Cultural
7 Days Ethiopia's Historic Route
7 Days
cultural
Ethiopia
Duration
7 Days
Max Guests
20 People
Destinations
Ethiopia
Type
cultural
Pricing:
On request — send us your dates and group size for a tailored quote.
About This Tour
Journey through Ethiopia's historic northern route, taking in the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the royal enclosure of Gondar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tour the ancient monasteries of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, view the ancient stelae fields of Axum, and explore Addis Ababa's museums and markets. The tour travels between cities by domestic flights and ends with a farewell dinner featuring traditional music and dance.
Highlights
Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a World Heritage site
Royal enclosure of Gondar, a World Heritage site
Ancient stelae fields of Axum
Lake Tana, source of the Nile
National Museum in Addis Ababa, home of Lucy
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Visit Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, and tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Make a short drive to the Entoto Hills for a view of the city and visit Maryam Church. En route, stop at the Sheromeda traditional cloth market, then visit the Mercato or the Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets. Overnight at a hotel (lunch and dinner included).
2
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula, visiting two of the following: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis and Bete Maryam. End the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River. Overnight at a lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
3
Day 3
Bahar Dar – Gondar
Day 3
Bahar Dar – Gondar
Drive through the countryside to Gondar and tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. Overnight at a hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
4
Day 4
Gondar – Lalibela
Day 4
Gondar – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines and tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic churches was carved directly into the stone mountainside at least 800 years ago, boasting the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs and fabulous examples of icon paintings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process of baking injera, a staple food for much of Ethiopia. Overnight at a hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
5
Day 5
Lalibela
Day 5
Lalibela
For the morning, there are two options: take a morning hike with mules to the 13th century rock-hewn monastery of Mount Asheton, which provides wonderful views of Lalibela and the surrounding countryside, or drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela, passing rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option, continue with a tour of Lalibela's churches in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
6
Day 6
Lalibela – Axum
Day 6
Lalibela – Axum
Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines and tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum and see St. Mary Tsion Church, which houses the Ark of the Covenant according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (no one is allowed to see the Ark). Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits. Overnight at a hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
7
Day 7
Axum – Addis Ababa
Day 7
Axum – Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa and visit the National Museum, home of the 3-million-year-old skeleton Lucy. Optional souvenir shopping in the afternoon, then a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport for a late night departure if needed (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Included
- Entrance fees for all sites and parks mentioned in the itinerary
- All excursions listed on the itinerary
- Experienced, multilingual tour guides and guides' expenses
- Ground transportation via tour vehicle (including driver and fuel)
- All domestic flights listed on itinerary (actual flight number/schedule may change)
- All meals mentioned on itinerary
- Lodging for each night on tour
- All hotel/airport transfers during the tour
Excluded
- Any expenses of a personal nature
- Alcoholic drinks
- International airfare
- Tips or gratuities
- Photography or video fees if required at certain sites
- Visa costs
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