Tour description
Tour code: AT006
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Mode of transportation: Flight and drive
Tour Highlight
This tour combines the best of Ethiopia’s historical sites and scenery; the island monasteries that decorate Lake Tana like emeralds in pool of gold, the mighty Blue Nile Falls, the Castles of Gondar “African Camelot”, the stunning view of Semien mountain national park, the magnificent Rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the great Stelae of Axum, St. Mary of Zion church, the fabled Queen of Sheba ruined palace, Temple of Yeha, the remarkable rock churches of Tigray.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar
Day 3: Drive to Gondar
Day 4: Day trip to Semien mountain National park
Day 5: Fly to Axum
Day 6: Fly to Lalibela
Day 7: Drive to the 2nd and 3rd churches then transfer out to Airport
Day 8: Addis Abeba then transfer out for departure
Tour Detail
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport; meet your guide and check-in to hotel. On free time (may be exchange money, briefing of the itinerary and be ready for the tour). Overnight Caravan hotel
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar
1hour flight to Bahir Dar; after check-in to hotel, make a boat trip on Lake Tana, to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Meheret, Kibran Gebriel and Azoa Mariam. Ura Kidane Meheret and Kibran Gebriel host important religious icons from the 16th century and interesting museums. These monasteries are known for the colorful frescoes of religious scenes, different ancient types of crosses, paintings, murals and an impressive display of illuminated Bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls around 31 km from the town the majesty Blue Nile Falls locally known as “Tiss Issat” (smoking water) returns to the city. Overnight Soliyana hotel
Day 3: Drive to Gondar
Drive to Gondar and have lunch; afternoon visit the royal compound palace King Fasilidas ‘Fasil Ghebbi’ (Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979). Make a city tour in Gondar which includes the royal enclosure which contains several stone-built castles of different emperors. The most impressive building is Fasilidas castle; King Fasil who established Gondar as a powerful cultural and religious center. After that see the bath of Fasil, filled with water once a year for the Timket celebration. Then visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls decorated with beautiful frescos and paintings. Overnight Goha/Florida hotel
Day 4: Day trip to Semien mountain National park
After breakfast, drive 100km to Debark, where you registered before entering to the Semien Mountain National Park and have lunch in Debark. In the afternoon drive almost 30km to Michibi then you will start your hiking for almost 2 hours around the park entrance to spot the endemic mammal Gelada Baboon then; meet your vehicle to return to Gondar. Overnight Goha/ Florida hotel
Day 5: Fly to Axum
Early morning after breakfast, fly to Axum (which is Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980) and visit the archeological and historical attractions in Axum include: monolithic Stelae/obelisks, its famous museum which contain the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures, the tombs of King Kaleb the 6th century ruler and King Gebre Meskel, the legendary Bath and the ruins of ancient palace of the Queen of Sheba, relic of Ark of covenant palace and 16th century Emperor Fasilidas cathedral of St. Marry Zion church. Afternoon after lunch, excursion to the south Stelae compound, visit Archeological museum , famous inscription of Ezana which is written in three language (Greek, Sabbean, Geez). Overnight Sabean hotel
Day 6: Fly to Lalibela
In the morning fly to Lalibela (Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 as defined as the 8th wonder of the world). After check-in to hotel, you will start your visit to Bet Medehanealem; is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, Bet Mariam. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael contain many important religious items. Bet Giorgis is the last one of the churches, built after St. George appeared in the dream of King Lalibela. In the afternoon you will Visit the eastern group of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; Bet Amanuel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebriel-Rafael. They hosted the royal family before becoming churches. Overnight Mt.view hotel/Maribela hotel/Lalibela lodge
Day 7: Drive to the 2nd and 3rd churches
Start drive early in the morning to visit the other the 2nd and 3rd churches of St. Lalibela remarkable churches; church Yemerhana Christos/Naakutolaab/Asheton Mariam monastery by mule and transfer to airport then fly back to Addis Ababa. Caravan Hotel
Day 7: Addis Ababa
In the morning visit the National Museum, it is famous for its collections of numerous priceless antiques and archeological findings, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the last resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Ethnological Museum. Have lunch in a beautiful restaurant. In the afternoon drive to Entoto Mountains to see the panoramic view of the city, visit St. George Cathedral and Merkato, the largest open air market in East Africa. In the evening you will have a traditional farewell dinner in the traditional restaurant. Overnight Caravan hotel or Departure
