7 DAYS TRIP TO NORTH

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A fantastic historical tour that takes you to one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia. On this tour you will visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, considered the 8th wonder of the world and also called the African Jerusalem; A Day of observation of the royal buildings and beautiful churches of Gondar, a town also named the African Camelot; Views of the Blue Nile’s fall and a 500-year-old the Islands monastery on Lake Tana. Trip through the jaggedly carved Simien Mountains, offering landscapes reminiscent of America’s Grand Canyon; Sightseeing Axum, Ethiopia’s religious center.

Tour Itinerary

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11 DAYS TRIP TO NORTH

Day 1 - Addis Ababa

Arrive to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. End the afternoon with an exploration of the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Then you will be transfer back to your Hotel.

Day-02    Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Catch an early morning flight to Bahir Dar located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Arrive at Bahir Dar and start boat sail on Lake Tana to visit Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Lake Tana is famous to be the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the famous Blue Nile River. Visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Miheret and Azwa Maryam on the Zege Peninsula. The two monasteries are famous for their beautiful mural paintings and ancient religious manuscripts. You will also visit, on the way back to Bahir Dar, the outlet of the Blue Nile River, Hippos. This afternoon, enjoy a short excursion to the Blue Nile Falls or ‘Tis Isat’ which is considered one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. Tis Isat, meaning ‘Water that smokes’, is an amazing sight, kicking up a thunderous wall of spray as it crashes over a 45-meter high cliff before being channeled into a frothing gorge. From the small village of Tis Abay, an impressive series of full-frontal viewpoints can be reached along a 1.5km footpath across the 17th century Alata Bridge. Finally, return back to Bahir Dar and transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-03 Bahir Dar to Gondar

Set off towards Gondar, passing through picturesque farmlands and highland mountains. Gondar was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. After a lunch break, start exploring the sites of Gondar. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. Overnight in Gondar.

Day-04   Excursion to Simen Mountains Park

After breakfast, travel by road to the famous Simen Mountains via Debark town, the gateway to Simen Mountains National Park. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most dramatic scenery and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian Wildlife. This afternoon you will have easy walks (2-3 hours) and your guide take you to some awe-inspiring viewpoints. You will mostly walk on Afro-Alpine moorland which is the favored habitat of endemic Gelada Baboons. These friendly Baboons are known for their golden manes, bright pink breasts, and comical facial expressions. Finally, return back to Gondar and transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-05    Gondar to Lalibela

In the morning, fly from Gondar to Lalibela. You will spend the day exploring Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is the most famous of all of Ethiopia’s historic cities and contains the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’ and ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches draw pilgrims from all over the world. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from the red volcanic rock. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are grouped into two parts and each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. In the morning you will discover the Northwestern group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches, you will visit Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally discover Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church.

Day-06    Lalibela to Aksum

Take a short flight to Aksum a city founded three centuries before the birth of Christ. From around 200 BC to 700 AD Aksum was the seat of the Aksumite Empire which was one of the four great powers of the ancient world. Your exploration commences with the great stelae. Attributed to various medieval Ethiopian rulers from the 3rd century AD, these immense granite obelisks bear testimony to the technological prowess of the early Aksumites. Then visit Mariam Tsion or Saint Merry of Zion Church. Inside the church compound, there is a chapel that is believed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to house the Ark of the Covenant (the original tablets of Moses). Your visit also includes the Archaeological Museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, Tombs of King Kaleb, King Gerebre Meskel, and King Bazen, and finally explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.

Day-07    Aksum to Addis Ababa & Departure

Catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. After the lunch break, you will have time for shopping. Then you will be transferred to a hotel for a few hours to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.