The trip starts and ends in Addis Ababa. This cultural and historical adventure takes you through the rich historical, archaeological, religious and natural attractions of Ethiopia. It focuses on the historically important regions of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Askum, Lalibela and Harer. A boat cruise over Lake Tana is arranged to visit old monasteries on the islands. With some distance drive from Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls will be visited.
In Gondar the castle of Faselades, which is known as the Camelot of Africa, will be visited. After visiting the ancient city of Axum and its archaeological sites, you precede to Lalibela see the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the 'Eighth wonder of the World'. Finally the trip ends by visiting the walled city of Harar and the Awash national park game drive.
Day 1: On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Museum, where we will view the 3.5 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.
Overnight Hotel
Day 2: You will be taken to Bole Airport to board a one hour flight to Bahir dar. You will be met by our driver and taken for a boat trip to the monasteries of Lake Tana. On these Islands, you will see old and interesting paintings plus artifacts once belonging to kings and queens. Most of Tana’s monasteries were founded in or just after the 14th century, several under Emperor Amda Tseyon (1314 - 44).
Kebran Gabriel Island is about 40 minutes by boat from Bahir dar, Zeghie Peninsula1 ½ hours by boat from Bahir Dar, and Ura Kidane Mehret, a 17th century monastery church, with its vivid “recent” paintings. The large island of Dek, 3 ½ hours from Bahir dar, has several churches and semi mummified remains of king Fasiledes and his infant son in an open sepulcher. Also near Dek is Daga Estifanos Island with its perfectly conical hill and its monastery of Daga on top-no female are allowed near.
In the afternoon a scenic drive to Blue Nile falls; which are about 35 km due south of Bahir dar, En route you pass typical tukuls, round huts whose walls are made of cow dung, grass, and clay whose pointed roof is formed from strong grass. The falls best live up to their reputation during September- December, after the heavy rains have swollen the lake and river. The rest of your day will include visiting of the Bezait palace and local market of the town.
Overnight Bahir Dar
Day 3: Enjoy a morning of leisure and have a scenic drive to the old city of Gondar and take rest in to your hotel. You will be fetched for an afternoon city tour which will include, the castle compound, build by Emperor Fasiledes 1632-67 and his successors, the church of Debre Birhan Sillasie with its wonderful ceiling painting of 144 angels, stories of Old Testaments and New Testaments Finally visit the bath of King Fasiledes, this the pool where the people of Gondar celebrates the Ethiopian Epiphany then back to the Hotel.
Overnight Gondar
Day 4: Fly to Axum, the site of the beginning of civilization in Ethiopia. Check into hotel. Visit the Axum steles, which were meant to mark the grave of different noble persons of the Axumite period; the Tomb of king Remhai, also found in the stele compound. The next stop will be the Archeological Museum of Axum, where you can see different pottery, stone altars, rings and parchments, and tombs of kings. After that visit the church of St Mary Tsion (where legend says the Ark of the Covenant lies). Then Back to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon visit the bath and palace of the Queen of Sheba, and finally the tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.
Overnight Axum
Day 5: After a 30 minute flight arrive in Lalibela (Defined as the eighth wonder of the world) then pay a visit to the first group of rock-hewn churches. It comprises seven churches: Bette Medehanialem, Bette Mriam, Bette Meskel, Bette Denagel, Bette Debre Sina, Bette Golgota and the Silassie chapel. These groups of churches are mostly excavated from below the ground, and are surrounded by courtyards and trenches, so that they mimic normal buildings. Several of these churches are monoliths or three-quartet monoliths – free from the surrounding rock on three or four sides a style of excavation that is unique in Ethiopia.
Overnight Lalibela
Day 6: We propose an excursion by mule to Asheten Mariam Church or travel by car to the cave church of Naktuleab. Afternoon you will visit the remaining churches in Lalibela. The second group of churches in Lalibela consists of five churches: Bette Emanuel, Bette Merkorios, Bette Abba Libanos, Bette Lehem and Bette Gebrial-Rufael. A thirteenth church, Bette Giorgis stands discrete from the two main clusters. These churches were excavated from a vertical rock face by exploiting existing caves or cracks in the rock. Overnight in Lalibela
Day 7: After breakfast drive through the highland area of Delb where you can see the dramatic Ethiopian Landscape. Stop over at Hayk to visit the 13th C monastery of Hike Istifanos on the island of Lake Hike. If it is a market day you will have a good experience for Bati color full market where you are going to find the Oromo, Amhara, and the Afar people. Proceed to Kombolcha for dinner.
Overnight Kombolcha
Day 8: Drive to Awash and visit the magnificent Awash waterfalls.
Over night Hotel
Day 9: After breakfast drive from Awash Sebat Killo to Harar. You will be driving through the Hararghe Mountains and we will see plenty of coffee and ‘chat’ fields. The region is well known in growing one of the best qualities of coffee in the country. Finally we will arrive in Harar early in the afternoon.
Overnight Harar
Day 10: The same day you visit the colorful Muslim and Christian markets (known for basketry), the museum, and the traditional Hararie houses situated within the famous walled city. In the evening visit the hyena man while he feeds the hungry hyenas.
Overnight Harar
Day 11: After breakfast we drive to Addis Ababa. Evening we will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for flight back home.
This tour itinerary and price is prepared based on 4W Land Cruisers and mini- van, four star hotels in Addis and best available hotel/lodges (three star) in the regions. Prices highly depend on the type of vehicle in use: Minibus (that can take 6-8 persons), Coaster bus (that can take 10-16 persons) which can reduce the cost of the tour, if used.
The itinerary can be customized to suit your interest; some days can be left out. Prices are for full board; however it can be half board on tourist’s request. Our optional tours are designed to provide tourists for more opportunities to explore Ethiopia. The price is indicated for every optional tour.
Addis Tour and its agents act only as agents of passengers in all matters relating to hotel accommodation, transport of tour by aircraft, boat or any other means, and shall not be liable for injury, schedule change or delay, loss or damage arising from any cause and in any manner whatsoever.
Addis Tour’ liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles is governed by the laws of Ethiopia, and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Addis Tour reserves the right to employ subcontractors to carry out any or all parts of the services agreed to be supplied, and in any event of the exercise of such right the terms of clause (2) relating to Addis Tour’ liability shall apply.
While every care is taken, Addis Tour cannot be held responsible for loss of or damage to baggage or other personal belongings.
