Sana’a, often called the "pearl of Arabia", is the world’s oldest city still alive with all its municipal functions. Founded by Shem, Noah’s son, its history is wrapped in a shroud of the past. Situated at the foot of Jabal Nuqum at an altitude of 2,200m, the Yemeni capital will fascinate you with its beautiful old city which was declared "Heritage of Mankind" by the UNESCO. Come and see the impressive architecture, the romantic narrow streets and the picturesque souq (market).

Al-Raudha

Literally the garden city of Sana’a. Points of interest: the architecture of the Imam Gasim Mosque from the 17th century, the rural clay houses made in the Sana’a style and the vineyards. Every Sunday: market.

Wadi Dhar

The green Wadi Dhar is famous for the Dar al-Hadschar Palace (Rock House), which was erected on a rock standing in the valley. The Yemenis like to come with their families to this vantage point overlooking the beautiful Wadi Dhar. On Fridays you can watch the traditional dances of all male guests invited to a wedding.

Kaukaban-Shibam

50km from Sana’a, Kaukaban lies at an altitude of 2800m. The imam’s retreat in the 16th century, during the First Ottoman Conquest. From the fortress town Kaukaban there is a marvellous open view over the whole surrounding area. A 350m downhill walk brings you into Shibam, where you can visit a colourful market every Friday.

Thulla

Used to be a fortress town of the imams in the 16th century. 2800m high, the town is an archetype of the Yemeni stone architecture.

Taiz

Situated at the foot of the 3000m high mountain Djabel Saber; famous for its beautiful mosques from the 13th/14th century. Visit the Ashrafiyah mosque, the souqs and the National Museum - and don’t forget to drive up the Saber mountain.

Manakhah

Manakhah is the center of the Haraz region with the 3000m high mountain, Djabel Shibam. Architecture and landscape are in harmony. Manakhah itself is situated between these mountains. Every Sunday: market.

al-Hajjarah

A typical highland village, just one hour walk from Manakhah.

al-Hoteip

This is a very picturesque place of worship for the Ismailis, the third religious group in Yemen.

Marib

The land of the Queen of Saba and for centuries, the old capital of the Sabaean kingdom. Here you will find well-preserved ancient ruins witnessing a time when this town was still in control of the gold and incense trade routes. Nearby is the Marib Dam, the oldest artificial dam and one of the miracles of the ancient world.

al-Mukalla

Capital of the governorate of Hadhramaut, situated on the Indian Ocean; visit the old city and the souqs. The old houses still have artistic work on the wooden doors and windows.

Aden

An urban settlement since ancient times. The legends say that Cain and Abel founded Aden, which now has about 300,000 inhabitants. Natural harbour and economic enter of Yemen in the future. Visit the impressive ancient cisterns "The Tanks", the palace of the sultan, the Aideroos mosque, the house of Rimbaud, the Tawahi quarter, the Gold Mohur coast and the market.

Djiblah

The town is situated in the very heart of Yemen’s green region (Ibb). In the 11th century AC Djiblah was the capital of Queen Arwa. The town is known for its mosques, ruins and religious buildings.

al-Khokha

Al-Khokha is a fishermen’s village which boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on the Red Sea. Here you will find palm tree forests. Even more interesting in al-Khokha is the fact that wherever you dig a hole in the sand, you will find fresh water. Many tourists prefer to stay in al-Khokha for one or two nights. Sleeping outside under the palm trees with the stars as your roof definitely is an experience.

Zabid

Zabid was founded in the 9th century AC during the Abbasid rule. It became the capital of the Najahya, Zayadiah and Rasulia states in the latter days. Zabid was a famous center of Islam and a major stop for caravans. In fact, Zabid still is a city renowned for its Islamic schools and universities, which go back as far as 802AC. Supposedly it was at one of these universities that algebra was invented. Zabid still houses 86 mosques functioning as Koran schools.

al-Hodaidah

It is a young city and Yemen’s fourth largest. Al-Hodaidah is situated on the Red Sea and important for fishing.

Shibam/Hadhramaut

In 1935 the German traveller Hans Helfritz called this town of mud-built houses of eight or nine storeys the "Chicago of the desert". Like a big ship of the desert it stands right in the middle of a dry river valley. Not only archaeologists believe Shibam to be one of the most beautiful towns in the world. Its foundation goes back to the 3rd century AC.

Sa’yun

The capital of Wadi Hadhramaut. Built in 1873, this mighty adobe palace with 109 rooms and four round corner towers gives evidence of the powerful Kathiri sultans. With its white painting applied in 1936, the palace makes a vivid impression on visitors.

Saada

It is the center and first capital of Zaidism. The houses in Saada seem to come out of the ground like mushrooms. Unlike Sana’a or Hadhramaut, houses here are not built with adobe. Applying the so-called "sabur technique", bulbs of clay with a thickness of some 60cm are used for the construction of houses of four and five storeys.

Tarim

Tarim is the holy city of Hadhramaut. The great number of dome tombs and the Mihdar mosque give an idea of the significance of Tarim and its many important Islamic figures. This mosque and the highest minaret (50m) in southern Arabia stand out above Tarim’s splendid buildings.

Hajjah

Hajjah is guarded by two castles, Noman and al-Kahira. The province itself is spread out over a number of little hills below al-Kahira. The al-Kahira citadel on top of the highest peak was constructed by the Turks; it houses a large underground prison.

Shaharah

Shaharah is a large archaeological site in Yemen. The town lies on the top of a high mountain (3000m above sea level). The reason for coming to this town is to view the famous mountain bridge which connects two villages on two neighbouring mountains (Djabel al-Amir and Djabel al-Feesh). This bridge is made of stones (3m wide, 32m long) and was built over 300 years ago.