Ethiopia’s Historic Route (7 Nights)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - City Tour of Addis Ababa

We visit the National Museum, which houses some of the country’s historic treasures. The collection of fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia include the 3.5m-year-old remains of Lucy, the oldest hominid every found. We also visit the Holy Trinity Church, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Visit the vibrant Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 2 - Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

Today we take a spectacular flight to Bahar Dar. From the air, we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges.
Bahir Dar - Fly north to Bahir Dar, situated on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival we head out onto the lake to visit some of the impressive monasteries tucked away on islands here. Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monastery of URA Kidane Mehret. We travel by boat to visit some of the more remote monasteries and churches, most of which date to the 13th century. The monasteries are fascinating and unlike any others outside Ethiopia, often decorated with bright mural paintings.

Afternoon continue to the Blue Nile Falls, Africa’s second largest waterfall, and explore the area on foot. Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire. The falls is still an intriguing sight.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Bahir Dar – Gonder

This morning we drive north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient Imperial city, traveling through a fertile landscape of wide open fields; a perfect African tableau punctuated by undulating hillsides and valleys. After lunch, we explore Gondar and visit the castles, which were built in the 17th and 18th century by several generations of Ethiopian kings. Nearby is Debre Birhan Selassie church, which has a sensational angelic ceiling, and the bathhouse of Fasilides where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January. Our clifftop hotel has wonderful views over the town.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Gonder – Simien Mountain – Gonder

Simien Mountain National park a UNESCO World Heritage site is a three –hour drive from Gondar Simien Mountain national park, we drive up into the mountains for some spectacular views of this unique ecosystem. The highland plateau is capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic plugs and split by deep gorges and gullies. On a good day, the views are sensational and the striking towers and formations have been described as the chess pieces of the gods. it also has continual surprises by dozens of Gelada baboons; the area’s distinctive shaggy breed with red over their heart. The maximum altitude we reach is 10,660ft (3,250m).

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Gonder – Axum

In the morning fly from Lalibela to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. The town is dominated by more than 100 towering stele, massive carved granite columns, carried into position by elephants and erected as tomb markers to signal the importance and power of each of the former kings. Tour the ancient stele fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Axum – Lalibela

Late in the morning catch your flight to Lalibela. From the air, we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges.

Lalibela the most famous town in Ethiopia known for its incredible rock cut churches. A must-see! You can’t go to Ethiopia without stopping at this pilgrimage hot spot. Tour the most famous towns in Ethiopia, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site known for its incredible rock cut churches.

Lalibela is famous uniquely for its 11 rock cut churches and therefore have the appearance of being underground. The most famous is Bete Giorgis (St George, patron saint of Ethiopia), carved in the form of a Greek cross. It is exceptionally well preserved and visually almost flawless. Although the churches are remote, they are not short of worshippers: most Ethiopians, certainly of the older generation, are devout Orthodox Christians.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Lalibela

For the morning we will go to one of lalibel’a beautiful church to attend mass with all the local people and Today in Lalibela is a special day for the church of St Michael you can see how the people still devote. Then we have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon 5 churches.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Board your morning flight to Addis Ababa enjoy the view of the lasta mountain on your drive to the airport.

*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.)

(B, L, D)