Ffestiniog Travel

Tuesday 29 October to Sunday 10 November 2013

Ffestiniog Travel is pleased to announce an additional tour to their recently released 2013 tour programme.We will be making our first ever visit to Eritrea a destination we have longed to include. Known as the 'Darjeeling of Africa', the 950mm narrow gauge railway travels through spectacular scenery as it climbs over 7,500ft from the Red Sea to the capital Asmara.

Day 1   Fly London to Asmara

Flight London Heathrow to Asmara via Cairo.

Day 2   City tour of Asmara

Arrive Asmara and transfer to our hotel for immediate check-in. Transfer to local restaurant for lunch before taking a half day city tour. Return to hotel at approximately 17.30 with evening at leisure.

Day 3   Asmara to Massawa

Morning city tour of Asmara to see sights missed yesterday. Time for lunch before departing by bus for Massawa. On arrival in Massawa we will check into our hotel and then take a city tour. There will also be an optional evening visit to the Port of Massawa to photograph the steam train. Overnight in Massawa hotel on B&B basis. Dinner at a local restaurant (included).

Day 4   Steam to Ghindae

Early morning transfer to photograph the train coming out from the Port. We board our chartered steam train and travel to Ghindae with many photo stops en route. A packed lunch will be included today. Return to Asmara by bus in time for dinner at the hotel (included). 5-night stay at Asmara on B&B basis.

Day 5   Double Head to Nefasit

Early morning departure as we continue with our chartered steam train to Nefasit (Mallet+Mallet Double Head Ghindae to Nefasit). We take a break for lunch at Nefasit, with lunch being served on the train (included). We return to Asmara, again with many photo opportunities.

Day 6   Keren Market

Depart the hotel at 06.30 by bus for Keren. The early morning start is essential to arrive at Keren Market in time to see the Camel Market and other markets as they finish at 12.00. Other sights include British and Italian War Cemeteries, the old railway station and Maryam Dearit, a shrine found inside a Boabab Tree where Italian soldiers would seek refuge during air raids. We take lunch at a local restaurant (included) before returning to Asmara for a free afternoon.

Day 7   Steam to Arbaroba or visit Kohayto

Morning visit to the railway's workshop and loco depot where hopefully the 202 Breda will be steamed for shunting. Take lunch at a local restaurant (included) before continuing by chartered service (Mallet) to Arbaroba and return to Asmara.

Ladies option - Visit the Archeological site of Kohayto, noted as one of the best sites in Eritrea.

Day 8   Final Chartered Railcar & Steam Train  

Morning departure from Asmara by Littorina (railcar) for Nefasit. We will find the Mallet waiting at Nefasit to return us to Asmara on our final run, allowing a final chance for photographs. Packed lunch included today. Return to hotel at around 17.00.

Day 9   Fly to Cairo

Early morning transfer to the airport to check-in for our flight to Cairo. Arrive Cairo and transfer by road to Alexandria for a 2-night stay on B&B basis. 

Day 10   Alexandria Sightseeing

Local (English speaking) guide will accompany us whilst we travel the city's tram system.

Day 11   Egyptian Railway Museum

Transfer to the station to board the train for Cairo. On arrival we are taken to our hotel where they will store the luggage whilst a local guide takes us by tram to the railway station and Egyptian Railway Museum.

Day 12   Great Pyramids 

Today we take a private tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Following lunch (included) at a local restaurant we continue to the Egyptin Museum. Return to the hotel to freshen up before taking a River Nile cruise with dinner and Egyptian show included.

Day 13   Fly Home

Morning transfer to the airport for our flight home, arriving London midday.

Includes: Scheduled flights 12 nights hotel accommodation on B&B basis Transfers as specified Chartered steam train as detailed Chartered rail car as detailed 8 Lunches and 3 Dinners Entrance fees & Ladies optional sightseeing tour on Day 7 Services of a local English speaking guide and a Ffestiniog Travel tour leader
PRICE:
Escorted holiday:	£3,250
Single room supplement:	£375
Deposit for this holiday:	£200
Rates of exchange used are as at 1st August 2012