campfire dinner.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Al-Mahrah

In the morning, leave Al-Mahrah and embark on the journey back to Aden. After returning to the city, you are free to spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying yourself to the fullest.

You can capture the eternal beauty of Aden through the lens and photograph its unique landmarks and coastal scenery. Or you can travel to the bustling local markets. There, you can select exquisite textiles and traditional handicrafts to bring back as perfect souvenirs of your Yemen trip.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Aden

On the sixth day of your Yemen tour, you will leave Aden and fly to Sana'a, the capital and largest city of Yemen (about 2 hours). After arrival, you will be sent to the hotel to check in and adapt to the new environment.

The afternoon is set aside for free activities. You can stroll around the hotel area and experience the unique atmosphere of this city. Or simply unwind and prepare for tomorrow's tour.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Sana'a

Today, you will explore the Old City of Sana'a, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering this city is like stepping into a vibrant open-air museum, whose history can be traced back thousands of years.

Accompanied by the tour guide, you will stroll through the intricate alleys while learning about the rich history and traditional architecture of this city. The unique multi-story houses are adorned with intricate geometric patterns.

Your cultural journey also includes visiting the magnificent Al Saleh Mosque, a famous religious and architectural landmark.

Wandering through the bustling street, you will also be immersed in the lively atmosphere of the local old market. The air is filled with the rich aroma of exotic spices, making it a deep experience of local life.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Sana'a

Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city and embark on a two-hour drive to the picturesque mountain village of Al-Hajjarah. Al-Hajjarah is a paradise for photographers, where you can capture the beautiful scenery of Yemen's most beautiful villages and terraces.

You will be amazed by this ancient village, which stands high above the rugged rocky cliffs. This land is covered with undulating agricultural terraces, winding down along the mountain slope.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Haraz Mountains

Today, you will leave Sana'a and take a flight back to Aden. And then transfer to the charming island of Socotra. After arrival, you will stay at a hotel located by the sea. In the remaining time, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful sea view.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hadibo

Today, you will head to the stunning Detwah Lagoon, which is an astonishing beach with serene beauty. Around the lagoon are pristine white sandy beaches, and Detwah Lagoon is also a habitat for various birds and marine life.

At the end of the day, camp by the seaside. Relax under the starry sky and enjoy the tranquility of this remote paradise at night.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Detwah Lagoon Campsite

This morning, head to the charming Qalansiya. You will take a boat trip to the pristine Shuab Beach. During the voyage, keep your eyes open as you might have the chance to encounter playful dolphins.

In the afternoon, climb the magnificent Dixam Plateau, which is the iconic location of the famous Dragon Blood Tree in Socotra. Admiring these ancient, umbrella-shaped trees, you feel like you're on another planet.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Dixam Plateau Campsite

In the morning, hike into the core area of the Dragon Blood Tree Forest and head to the Firmhin Forest. You can closely observe these ancient trees and learn about the precious red resin they produce and its traditional uses.

This afternoon, transfer to Amoak Beach, where you can relax on the soft beach and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Amoak Beach Campsite

After breakfast, you will visit Dagub Cave. The entrance of this huge cave offers an astonishing panorama of the coastline and the vast Arabian Sea. As you enter the cave interior, you will discover a mysterious world composed of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Afterwards, head to the Zahek Sand Dune, which is an excellent place to watch the stunning sunset on Socotra Island. You can climb to the top of a high sand dune and watch the beautiful setting sun. Later, you will enjoy a brilliant starry sky.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Zahek Sand Dunes Campsite

Today, you will head to Kalisan Canyon. The hiking trail will lead you through rugged terrain, allowing you to discover breathtaking, crystal-clear swimming pools. You can enjoy cliff jumping, swimming, and photography in the pure waters.

Afterwards, venture to the Homhil Protected Area, which is famous for its rare and endemic species, like the iconic dragon blood tree and bottle trees. And bottle trees bloom with bright pink flowers from early March to the end of April. Then you can swim in the natural infinity pool while enjoying the magnificent panoramic sea view below.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Homhil Protected Area Campsite

After breakfast, you will head to the Dihamri Marine Reserve, which is an ideal paradise for diving enthusiasts. You can fully explore the vibrant underwater world, admire the abundant coral reefs, and swim alongside a variety of colorful marine creatures.

In the afternoon, you will return to Hadibo to end your 15-day Yemen and Socotra tour. Head to the airport to board a flight home. Safe travels!

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: N/A