Mainland Yemen
A valley of mudbrick towers older than most of the world's skylines. Walk through dust-hewn fortresses and ancient high-rises defined by centuries of desert heritage.
HADRAMOUT / 15.3547° N, 48.4900° E
Heritage sites
10 +
UNESCO
Ancient
World Heritage
Mudbrick cities
"The Manhattan
of the desert" —
but four centuries older.
Built in the 16th century at the edge of Yemen's Empty Quarter, Shibam remains the oldest metropolis in the world to use vertical construction — mudbrick towers rising where families rebuilt upward after the floods of 1532. Some towers stand over 30 meters tall, nine or ten stories of mud brick, every wall still resurfaced by hand. Twenty kilometers east, Seiyun holds one of the world's largest mud-brick structures. Further on, Tarim is known for its 365 mosques, including the tallest minaret in Yemen.
SHIBAM & THE VALLEY
Four Ways Into the Culture
YEMENI HERITAGE
01
02
03
04
Mud & Sky
Sacred Verse
Saffron & Honey
The Open Majlis
Walk the narrow lanes of Shibam and the cliffside villages of Wadi Do'an, where families still resurface mudbrick walls by hand each season.
Tarim holds 365 mosques and Yemen's tallest minaret; evening visits sometimes include a Hadhrami dan — sung poetry passed down for centuries.
Early souk walks through frankincense, saffron, and honey stalls; home-cooked saltah, mandi, and fresh flatbread with local families.
Abdul's own tribal network opens doors most visitors never see — village guesthouses, evening majlis gatherings, honest conversation over tea.
An atmospheric entry into a landscape carved from clay, salt, and deep hospitality.
7-Day
Hadramout Villages
& Mainland Yemen Tour
What is included
✓ Yemen tourist visa and required travel permits
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ Private 4x4 vehicle throughout the trip
✓ Tourist information & assistance
✓ Accommodations throughout the tour
✓ Security guards on the trip
✓ Daily communications / 3 minutes per day
✓ All local transfers & transportation
What is not included
✓ International flights to/from Cairo
✓ Travel insurance
✓ Personal expenses and shopping
✓ Tips for guides and drivers
✓ Any additional services not mentioned
✓ Lunches and dinners (unless specifically mentioned)
-
1 Day: Cairo → Seiyun
• Flight from Cairo to Seiyun.
• Meet and welcome at Seiyun Airport; transfer to hotel and check-in.
• Relax after the flight.
• Afternoon/evening walk around Seiyun and local market.
• Sunset view of the Hadramout Valley.
• Dinner and overnight in Seiyun. -
2 Day: Seiyun → Tarim → Aynat
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Al-Kathiri Palace and Museum in Seiyun; explore traditional market and old streets.
• Continue to Tarim: Visit Al-Mihdar Mosque and explore the historic old town.
• Continue to Aynat and visit its historic domes and traditional architecture.
• Return to Seiyun for dinner and overnight stay. -
3 Day: Seiyun → Shibam → Wadi Doan
- Breakfast and departure toward Shibam Hadramout.
- Explore the old walled city, mud-brick tower houses, and enjoy a panoramic view from a traditional house.
- Continue toward Wadi Doan and visit Al-Hajarayn, one of the most beautiful villages in the valley.
- Scenic drive through the valley with photo stops and village visits.
- Overnight at Hayd Al Jazeel / Wadi Doan.
-
4 Day: Wadi Doan Villages
• Breakfast with views over the valley.
• Explore Hayd Al Jazeel, Hawfah village, and Buqshan Palace (famous for its colorful architecture).
• Visit Qarn Majed and other traditional villages & viewpoints.
• Visit local honey producers and learn about famous Hadrami Sidr honey.
• Sunset overlooking Wadi Doan; dinner and overnight in Wadi Doan. -
5 Day: Wadi Doan → Shibam → Seiyun
• Breakfast and continue exploring the valley (Al-Khuraybah, Al-Rubat, etc.).
• Scenic drive through Wadi Doan with photography stops.
• Return toward Shibam for an afternoon visit to Shibam and its surroundings.
• Continue to Seiyun for dinner and overnight stay. -
6 Day: Hadramout Village & Local Experience
• Breakfast and a relaxed day around Hadramout Valley.
• Visit smaller villages, traditional settlements, local markets, and farms.
• Visit local craftsmen and honey shops; free time for photography and shopping.
• Farewell dinner with the local team; overnight in Seiyun. -
7 Day: Seiyun → Cairo
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free time depending on flight schedule.
• Transfer to Seiyun Airport for flight back to Cairo.
• Arrival in Cairo and end of the Yemen tour.
5-Day
Hadramout Villages
& Mainland Yemen Tour
What is included
✓ Visa on arrival visa fee
✓ English speaking guide
✓ Entrance fees to all scheduled sites
✓ Tourist information & assistance
✓ Accommodations throughout the tour
✓ Security guards on the trip
✓ Daily communications / 3 minutes per day
✓ All local transfers & transportation
-
1 Day: Cairo → Seiyun
• Flight from Cairo to Seiyun.
• Welcome at Seiyun Airport and transfer to the hotel.
• Check-in and rest.
• Afternoon visit to Seiyun old town and local market.
• Sunset view over the Hadramout Valley.
• Overnight in Seiyun. -
2 Day: Seiyun → Tarim → Aynat
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Al-Kathiri Palace and the old streets of Seiyun.
• Continue to Tarim: Visit Al-Mihdar Mosque and explore the historic town.
• Continue to Aynat to see its traditional architecture and historic domes.
• Return to Seiyun & overnight stay. -
3 Day: Seiyun → Shibam → Wadi Doan
• Breakfast and departure for Shibam Hadramout.
• Explore the famous mud-brick city and surrounding area.
• Continue through Wadi Doan: Visit Al-Hajarayn and traditional villages along the valley.
• Continue to Hayd Al Jazeel; enjoy sunset overlooking the valley.
• Overnight in Wadi Doan. -
4 Day: Wadi Doan → Villages → Seiyun
• Breakfast with views over Wadi Doan.
• Explore surrounding villages & visit Buqshan Palace.
• Visit a local honey producer and learn about Hadrami Sidr honey.
• Scenic drive through Wadi Doan with photography stops.
• Return to Seiyun for a farewell dinner with the local team. Overnight in Seiyun. -
5 Day: Seiyun → Cairo
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Free time depending on the flight schedule.
• Transfer to Seiyun Airport for flight back to Cairo.
• Arrival in Cairo and end of the tour.
Important questions
We've compiled answers to common questions to help you plan your adventure with ease.
The optimal travel period depends on the type of experience you seek. Many travelers prefer visiting during the cooler months for comfortable weather, ideal for exploring the island's stunning nature, pristine beaches, and engaging in outdoor activities.
Travel conditions can vary by region. Easy Yemen Tours continuously monitors local conditions and meticulously organizes trips with experienced guides, trusted local partners, all required permissions, and comprehensive security arrangements to ensure safe and well-organized travel.
Essential items include comfortable clothing for warm weather, sturdy walking shoes, any personal medications, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a camera, a reusable water bottle, and all essential travel documents. A detailed packing list will be provided before your trip.
We offer both private and small group tours. The number of participants can be customized depending on your preferences, travel style, and specific destination requirements.
