From Asmara to the coast

Start by applying for travel permits from the Ministry of Tourism on Harnet Avenue. Once the mission is accomplished, it's time to visit Asmara! Art Deco villas, timeless coffees as well as seed and craft markets are on the programme. In the late afternoon, pick up your permits and then head to Sainte-Marie Cathedral to climb up the bell tower and enjoy the sunset.

Morning in Asmara, then route for Keren just after lunch. Arrival in Keren before dark.

Discover this city of markets. If you are on site on a Monday, don't miss the camel market that attracts merchants from across the country. Then, to the main market at the entrance to the city just next to the bridge, where sellers of wood, wicker, spices and even homemade crafts meet! Stop for lunch and enjoy a taste of the local speciality: capretto. In the afternoon, stroll through the souks and let yourself be immersed in the Arabic atmosphere of the city.

Drive to Massawa via Filfil. Recently paved, the road winds through the mountains and offers sumptuous landscapes. You can stop on the way for a short walk in the Filfil Rainforest where there is a good chance you will encounter groups of green monkeys and baboons.

Day in Massawa. Take a minibus to go to the mainland of the city where the market is held every morning. In the afternoon, discover the old town and the mythical port of Massawa and make sure you are in its streets at dusk, at a time when the city and its inhabitants are leaving their torpor.

Return to Asmara via Ghinda. Stop on the Red Sea Pension of Ghinda to sample their delicious yogurt yaourts.

Embark on one of the latest steam trains in the world for an unforgettable experience (attention: the train only leaves on Sunday). Returning to Asmara will take a tour to the Medabar, this ancient caravanserail where we recycle the metal today, before shopping "souvenirs".