Overview

Take a journey through one of Africa’s least explored countries – a true blend of natural wonders and ancient history. A visit to the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Danakil Depression kicks-off an adventurous fortnight of discovery, including Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and the rugged Simien Mountains.

Trip Highlights

UNESCO heritage sites, ancient churches, mountain landscapes, and rich cultural experiences
Explore Lalibela’s legendary rock-hewn churches
Cruise on Lake Tana to visit island monasteries
Discover the castles of Gondar — Ethiopia’s royal capital
Trek the stunning Simien Mountains National Park
Uncover Axum’s ancient obelisks and St. Mary of Zion Church
Hike to Tigray’s dramatic rock-hewn churches

Day 1 :

Arrival – Sightseeing Addis (The new Flower)

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and begin your sightseeing of Addis with a drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis. Descend down and drive to National museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominids of ‘Lucy’ fossil. Visit and proceed to the Holy Trinity built during the WWII. Then proceed to Ethnographic museum, which use to be the palace of Emperor Hailesellase. To wrap up you drive to merkato, the biggest market in East Africa. Overnight in Addis.

Day 2 :

Fly Addis – Bahir Dar (45 min) (Lakeside Town)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. Be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries. Afternoon, you will drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile falls. (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal because of the construction of the new dam.) Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3 :

Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar (180 kms 3 – 4 hrs drive) (The Camelot of Africa)

After having your breakfast, you will begin your journey to Gondar. The Royal Capital of Ethiopia, Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas. In the afternoon you will visit the city of Gondar with the drive to the Castles and Churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) with Wonderful murals art, Qusquam Church. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 4 :

Fly Gondar – Axum (30 min) (Mysterious Monolithes)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Axum. A city more than 2500 years of history, once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of covenants, Axum is the prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia. Take a city tour that include the St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of covenant’, the coronation yard, Stelae Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. Overnight in Axum.

Day 5 :

Fly Axum – Lalibela (30 min) (The Eighth Wonder of the World)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. ‘Eighth wonder of world Heritage’ Lalibela is famous for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals. In the afternoon you will visit top attractions of Lalibela that will simply stagger you. Overnight in Lalibela

Day 6 :

Fly Lalibela – Addis – Departure

This day you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Addis.
In the evening attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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