Eritrea

Situated on the Red Sea coast of East Africa, Eritrea is one of the least visited countries on the planet, which means its unique mixture of ancient history, Art Deco architecture, dramatic blue archipelagos and pristine coral reefs is totally overlooked. A trip to the country is a must for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track adventure in a place that has links to the earliest records of human life.

We begin our tour in the capital city of Asmara, the second-highest capital by altitude in Africa, before departing to the ancient city of Qohaito, taking in moonscape canyons and ancient rock paintings dating back to the fifth millennium BCE. A visit to the highland fortress of Heren provides the opportunity to explore the region’s colonial past and architecture, as well as bustling silver, wood and camel markets and the Mariam Dearit shrine, set in an ancient Baobab tree. The trip is capped off with the idyllic islands of Massawa, a place to relax, swim and trek through nature, with dolphin sightings common and further remnants of bygone cultures to explore.