Tour to Yemen

Arrival in Cairo & Optional Cairo/Giza Group Tour

You should arrive in Cairo no later than Saturday, January 16, in order to catch our flight to Yemen the following morning.

Optional pre-tour in Cairo:
You may choose to arrive on Friday evening or early Saturday morning and join an optional one-day Cairo/Giza tour together with most of the group. It is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers, experience Cairo before the Yemen adventure begins, and enjoy lower costs as part of the group.

Overnight: Cairo

Arrival in Mukalla & Exploring the Old City

Today marks the beginning of our Yemeni adventure!
We’ll depart Cairo in the early morning on a direct flight to Al-Riyan Airport in Mukalla. After landing, we’ll meet our team who will greet us warmly and assist with all formalities. From the airport, we’ll transfer in private vehicles to the Ramada Hotel in Mukalla, where we’ll check in and settle into our rooms.
Depending on the flight schedule, we’ll either enjoy lunch at the hotel’s restaurant or at a local eatery for our first taste of Hadhrami cuisine.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out to explore the TOP highlights of Mukalla’s Old Town:

• Old City of Al-Mukalla → We’ll wander its narrow streets lined with colonial-era architecture and vibrant life.
• The Old Market (Souk) → A bustling maze of shops selling spices, fabrics, and traditional crafts.
• Khoor Mukalla → A scenic estuary where the river meets the Arabian Sea, offering beautiful coastal views.

This will be our very first glimpse into Yemen’s unique blend of coastal charm and rich history.
As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner at one of Mukalla’s best restaurants, where we’ll savor traditional dishes in a refined setting. It’s the perfect way for us to start bonding as a group and immerse ourselves in the spirit of the journey ahead.

Overnight: Mukalla (Ramada Hotel)

Mukalla Highlights and Journey to Doan Valley

Today brings an inspiring mix of city exploration and breathtaking mountain scenery.
After breakfast at our hotel in Mukalla, we will begin the day by visiting some of the city’s most important landmarks. First, we will experience the lively atmosphere of the fish market, where fishermen sell the day’s catch - a colorful and authentic glimpse into local life. Later, we will visit the historic Qu’aiti Sultanate Palace, an impressive building that reflects Mukalla’s past as a royal capital and an important port city.
In the late morning, we will stop at a local restaurant for a delicious seafood lunch, enjoying freshly prepared dishes from Yemen’s coastal cuisine.
In the afternoon, we will leave the city behind and drive along the scenic Hadramaut mountain road toward the legendary Doan Valley, famous for its towering cliffs and remote villages. Our destination is the stunning Haid Al-Jazil Resort, dramatically located on the edge of a cliff with spectacular views over the valley.

After arrival, we will check in and have time to relax and take in the panoramic scenery. Before dinner, we will gather for a cup of traditional Yemeni coffee while enjoying the incredible landscape - undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of the journey and a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Hadramaut.
Dinner will be served at the resort, offering both Yemeni and international dishes, followed by a free evening under the stars.

Today’s highlights:

• Visit to the vibrant Mukalla fish market
• Tour of the historic Qu’aiti Sultanate Palace
• Scenic drive through Hadramaut to Doan Valley
• Overnight stay at Haid Al-Jazil Resort
• Swimming pool overlooking Doan Valley

Overnight: Haid Al-Jazil Resort

Hiking Through Doan Valley and Its Hidden Villages

Today will be one of the most spectacular days of the entire journey as we explore the dramatic world of Doan Valley, where mud-built villages seem to cling to the cliffs and life appears almost unchanged for centuries.
After an early breakfast at Haid Al-Jazil Resort, we will begin an approximately one-hour hike down the mountain toward the village of Hawfah. The trail is not technically difficult, though some sections are rocky, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Throughout the hike, we will be surrounded by breathtaking views of Doan Valley - deep canyons, steep cliffs, and villages spread across the terraces of the mountainsides.

Upon reaching Hawfah, we will stop at a local family home for a short rest along with traditional Yemeni coffee and tea. This will be one of the best opportunities to experience everyday life in the Hadramaut region and feel the famous hospitality of the Yemeni people.

We will then continue exploring the right side of Doan Valley, visiting the picturesque villages of Rehab and Qarn Majed. The road winds through spectacular viewpoints offering some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire trip. Here, Doan Valley looks almost surreal - towering mud villages, palm groves at the bottom of the valley, and barren cliffs rising all around.
Later, we will climb up to the village of Budha, perched on the mountainside. The views from here feel almost cinematic - ancient houses, dramatic cliffs, and the immense scale of the valley create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant where we will taste traditional dishes from the Hadramaut region.

In the afternoon, we will visit the village of Rebat, known as the ancestral home of the Bin Laden family. Here we will see the large family house and hear the story of their roots in Yemen before their move to Saudi Arabia.
Later comes another extraordinary experience. By 4x4 vehicles, we will travel to the famous village of Haid Al-Jazil, built on the edge of a massive rock formation. This more than 500-year-old village is considered one of the most remarkable places in all of Hadramaut. It seems almost unbelievable that people managed to build a settlement in such a location. Today, only one family lives in this remote village on the rock. Visitors wishing to enter this mysterious place must receive permission from the family living there.

In the evening, we will return to Haid Al-Jazil Resort for dinner and relaxation.

Today’s highlights:

• Hike to Hawfah village in Doan Valley
• Coffee and tea in a local family home
• Panoramic views of Rehab and Qarn Majed
• Spectacular scenery from Budha village above the valley
• Visit to the Bin Laden family house in Rebat village
• Haid Al-Jazil village on the cliff

Overnight: Haid Al-Jazil Resort

Ancient Cities of Hadramaut and Sunset Over Shibam

After breakfast, we will leave the spectacular Doan Valley behind and continue into another day full of contrasts across the Hadramaut region. Today brings ancient mountain towns, colorful mud-brick palaces, and the legendary city of Shibam - one of the most unique places on the Arabian Peninsula.

In the morning, we will drive toward the crossroads of Doan Valley and first visit the village of Hawafah along with the famous Buqshan Palace. These colorful multi-story mud-brick buildings stand out dramatically against the surrounding cliffs and desert landscapes. Hadramaut is famous for its mud architecture, but Buqshan Palace looks almost unreal, as if it belongs to another world.

We will then continue to the village of Seef, one of the most authentic settlements in the region. Life here moves slowly, and the narrow streets offer a genuine glimpse into everyday Hadramaut life.
Later, we will visit the town of Al-Hajjrain, often called the “Hidden Shibam.” This remarkable settlement is built on the edge of a high cliff, with its multi-story mud houses rising directly above the valley. The views here are among the most impressive of the entire journey.

In the afternoon, we will continue to the famous city of Shibam, often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert.” It is one of the oldest cities in the world built with high-rise mud-brick buildings. Some of the towers reach 7 to 8 stories, and the city itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The highlight of the day will be sunset over Shibam. The golden evening light paints the mud towers in warm orange tones, making the entire city look like something from an ancient tale. It is one of the most photogenic places in all of Yemen. This evening, we will admire the magnificent panoramic view of the city from above, saving the deeper exploration of Shibam itself for the next day.

After sunset, we will continue to Seiyun, where we will take a short walk through the local market and experience the atmosphere of the city after dark.
In the evening, we will arrive at our hotel for dinner and rest.

Today’s highlights:

• Hawafah village and the colorful Buqshan Palace
• Authentic atmosphere of Seef village
• Al-Hajjrain, the “Hidden Shibam”
• Sunset above the “Manhattan of the Desert”
• Evening walk through Seiyun market

Overnight: Seiyun

Shibam - The World’s Oldest “Skyscraper City”

Today we will spend more time exploring one of Yemen’s most famous places - the legendary city of Shibam, often called the “Manhattan of the Desert.” It is a place that impresses even the most experienced travelers.
After breakfast, we will head to the UNESCO-protected old town of Shibam. The city is considered one of the world’s first “skyscraper cities” - centuries ago, people here were already building mud-brick houses reaching 7 to 8 stories high. This architectural solution was created not for luxury, but out of necessity, helping protect the population from tribal attacks and floods.
We will wander through a maze of narrow streets surrounded by towering mud buildings, observe everyday life, and discover small local shops and ancient houses that seem almost unchanged for centuries. In Shibam, it is very easy to feel transported into another era.
After exploring Shibam in depth, we will return to Seiyun. There, we will visit the Sultan’s Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in the Hadramaut region. Today, the palace houses a museum that offers deeper insight into the region’s history, local culture, and the lives of its rulers.

Later, we will walk through Al Handhal Market, a perfect place to experience authentic daily life in the city - from spices and fabrics to traditional local products.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which we will briefly return to the hotel for some rest.
In the afternoon, we will photograph Al Falas Fort and visit the women’s market in Seiyun. Markets like these have a very distinctive atmosphere in the Arab world and offer a deeper understanding of local culture and social life.
In the evening, we will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Today’s highlights:

• UNESCO-listed old town of Shibam
• Walking among the mud-brick “skyscrapers”
• Sultan’s Palace and Hadramaut Museum
• Traditional Al Handhal Market
• Panorama of Al Falas Fort
• Seiyun women’s market

Overnight: Seiyun

Tarim - The City of Sufis and the Spiritual Heart of Hadramaut

Today will be one of the most fascinating cultural days of the entire journey. We will travel to Tarim, a city often called the religious and intellectual center of Yemen. For centuries, Tarim has been famous for its Islamic schools, Sufi traditions, and remarkable mud-brick architecture.
After breakfast, we will head to this legendary city, where we will first visit the magnificent Al-Haddad Mosque and the famous Al-Muhdar Mosque. The latter is known for having the tallest mud-brick minaret in the world, which has become one of the main symbols of Hadramaut. It is hard to believe that such a tall structure was built entirely from mud.
We will walk through the streets and markets of Tarim, observing daily life in the city. Tarim feels very different from many other Yemeni cities - the atmosphere here is calmer and more spiritual, and many local families remain closely connected to religious education and Islamic traditions.

Later, we will visit the historic Ishah Palace complex and Al-Ranad Palace, whose history dates back to pre-Islamic times. These buildings are reminders of how ancient and rich the civilization of the Hadramaut region truly is.

We will then continue to the ancient village of Einat, famous for its seven domes dedicated to Sufi imams. It is one of the most mystical places in the region, where the spiritual and historical heritage of Hadramaut can be strongly felt.
Along the way, we will stop at the impressive limestone kilns where locals still produce lime for protective house plaster using traditional methods. Crafts like these have changed very little here over the centuries.

On our way back to Seiyun, we will also visit the mausoleum of the respected Imam Ahmed Al-Habshi, an important pilgrimage site in the region.
In the evening, we will return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Today’s highlights:

• Tarim old town and traditional markets
• Al-Muhdar Mosque with the world’s tallest mud-brick minaret
• Al-Haddad Mosque
• Historic Ishah and Al-Ranad Palaces
• Mystical Einat village and its Sufi domes
• Traditional limestone kilns
• Ahmed Al-Habshi Mausoleum

Overnight: Seiyun

Farewell to Yemen and Flight to Cairo

Early in the morning, we will depart for Seiyun Airport for our flight to Cairo. Our journey through Hadramaut will be coming to an end, but the memories of Yemen will likely stay with us for a very long time.

During these days, we experienced places that remain almost inaccessible to most travelers around the world - mud-brick “skyscraper” cities, villages perched on the edges of cliffs, ancient valleys, and the authentic daily life of local communities.
Yemen often leaves a deep impression not only because of its architecture or landscapes, but because of its people. Many travelers say that the strongest memories from this journey come from the hospitality, sincerity, and warmth of the local people.
We will say goodbye to Hadramaut and fly back to Cairo, carrying home experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

Today’s highlights:

• Final views of Hadramaut while saying goodbye to Yemen
• Flight from Seiyun to Cairo

End of the journey. Overnight in Cairo.