ETHIOPIAN TIMKET 9 DAYS TOUR

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About Tour Package

Timket, Baptism Of Jesus

Join this amazing Trip to Ethiopia for the spectacular Timkat Festival which is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s religious celebration of Epiphany. Timkat is Ethiopia’s most important celebration and it takes place every year on the 19th January throughout the country. You will also discover in this Tour, Ethiopia’s natural beauty as it reveals itself in the Simen Mountains and Blue Nile Falls. Explore Africa’s Camelot, stunning Gondar. And there is more to discover on this exciting adventure!

Highlights of the Tour

This wonderful 9-day itinerary offers the opportunity to witness and share in the annual Timkat ceremonies and discover the famous Ethiopian Northern Historic Route. Timkat is one of the most spectacular religious festivals in the world. It is also unique to Ethiopia, where the orthodox Christian festival of Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 or January 20 during leap years. Timkat, which translates as “baptism,” celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Ethiopians embrace this annually with a mass baptism at different waterfronts or sacred pools around the country, with the top spots being Lalibela, Gondar, and Addis Ababa. The tour also allows travelers to visit other fascinating sites along the Northern Ethiopia Historic Route, such as the Simen Mountains National Park, Blue Nile Falls, Gondar Castles, Lalibela’s Remarkable Rock Churches, and Ancient Monasteries on Lake Tana. You will have a very special trip to one of the most fascinating countries in Africa. Come prepared to be amazed!

Tour Itinerary

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Exceptional Festival Tours

Day-01    January 13 – Addis Ababa

Discovery tour of the Vibrant Addis Ababa

Arrive at 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. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

Day-02    January 14 – Fly to Lalibela

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, 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. Today, in the afternoon, you will discover the Northwestern group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. Finally you be transfer to your Accommodation.

Day-03    January 15 – Lalibela

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Surrounding

After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrhane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Aksumite 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. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela. 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-04    January 16 – Drive to Bahir Dar

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Surrounding

After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrhane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Aksumite 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. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela. 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-05    January 17 – Bahir Dar

Visit the Blue Nile and Lake Tana

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. Afternoon, 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

Day-06   January 18 – Drive To Gondar (Eve of Ethiopian Epiphany Ceremony)

Drive Bahir Dar to Gondar and Assit Eve of Ethiopian Epiphany

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. Up on your arrival, you will be transferred to your Accommodation. Today is the eve for the famous and most colorful ceremony of Timkat (Baptism of Christ). In the afternoon, you will attend to ‘Ketera’ ceremony that marks the start of the festival. Today, Ethiopian Orthodox priests carry out the Tabots, which are the replica of the Arc of the Covenant, from every church and walk to the Bath of Emperor Fasil where the main baptism ceremony takes place. You will walk together with the crowd and witness this solemn and sacred event.

Day-07 January 19 – Gondar

Assist The Ceremony and Visit the castles of Gondar

Early this morning (between 4 am to 5 am), you will be transferred to the Bath of Emperor Fasil to watch the morning ceremonies. The water, which symbolizes the Jordan River, will be blessed by the priest, and the patriarch then puts a cross into it and extinguishes a burning consecrated candle on the altar. He then sprinkles water towards the crowd to commemorate Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River by the hand of John the Baptist. Then people start to jump into the pool and swim. At the end of the baptisms, the Tabots start their way back to their respective 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-09 January 21 – Gondar 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.

Day-08 January 20 – Drive to Simien Mountains – Gondar

Excursion to Simen Mountains National 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.

Package Destination Map

Package Features List

Include Features

Accommodation in single /twin share room
Park ranger/scout
Personal expenses
Professional English-speaking guide at all times
Site entrance fees are included
Surface transportation (with the latest vehicle), Car maintenance, Fuel expense, Parking fees
Unlimited bottled water throughout the journey