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Arabian Thrush Tour An extraordinary excursion for seeing the important places in the unified Yemen, that deserve to be seen, including cruise across the sand dunes of Rub-Al-khali (the Empty Quarter) and the fantastic beaches of the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. The excursion through the extensive South Yemen, which remained closed for a pretty long time, and Wadi Hadramout the seat of the ancient Arab Civilization. Most unique is the city of Shibam, the Arab Manhattan, where the first highest building in the world was built. Wadi Hadramout is more than 200km long and looks like the Grand Canion mountains in N. America. Enclosed form the mighty table mountains, a fertile valley stretches before one like a carpet, with a jewelled chain of oasis towns, as pearls in the barrenness of the desert. The surrounds of Wadi Hadramout gives the visitor the feeling of being in a paradize on earth. Day 1: Sana'a Arrival at Sana'a Airport and transfer to hotel. For early arrival tourists there will be a visit to the Wadi Dahar - Rock Palace(18 Km) summer residence of Imam Yahya, one of the most visited places which is particularly famous for its delightfull situation on a steep rock and its beautiful gypsum ornaments in the Sana'a style. In the afternoon there will be a visit to the old town of Sana'a and its souk (market place). Sana'a is placed among those cities that are categorized for their world cultural heritage. The dream of the old orient becomes a reality in Sana'a. The huge number of mosques in the city adds to its beauty giving a reflection of the One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Overnight at Hilltown 4* or Haddah 4-star Hotel (B) (L) (D) Day 2: Sana'a - Marib (190Km) Visiting the old town of Barakish on the way, with pre-Islamic ruins and then proceed to Marib. In the afternoon, after lunch, a visit to the temples of Queen Sheba and the ancient Marib Dam which was built as early as 800 B.C. Overnight at Bilquis Marib 4* Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 3: Marib - Wadi Hadramout (310Km) Marib to Tarim through Shibam and Sayoun, a long journey through the sand dunes of the Empty Quarter. A visit to the archaelogical ruins of Shabwa, the capital of the old Kingdom of Hadramout. In the afternoon , a visit to Shibam, the Arabian Manhattan, with its gigantic building of mud. Overnight at Kubba Palace hotel in Tarim. (B) (L) (D) Day 4: Tarim - Aynat -Seiyun (130Km) Visit of significant places in Tarim, at the centre of Wadi Hadramout, and then Sayoun the capital of the Wadi. A visit to the Sultan Palace the tomb of Ahmed Bin Issa AlMuhager and then to the numerous Mosques in Tarim and the old Palaces of Alkaf family. In the afternoon a visit to Aynat near Tarim, and the tombs of the six holy men. Overnight in Seiyun at Samah 4-star Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 5: Seiyun - Shibam -Wadi Dawan - Seiyun Travel through Shibam to Wadi Dawan to visit the town of "Mash-had Ali", which is visited by great number of people, and then to Raiboon, where there still are the ruins of the old town and the temple. Travel to Hajjarain and return to Seiyun where the overnight will be spent at Samah 4-star Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 6: Seiyun - Mukalla - Bir Ali (435Km) A long journey through AlGowl Plateau to the old Harbour of Mukalla. Lunch in Mukalla (local resturant) and then proceed to Bir Ali Beach. Spending the night in tents on the beautiful beach near the ruins of the old Harbour of the sacred frankincense Kana Harbour, (where the incient frankinsence caravan journey to the Mediterranean started; nowadays called Bir Ali). Overnight Camping at Bir Ali Beach (Tents will be provided (B) (L) (D) Day 7: Bir Ali - Habban - Aden (500 Km) Bir Ali to Aden through diversified enviroments, i.e. mountainous, volcanic etc. through the old town of Habban.When dusk starts to draw its veil over the city of Habban, with its closely built, high clay houses standing out against the majestic back drop of the mountains, one is reminded of a dream from a thousand and one Arabian nights. Overnight at Cresent 4-star Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 8: Aden - Taiz (156Km) Aden to Taiz (after visiting Aden water tanks in Crater). In Taiz the third largest city of Yemen, the souk, the Ashrafiya mosque, the museum and mount Sabir could be visited. Overnight in Taiz at Taj Shamsan 4-star Hotel (B) (L) (D) Day 9: Taiz - Jibblla - Sana'a (256Km) From Taiz to Jibblla to visit the Queen Arwa mosque and her palace all built in the 11th century. The way to Sana'a offers the NAQIL SUMARAH pass with its height of 9186 feet (2800 meters), one of the finest views in all Yemen. You can look out over terraced fields, scatterd farms and villages, valleys and wadis. This region does infact have some of the best climatic conditions of the entire Arabian Peninsula. This intensively cultivated region had already given Yemen the name "Arabia Felix". Overnight in Sana'a at Hilltown or Hadda 4-star Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 10: Sana'a - Amran - Shahara (160Km) Heading towards the north might well be a journey into another world. One may experience the magic of the region, with its wonderful scenery and its ancient culture, which is expressed in an architecture unique in North Yemen. On the way the old town of Amran could be visited through its old gate. A fortified town with walls enclose a complete self-sufficient and arcitecturally very harmonious town. The famed mountainous on top of 3000m high a stone bridge, connecting two mountains at an atltitude of more than 200m above ground is the most spectacular construction of Shahara. A visit to this place is bound to be one of the most impressive excursion that you can make to the heart of Yemen. This trip is recommended for travellers who have at least two days to spare and a considerable amount of courage at their disposal . Overngiht will be spent in a simple, but clean inn. (B) (L) (D) Day 11: Shahara - Sadah (160Km) In the morning climb mount Shahara 3- hours in Shahara through an old famous bridge built in the 16th century. After touring the bridge we proceed to Sa'ada. Gathering at noon in Sadah city and then tour through the city to see the old fenced mud town and the jewish silver smiths. Overnight in Sadah at Rahban 3-star hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 12: Sadah - Shibam - Kawkaban - Thulla (277Km) From Sadah via Sana'a a visit to the three nearby villages of Shibam, Kawkaban and Thulla. In Thulla, one of the most beautifull villages of Yemen, the multistorey building are fully built of natural stone without the use of cement. There is also a fortress tall towers that renders the peak of the mountain steep. Overnight in Kawkaban at a Funduk (Traditional guest house). (B) (L) (D) Day 13: Thulla - Mahwit - Manakha (190 Km) Fantastic land scapes and villages on the peaks of mountains. From Mahwit the way to Manakha is rough. The town itself lies 2300m above sea level and is covered with clouds the greater part of the year. Overnight will be spent at Al-Hajjarah Funduk. (B) (L) (D) Day 14: Manakha - Hajjarah - Kahel - Sana'a (145 Km) 30 minutes trekking from Manakha to Hajjarah village. Hajjarah a fortified village is undisputably one of the finest examples of mountain architecture in Yemen. Kahel and other nearby villages could also be visited. The fame of this area is based equally on the beauty of its mountain ranges and the unique nature of its villages, which cling to the peaks of mountains in the most incredible and dangerous looking positions. The architecture is splendid and impressive and excellent example of how to plan fortified housing and at the same time make the best possible use of space available for cultivation and fashioning of teraces. On the way back to Sana'a you can see the tallest mountain of the entire Middle East, Djebel An-Nabi Shu'ayb (12368 feet / 3770 meters). The rest of the day in Sana'a shall be spent as the guests may suggest. Overnight in Sana'a at Hilltown 4-star or Haddah 4-star Hotel. (B) (L) (D) Day 15: Departure Transfer to Airport for departure. Wishing you a nice trip, The Team of ViewZone Tours. (B) Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change. Tour Prices: Single Person $1690; Double Occupancy Per Person Price $1550 Airfare is not included in the tour price. Notes : Prices given are per person in USD currency and include the followings:- - Transportation: airport transfers & all ground travels in Yemen (in 4-seat Toyota Land Cruisers). - Accommodation based on 4-star hotels in the main cities. Elsewhere the best available hotels will be used. In the countryside and mountainous areas/villages overnight will be spent in a clean local inn (Funduk). Tents will be provided where camping is applicable. - Meals on full-board basis in the best available restaurants. Sealed mineral water will be served all through the trip. - Services of a bilingual local tour guide (Arabic and English, German, French or Italian speaking tour guide. - Entrance fees to all attractions visited.
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