Secret lands of Eritrea

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.

Embark on a sambuck and head to the Dahlaks Islands to sail the Red Sea in the footsteps of traveling writers such as Joseph Kessel and Henry de Monfreid.

White sand, turquoise sea and fresh fish at every meal, that's what awaits you on this archipelago

Relax on the beaches of désertes and multicolores coral.

Last swim before recovering the continent in mid afternoon. Enjoy the late afternoon to discover the old town of Massawa. At night, the city and its inhabitants are gradually waking up; it is a magical spectacle, not lacking under any pretext.

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

Route for Senafe. On the road, stop at Qua'atit to visit the axumites ruins, then continue your route to the Ethiopian border where you will spend the night.

A wake-up call at dawn is required to climb Amba Metera before sunrise. Once at the top, all you have to do is admire the rising sun, tinting the mountains with various colours. Then take the road to Asmara and stop on the way in the valley of the sycamores before returning to the capital in the afternoon.

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 the metal is recycled today. End with a traditional dinner in one of the capital's restaurants.

Take advantage of this last day to do some shopping in the various markets of Asmara before heading to the airport.