$1,540 to $1,650 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Visit the National Museum, which showcases a vast collection of antiquities, historical relics, and archaeological and paleontological objects, including the 3.5-million-year-old “Lucy” skeleton. Explore one of the finest Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, St. George Cathedral, renowned for its fascinating modern paintings and mosaics. Experience Mercato, the largest open market of its kind in Africa, and enjoy the commanding, panoramic views from Mount Entoto.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Mado Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is a pleasant city situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we'll explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. The lake is home to 37 islands, 30 of which house churches and monasteries of significant historical and cultural interest. We'll visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the most famous of the monasteries, known for its remarkable collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries. Azwa Mariam is celebrated for its exquisite paintings, and we'll also have time to visit the small museum there.
In the afternoon, we'll drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat (Smoking Water) Falls. These falls are 100 meters (328 feet) wide, with water plunging 45 meters (148 feet), creating steam clouds and rainbows. We'll descend to the base of the falls for an up-close view, then climb up the other side. Afterward, we'll cross the Blue Nile by boat.
- Main Destination:
- Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Bahir Dar - Gondar
Bahir Dar - Gondar
Today will be spent sightseeing in Gondar City. Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, beginning in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, you'll find a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city has a European feel with Islamic influences. In the morning, visit Fasilidas' Palace, probably the most impressive and oldest of all the castles in the area! We then continue to the Bath of Fasilides and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berhan Selassie is adorned with beautiful frescoes, cherubs, and paintings. It is rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. We will also visit the colorful market of Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Goha Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park
Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park
After leaving Gondar and traveling about 3km, we'll make a stop to visit the village of Felasha. Then, we continue on to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road takes us through mountainous areas of wild beauty as we draw closer to the Simien Massif. In Amharic, "Simien" means "north." Many of the mountain peaks in this park exceed 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), with the highest being Ras Dejen at 4,543 meters (14,905 ft) above sea level. These mountains are composed of volcanic masses, eroded over centuries by rain, now featuring amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies carved further by rivers.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Goha Hotel
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Simien Mountains National Park - Lalibela
Simien Mountains National Park - Lalibela
This morning is dedicated to visiting a set of churches known as the Northern Group of Churches. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches carved out of pink granite rock in the 12th century, and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style that is superbly carved, and many are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city can be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. On the way back, if time allows, we will make stops at souvenir shops and the city center.
Bet Medihanialem is the largest church, supported by 72 pillars, and houses the seven kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We will go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, where there is a pillar said to have been leaned against by Jesus Christ when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Sora Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Lalibela - Addis Ababa
Lalibela - Addis Ababa
Entoto Natural Park is a wildlife sanctuary that towers high above Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. This historical protectorate resembles a cliff fortress, offering a canyon of breathtaking beauty and lush greenery. It serves as a tranquil resting place, filled with the fresh, fragrant air of the highlands. The park features clear and pleasant hiking trails that rise along the mountain’s massif, offering a spring water bath on the high plateau and a wild forest that has stood since ancient times, home to native wildlife with healing properties.
At Entoto Maryam, you’ll find the site of the old capital, where both museums and historic buildings showcase unique architecture. This location provides an excellent opportunity for leisurely walks, surrounded by charming traditional buildings at the historic mountain crest and plateau, which once made up the heart of the capital.
You can also go on an optional city tour today.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
