Focus: History, culture, Nature and Scenery
Destination: Bahirdar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Axum, Lalibela
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Mode of transport: Flight + Surface
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Northern Ethiopia, where ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes await. Begin with a serene boat excursion on Lake Tana, where you’ll discover the country’s rich Christian heritage and explore its iconic monasteries. Next, journey to Gondar, a city that seamlessly blends Ethiopian and Portuguese architectural styles, showcasing its unique history and culture. From there, venture into the Semen Mountains National Park, where you’ll be awestruck by the stunning scenery and spot rare species like the Gelada Baboon and Ethiopian Wolf. Continue your journey to Axum, a city steeped in history, where you’ll visit the archaeological museum, marvel at the monolithic steles, and uncover the legend of the Bath of the Queen of Sheba. Finally, arrive at Lalibela, home to the famous rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. This extraordinary journey will transport you through time and space, immersing you in Ethiopia’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Flight to Bahirdar
Begin the day with a morning transfer to Bahirdar Airport, followed by a flight to the city. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and then embark on a captivating boat excursion on Lake Tana. This serene and ancient lake is a sanctuary where time seems to have stood still, steeped in early Christian mysticism and African art. Visit the remarkable Azua-Mariam and UraKidaneMihret Monasteries, renowned for their exquisite icon painting. In the afternoon, journey through the African plains, eventually arriving at the majestic Blue Nile Falls, also known as 'TisIsat' or 'water that smokes'. Take a hike to explore the cataracts and marvel at the breathtaking scenery before returning to Bahirdar in the evening. Overnight in hotel
Day 2 :
Drive to Gondar
Start the day with a scenic drive to Gondar, a city that once thrived as a hidden hub of foreign trade in the 17th century. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and then explore the city's unique blend of architectural styles, which seamlessly combines Ethiopian and Portuguese influences. Visit the Royal Enclosure, affectionately known as the 'Camelot of Africa', a testament to the region's rich history. Marvel at the stunning DebreBirehan Selassie church, an iconic symbol of Ethiopian Christianity, and discover the centuries-old Bath of King Fasilides, which remains an active site for vibrant celebrations during the Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket). Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 :
Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Following breakfast, embark on a journey to the breathtaking Semen Mountains National Park, considered one of the most magnificent landscapes in Abyssinia. This park is home to numerous peaks above 4000 meters above sea level, culminating at RasDashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. The region is also a haven for several endemic species, including the Gelada Baboon, Ethiopian Wolf, and Walya Ibex. After taking in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the park, return to Gondar in the afternoon.Overnight in hotel
Day 4 :
Flight to Axum
In the early morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to the ancient city of Axum, a treasure trove of historical and archaeological wonders. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and then embark on a fascinating tour of the city's iconic attractions. Visit the Archaeological Museum to uncover the secrets of the past, followed by the enigmatic Monolithic Steles, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, and the legendary Bath of Queen Sheba. Explore the ruins of the ancient palace built by Queen Sheba, and marvel at the new and old Cathedrals of St Mary of Zion. The latter, a 16th-century masterpiece built on an earlier 4th-century church, is considered the holiest church in Ethiopia and is said to house the original Ark of the Covenant in its sacred sanctuary.Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 :
Flight to Lalibela
In the morning, fly from Axum to Lalibela, the iconic 'Rock-Hewn Churches' town, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and engineering marvels often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and then embark on a tour of the 12th-century rock-cut churches. Visit the first group of these stunning churches, including BeteGolgota, BeteMika'el, Bete Maryam, BeteMeskel, BeteDanaghel, BeteMedhaneAlem, and BeteGiorgis, dedicated to Ethiopia's national saint. This remarkable cluster of churches is isolated from the other two groups of rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, showcasing the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.Overnight in hotel
Day 6 :
Lalibela
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the north-east of Lalibela to visit the remarkable Church of YimrehaneKirstos, a cave church built in Axumite style using wood and stone. Its interior is renowned for its exquisite decorations, featuring intricately designed paneling and carvings on the flat-span roof. The sanctuary's domed ceiling is also adorned with paintings and carvings. In the afternoon, head to the Second Group of Churches, which includes Bete Emanuel, BeteMercurios, Bete Abba Libanos, BeteLehem, and Bete Gabriel-Rufa'el, as well as BeteGiorgis, dedicated to Ethiopia's national saint. This second cluster of rock-hewn churches is separate from the other two groups in Lalibela, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.Overnight in hotel
Day 7 :
Flight back to Addis – End of the trip
Depart from Lalibela in the morning and fly back to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's finest restaurants, featuring a traditional Ethiopian cuisine. The evening's festivities will continue with a vibrant display of folkloric dances representing the diverse nations and cultures of Ethiopia. After the dinner and dance performance, you will be transferred to your final destination, marking the end of your memorable trip.
