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NOT JUST THE THING OF THE PAST
All the Roads lead to Ethiopia
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, hiking to one of Ethiopia’s most iconic landscapes of Gheralta mountains. The Danakil is one of the most fascinating places on earth due to its isolation, severe climate, and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Itinerary
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Trekking Tours
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.This morning after breakfast, depart north towards Debre Markos. The first part of the drive will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. This famous gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. On the way you will visit the 13th century Orthodox Monastery of Debre Libanos to visit on of the holiest sites in the country. Then short walk to visit the Old Portuguese Bridge. Arrive at Debre Markos in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.Depart to the famous lakeside city of Bahir Dar, located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is famous for its Blue Nile Fall and ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your reserved Hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a short excursion to the Blue Nile Falls or ‘Tis Isat’ in the local language Amharic, 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.In the morning, a 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. You will visit, after a short walk, the monasteries of Ura Kidane Miheret and Azwa Maryam which are located on the Zege Peninsula and 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, and some aquatic birds. After lunch and a short break, you will visit the colorful Bahir Dar Market, where you can see locals selling and buying products. End the day with a beautiful sunset view from Bezawit Palace.Set off towards Gondar, passing through picturesque farmlands and highland mountains. Gondar was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and often referred as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. After 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. Afterwards, 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.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. Time spent with these “Bleeding-heart Baboons” is likely to be a highlight of your time in Ethiopia. Overnight inside the Park or Hotel in Debark town.Depart for a full day scenic drive to the fabled city of Axum enjoying spectacular views of the mountains. Cross through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best sceneries in Ethiopia. Though this is a long drive, several spectacular views are worthwhile. Arrive in the late afternoon to Axum, home of the ancient Aksumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Upon arrival transfer to your reserved hotel.Full day city tour of 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.After breakfast, leave Aksum and travel towards the Gerhalta Mountains which are famous for their ancient orthodox rock Churches. First, you will pass via the historical Adowa Mountain where the Ethiopian Patriots defeated the colonization attempt of Italy. Continue travel through scenic countryside to Yeha, Ethiopia’s first city, which dates back more than 2,800 years. Visit the remains of the temple dedicated to Ilmuqeh, the Moon God. After a lunch break at Adigrat city, proceed to Hawzen town which is a center to explore the mysterious rock churches of Tigray.A day dedicated to climbing on the Gerhalta Mountains to explore ancient rock-carved churches. The Gerhalta Mountains of Tigray have more than 120 rock-hewn churches, each with its own unique ancient murals and relics. You don’t have to be a person of faith to be amazed by the way a culture has preserved its history and heritage. Most of these sacred cave churches were carved in the mountains. First, you will climb to visit Debre Maryam Korkor and Abba Daniel. You will reach up to these churches after a one-hour hike. The location offers commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch and a short break, you will visit another fascinating rock church, Abune Yemhata. The hike up to this church takes an hour, climbing roughly the 500m in altitude and the last part of the ascent involves clambering up a sheer cliff face using handgrips and footholds. The interior of the church, reached via a small crack in the rock, is known for its extensive and perfectly preserved wall and roof murals. Finally, transfer back to your Hotel in Hawzen.In the morning, head to the famous Dallol Depression – the hottest place on earth located in the Ethiopian Denakil Desert. Dallol is the result of changing geological activity. Drive to Hamede Ela campsite via the small town of Berhale. This is the point where the ‘Depression’ begins. Before sunset, you will travel a short distance to Lake Karum to watch the sunset from the salt flats on the lake. The water level on the lake is very shallow so it’s easy to walk out and around on the lake. There might be a chance to watch the camel caravans of the Afar people who live in this inhospitable place. Then you will return to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay.You’ll have an early start today, as you will be descending to the lowest point on the planet, Dallol. With its uniquely colorful volcanic terrain and its ridiculously high temperature, Dallol Depression is known around the world as the ‘hottest inhabited place on the planet’. When you will arrive there will be plenty of time to walk around and admire the colorful pools, learn about the unique geology, and of course take photos of the spectacular scenery. The visit to Dallol also gives you the chance to visit the grueling local salt mines. Then you will drive to the Dodom campsite at the foot of the Erta Ale (Smoking Mountain) Volcano. In the evening, trek up the volcano and appreciate its spectacular lava. Once you reach the top of the crater, you will get time to relax and admire the amazing sight of the lava lake. Finally, walk the short distance back to the camp for dinner and sleep.Early in the morning, wake up and walk the short distance to the volcano. Stay some time by the lava lake until sunrise to see the change in the flow of the lake. After sunrise, hike back down to the camp for breakfast. Then drive to Mekele stopping off for lunch along the route. Arrive at Mekele and you will be transferred to your Accommodation. The rest of the day will be free to rest or walk around.Start a full-day journey from Mekele to Lalibela – the home of Ethiopia’s top sight and one of the world’s greatest historical and religious sites. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery, the countryside and meet the local people. You will also pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. The road offers one of the most scenic routes in the country. Arrive at Lalibela, home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination, late in the afternoon and transfer to your Accommodation.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.Another full day in Lalibela. Today’s visit takes you to the churches located outside of Lalibela town. After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Axumite Kingdom architectural techniques are visible. It is similar to the 7th-century monastery at Debre Damo in Tigray, with alternating levels of wood and stone. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. Afterward, short drive or hike up to the rock church of Asheten Mariam, a monastery that houses ancient parchments and crosses. It sits on the 3,150-metre-high Abune Yosef Mountain that overlooks the town of Lalibela. You will pass through small villages on the way up and there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the mountain where the church is located. Return to the town and you will have dinner with a beautiful sunset.Leave Lalibela and start driving towards Dessie via Woldiya. You admire another spectacular highland mountain sceneries of northern Ethiopia. On the way, you will stop at Hayk Town where you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Hayk and visit the ancient monastery of Hayk Istifanos. The Monastery of Hayk Estifanos dates from the mid-13th century and was founded by Abba Iyasus Moa. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, it was one of the most important monasteries in Ethiopia. The museum has the oldest manuscript (the Book of the Four Gospels produced for the monastery between 1280 and 1281) and other objects such as the stone cross of Moa and various kitchen utensils. Proceed towards Dessie for an overnight stay.Leave Lalibela and start driving towards Dessie via Woldiya. You admire another spectacular highland mountain sceneries of northern Ethiopia. On the way, you will stop at Hayk Town where you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Hayk and visit the ancient monastery of Hayk Istifanos. The Monastery of Hayk Estifanos dates from the mid-13th century and was founded by Abba Iyasus Moa. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, it was one of the most important monasteries in Ethiopia. The museum has the oldest manuscript (the Book of the Four Gospels produced for the monastery between 1280 and 1281) and other objects such as the stone cross of Moa and various kitchen utensils. Proceed towards Dessie for an overnight stay.In the morning, depart for Guassa. The Guassa plateau, between 3,200 and 3,700m, with an area of 100 km2, offers breathtaking views. You will make a stop (if today is Sunday) in Senbete, a village known for its magnificent local market. It is a meeting point between the Afars who came from the Danakil desert with their dromedaries loaded with salt, the Oromos with their cows, horses, and mules loaded with products agriculturalists, and the Amharas bringing their grain. Arrive at the Guassa Community Lodge and meet your local guide for a short hike to the top of the mountain. Here you will admire the truly breathtaking scenery of the Guassa plateau and the chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Wolf. Spent the night in the local lodge or in a Tent at the campsite.In the morning, another walk to enjoy the unique high plateau. You will observe exceptional flora and fauna, endemic birds, wildlife, including the famous Abyssinian Wolf and the Gelada monkey. Guassa grass is also found there (Festuca Abyssinica), used by local populations for thatching houses and whose quality is recognized. Finally, leave the park and start to drive back to Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan. Arrive at the capital late in the afternoon and transfer to your reserved hotel.The last day of your Ethiopian adventure. Today you will visit the newly opened Unity Park, set upon the grounds of the old Grand Imperial Palace. The palace was originally constructed by the renowned and the beloved Emperor Menelik II and has since been the decision-making seat of Ethiopia. It has been closed to the public eye for many years. After a lunch break, you will have time for shopping. Then you will be transferred to your hotel to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.
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Package Features List
Include Features
- All meals included
- International Air, unless expressly paid for
Exclude Features
- All meals included
- International Air, unless expressly paid for
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
Additional Info
- Visas: Visas are required for all visitors. Apply online (https://www.evisa.gov.et/status/Index/)
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