Yemen… The Land of Frankincense and Myrrh
February 19 - February 27, 2025
Led by Anthropologist, Elena Dak
Arabia Felix was the name bestowed on the region by the Romans. It merited its name due to its fertile lands, distinguishing it from the barren north, the so-called Arabia Deserta. This enabled the people to prosper and grow into a dominant force controlling trade between the east and west. Yemen has been at the Middle East, Asia, and Africa crossroads for thousands of years thanks to its position on the spice routes. Living at the height of the area’s dominance were the Sabaeans, subjects of the Kingdom of Sheba. Little remains of this ancient civilization, but traces of these enterprising people and their culture can be seen in the descendants who populate this rich historical land. We cannot visit everything in Yemen those days due to unrest in many parts, but we are lucky to be able to explore the two safest parts: in/around Sana’a and the island of Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural site. Untouched and unique in its beauty, it is also home to an ancient culture of intact and hospitable people.
Can be combined with Socotra tour (February 10 - February 19, 2024)
Tour Cost Tour Cost (Land Only & Cairo / Seiyun / Cairo flight): $7,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $995.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 8 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **
Tour Includes
Airport/hotel/airport transfers in Cairo.
One-day tour in Cairo with an overnight at 4* Hotel on bed and breakfast basis.
Arrival/departure transfers & AC 4x4 vehicles throughout the tour in Yemen.
2 nights’ accommodation in Cairo based on 4* hotel (pre and post Yemen).
Cairo / Seiyun / Cairo flights.
5 nights’ accommodation at best available hotels in Yemen.
English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
Escort of a tour manager (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
All meals as per itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
All activities described in the tour and entrance fees to all sites mentioned unless listed as optional.
Visa approval letter and visa for Yemen.
Unlimited bottled water per person in Yemen.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA / Cairo / USA.
Cairo Visa (obtainable upon arrival for $30.00 per entry).
Activities and sites not described in the itinerary.
Drinks during meals (soft or with alcohol) or meals not listed in the itinerary.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Items of a personal nature (laundry, emails, excess luggage charges, etc.)
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or early arrival.
Travel protection insurance
(Highly recommended).
Trip Grade:
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides.
LODGING Level:
** Delightful - Comfortable yet on the Spartan side, usually small but generally with private facilities. Some such lodges and motel-style are in need of repairs, added cleaning, and improvements but they are suitable for one-night stays even if they lack western style amenities. (2 or 3 stars)
Trip Remark:
Due to the unique nature of this tour, and as we want to keep our exploratory tour to Yemen intimate and personalized, we will only operate with a maximum of 8 participants. Given that very few companies nowadays promote Yemen, we must advise you that it is on the State Department's list of countries with warnings for tourists.
Travelers should be prepared for high altitudes (sometimes over 7,000 feet), some long though spectacular drives, and early morning starts. The day-by-day itineraries are subject to change according to local conditions. The sequential order of the day-by-day itineraries may also change to avoid traffic congestion.
Visa processing takes between 15 - 21 business days. Therefore, we must start around one month before arrival to process all Visas. Once Visa is issued, we will send you a scanned copy of the Visa to use for the airport and boarding your flights. No Israeli Stamp is allowed on your passport in order to obtain the Visa.
