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Yemen (Mainland) III

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 – Wed, 27 Dec 2023

8 Days 7 Nights

About this expedition

Yemen is the last frontier when it comes to travel destinations. Closed for decades, and arguably the most dangerous country in the World, where the North is still in conflict, certain areas in the South have regained enough stability that allow us to visit. In this unique journey, we'll explore Wadi Hadramaut, the region of Shibam, the Manhattan of the Desert, an ancient city with towering mud-buildings that once was a legendary stop in the spice routes that crossed the Middle East. Yemen is the cradle of Arab culture from where it grew all across the Arabian Peninsula and the World. You will experience their intact hospitality and delicious gastronomy as well as marvel in their photogenic valleys full of traditional villages where time seems to have stood still. Some countries have a perfect window to visit them, don't miss it! This is your sign to visit Yemen!

Itinerary

Note: this is a rough sample itinerary and may vary its order or parts of it based on our local crew’s guidance and knowledge of the situation in every region and for safety purposes.

Day 1: Arrival in Seiyun

We'll fly from Cairo to Seiyun airport, then drive to our hotel, check-in, and go into town to buy our local clothes, exchange some money and explore the Bazaar before our first Yemeni feast for dinner.

Overnight in Seiyun.

Day 2: Seiyun, Aynat, Tarim

In the morning, we'll leave Hawta and drive to Seiyun to visit the Sultan Al-Kathiri Palace museum and Suq Al-Handhal market. Then, we'll visit one of the most beautiful Islamic Shrines in Aynat town. After that, we'll head to Tarim, which is a historical Islamic town built in Mud. We'll visit the tiny market and photograph the Al-Mihdar mosque before driving back to Hawta for the night.

Overnight in Seiyun.

Day 3: Shibam to Wadi Doa'n

Today, we'll leave Hawta and drive to the beautiful town of Shibam Hadramout, which is also known as the "Manhattan of Arabia." We'll explore the town before heading towards Wadi Doa'n. On the way, we'll stop to photograph Al-Hajjrain and Sif towns, then drive up to Haid Al-Jizil for a breathtaking panoramic view of Wadi Doa'n. We'll spend the night at the Haid Al-Jizil Hotel.

Overnight in Wadi Doa'n.

Day 4: Wadi Doa'n

After breakfast, we'll drive a short distance and then start an easy and beautiful trek down to Hawfah village in Wadi Doa'n. It's only a one-hour trek, and then we'll drive to Buqshan village to see the Colored Palaces. We'll then head to another beautiful panoramic view of Wadi Doa'n, called Rehab area. Along the way, we'll stop to photograph villages in Wadi Doa'n, including Qarn Majed village. We'll also take photos of the view in Rehab before driving to Al-Khuraiba town and then back to Haid Al-Jizil, where we can enjoy the sunset.

Overnight in Wadi Doa'n.

Day 5: Wadi Doa'n to Shibam

We'll start the day by driving from Haid Al-Jizil back to Hawta. On the way, we'll stop to photograph villages in Wadi Doa'n before continuing to Shibam to photograph its beautiful sunset. Then, we'll return to the Hawta Palace Hotel.

Day 6: Fly out 

We'll wake up early and leave Hawta to drive to Seiyun airport. From there, we'll catch our flight back to Cairo.

What's included

  • Hotels — Shared rooms in the best hotels available in Seiyun and Wadi Doan.
  • Transport — Private vehicle and driver.
  • Entrance Fees — All entrance fees to sites on your itinerary.
  • Meals — All meals are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Security Clearance and Permits — We'll apply for your security clearance and all necessary permits for our journey in Yemen.
  • Visa — Visa Fee of around $300 is included.

Things to know

HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR YEMEN?

We'll apply for your visa in Yemen and get all the necessary permits and clearances so you can pick it up on arrival. Visa and permit fees are included.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?

Wander Expedition doesn't book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you. You will be flying to and from Cairo. We will book the Cairo to Seiyun connection altogether (not included).

IS YEMEN SAFE?

There is a unique window of stability in Southern Yemen that allows us to carry out this Expedition. We will have the best local crew and the previous experience of our first two Expeditions this year. It's the best chance to visit Yemen, a country that has been closed for decades!

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

This Expedition is for everyone looking to visit this unique destination. Mostly expert travellers that know about Yemen's conflict and what this Expedition entails.

WHAT IS THE PRICE?

Wander Expeditions is not a traditional travel agency where the first to pay is the first to go. We take you to stunning destinations, but we know the people you share it with is even more important when you travel. That’s why we have a refined selection process where we filter and vet candidates to ensure that groups are fun, balanced, diverse and interesting! We make sure candidates are on the same page and share our values of being fun, flexible and fearless, so we can guarantee everyone will have an amazing experience. We create travel families, so #trusttheprocess. Halfway through our process, we share the price with all pre-selected applicants. It only takes 15 min to apply, so you literally have nothing to lose! What are you waiting for to join the Wander Fam?

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Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.

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