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Considered a destination from a fairy tale by all travelers, Yemen is the Mecca for intrepid adventurers, the one destination that has always awed each and every visitor for its rawness and untouched culture, combined with jaw-dropping architecture and mesmerizing valleys.
Years of an unfortunate war, however, have isolated Yemen even more, making it a nearly impossible destination to reach. Until now.
Against the Compass is offering group expeditions to the Yemeni mainland, more specifically, to the eastern region of Hadramut, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shibam, among many other wonders.
Yemen is the most legendary Arab country.
November 19th to 24th, 2026
€2950
6 days
Tour leader to be confirmed
Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.
1 – Nov 19th: Arrival in Seiyun
2 – Nov 20th: Mukallah
3 – Nov 21st: Full day Wadi Doa’n
4 – Nov 22nd: Wadi Doa’n & Seiyun
5 – Nov 23rd: Shibam, Seiyun and Tarim
6 – Nov 24th: Departure
The meeting point is Cairo International Airport, from where we will fly to Seiyun (Hadramaut, Yemen) in the morning, arriving in Yemen in the late afternoon.
After checking in at the hotel, we will drive to Shibam to enjoy the sunset from a viewpoint.
Welcome dinner, followed by a visit to the bazaar to shop for traditional Yemeni clothing.
Overnight in Seiyun.
Early start and drive to the coastal city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramaut and former Al Qaeda stronghold (2015–2016).
On arrival, we’ll check in at the hotel and enjoy a hearty lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
The afternoon will be devoted to exploring the Old City at an easy pace. We’ll wander through its narrow streets, meeting shopkeepers and locals enjoying their tea or playing traditional board games, simply learning about and observing everyday life in this little corner of Yemen.
Overnight in Mukalla.
Scenic drive through Wadi Doa’n, the most spectacular valley in Yemen.
We will stay in the village of Haid Al-Jizil, which offers breathtaking views of the entire valley.
After lunch, we’ll visit Buqshan Palace, a private residence whose vibrant colours contrast strikingly with the traditional mud-brick buildings of Hadramut.
Then we’ll take a short hike across the valley to a tiny traditional village known for its warm and welcoming locals.
We would like to highlight that Against the Compass was the first group to visit this village (at least since 2010). We would like to highlight that Against the Compass was the first group to ever visit that village, since 2010 at least.
Overnight in Haid Al-Jizil.
We’ll spend the entire day exploring Wadi Doa’n, starting with a drive to the end of the valley, to the town of Ribat.
There are two particularly interesting things about Ribat: first, we’ll be visiting on a market day (loads of people); second, Ribat is Osama bin Laden’s family hometown, and we might even be lucky enough to meet one of his uncles (we’ve met him on previous expeditions).
On the way back, we’ll stop in other extremely photogenic towns such as Al-Hajjrain and Sif, with the possibility of meeting local beekeepers – remember that Yemen’s honey is considered among the best in the world.
Overnight in Seiyun.
Today, we’ll visit Shibam, often called the “Manhattan of the Desert”—though we don’t really like that comparison, as Shibam is far older.
Shibam is a 16th-century walled city of up to 9-story mud-brick skyscrapers rising dramatically from the desert, absolutely jaw-dropping.
Then we’ll head to the centre of Seiyun, stopping at the honey market—Yemeni honey is considered among the finest in the world—and at shops selling jambiyas, the traditional Yemeni dagger.
We’ll also visit a khat market, where locals buy the leaves they chew. Afterward, we’ll drive to Tarim, the centre of Islamic Sufism in Yemen and renowned as the “city of 500 mosques.”
Overnight in Seiyun.
In the morning, we’ll head to the centre of Seiyun to visit the local palace and museum, followed by any necessary shopping.
If possible, we’ll arrange a home-cooked meal at one of our guide’s houses.
The flight is usually scheduled to depart at 5 p.m., though this is subject to change. After lunch, we’ll transfer to the airport.
End of the tour.
Visa processing and respective fees
Security clearance and permits
Armed escorts
Transportation and driver around Yemen (3 to 4 people per car)
English-speaking Yemeni guide & assistant
International tour leader
Airport transfers
5 nights of accommodation
All meals
Entrance fees.
International flights to and from Seiyun (€890 round-trip)
Local clothes
Single supplement. Having your own private room costs €350.
Travel insurance
November 19th to 24th, 2026
€2950
6 days
Tour leader to be confirmed
For security reasons, the name of the hotels we stay will only be shared upon booking your spot.
The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share the room with another like-minded traveler from the group.
If you want a single room, you will have to pay an additional €350.
We will take care of that, don’t worry.
You don’t need to visit the embassy, everything will be arranged via email and all details will be shared upon booking your spot.
Twice a week, there is a flight operated by Yemenia Airways that goes from Cairo to Seiyun.
The flight must be booked via a tour agent based in Cairo, and we will take care of that.
More information will be shared upon booking your spot on the tour.
All nationalities, and that includes US citizens too.
Yes, women can join these tours, of course, but hijab and a black abaya are required at all times, from the moment you land at Seiyun International Airport.
You can easily find an abaya on Amazon.com, or at any bazaar in Cairo.
In some specific villages, a niqab will be required, and you may buy one on day 1 in Seiyun for a few $.
We will limit it to a maximum of 11 people.
To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.
We accept payments in both Euros and US dollars. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.
Information about the risks and dangers of the trip:
The traveler is expressly informed that the activities included in the travel itinerary are adventurous and/or take place in conflict zones, which entail dangers and imply the risk of physical, and psychological injuries, and/or death for the traveler.
Due to the characteristics of the destination and/or activities, the specific risks and dangers of the trip are, by way of example but not limited to, those listed below:
War; terrorism; political instability; arbitrary detentions, gunfire in the activity area; and/or violent crime.
Regarding the potential dangers of the destination, travelers are advised to consult the travel recommendations for the destination country provided by their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, in the case of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these recommendations can be accessed on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/yemen
FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen, and that includes the island of Socotra, due to the unpredictable security conditions and the lack of consular assistance.
Yes. If you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance.
We recommend IATI Insurance.
Why do we recommend IATI?
Against the Compass has been a partner of IATI for a very long time. We personally know their CEO and marketing team, and we collaborate regularly, so in the unlikely event that something happens, we know exactly what to do.
Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, something that most insurance companies don’t.
You can also benefit from a 5% discount by purchasing it through the link below.
Get a quote here to claim your discount
Can I use a different company?
Yes, you can, as long as your insurance covers the destination you’re travelling to.
Please check our General Conditions.
However, specific conditions might apply depending on the destination. Example: when the trip includes airfare.
Full details will be shared upon booking your spot.