Discover the wonders of Northern Ethiopia on this captivating 8-day journey, starting in Addis Ababa with visits to historic landmarks, vibrant markets, and panoramic views. Cruise on Lake Tana to explore 14th-century monasteries and marvel at the majestic Blue Nile Falls near Bahir Dar. Step into history in Gondar, the royal capital, with its iconic castles and churches, and experience the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the Simien Mountains National Park. In Axum, delve into ancient mysteries at the Stelae Park, Queen of Sheba’s ruins, and the reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant.
Finally, explore the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the extraordinary Yimrehane Kristos Church, culminating in a farewell folkloric dinner and traditional coffee ceremony back in Addis Ababa. This tour seamlessly blends Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty into an unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary
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 WWII.
Then proceed to the Ethnographic museum, which used to be the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. To wrap up you drive to Merkato, the biggest open air market in East Africa.
Overnight Addis Abeba.
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar welcoming and transfer to your hotel. Later, you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azewa Mariam which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries.
Afternoon, you will drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the famous Blue Nile falls. Walk around 2 hours to admire the nature of the Blue Nile Falls and the Village.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
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.
Today you will drive to Buyit Ras a segment of the Semien Mountain. This is a sight, which is termed as the most wild and magnificent view of all Ethiopian landscapes.
The Simien Mountains National park is the only place in Ethiopia registered by UNESCO as a natural beauty. Observe the magnificent scenery,and the wild with different endemic Animals such as the Endemic Gelada Baboons and Abyssinia wolf. Late afternoon drive back to Gonder.
Overnight in Gondar.
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.
Late morning, transfer to Axum Airport and take a short flight to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches dating back 12 century AD, and are today part of the UNESCO cultural world heritage,
This is the most important stop on the historical route. More than 11 rock-hewn churches, carved into the rugged mountainside, present an awesome spectacle.
Afternoon excursion to the most spectacular churches, This afternoon discover the first group of churches around 5 rock-hewn churches.
Overnight Lalibela.
After breakfast we will drive 42 km North of Lalibela to visit the extraordinary church of yimrehane kristos , This 11th century church is a beautifully preserved Aksumite Architecture.
It is widely known for its rich interior paneling, it stands in a natural cave at the foot of a cliff on Mt Abune yosef.
The stepped facade consists of alternating layers of wood and stone that quite probably provided the blueprint for several Lalibela churches.
We will drive back to Lalibela and after lunch, visit the 2nd groups of churches “Bet Gabriel & Rafael, Bet Emanuel , Bet Abba Libanos and the most famous St George , the one in a shape of cross and most probably the highlight of your visit to Lalibela.
Overnight Lalibela
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.
End of the tour
