7-Day Northern Ethiopia Historical & Scenic Discovery

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries

You'll fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar in the morning. You'll take a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the ancient island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret, Azwa Mariam, and Kibran Gabriel (men only). You'll admire the lake’s wildlife and learn about its cultural heritage. You'll spend the late afternoon relaxing on the lakeshore while enjoying a beautiful sunset over the water. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Sky Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Blue Nile Falls & Bahir Dar City Highlights

You'll begin the day with an excursion to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), reached by a short drive and a scenic hike that offers great photo opportunities. You'll return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a guided city tour including the bustling local market and the hilltop Bezawit Palace viewpoint for panoramic views of Lake Tana and the surrounding landscape. In the evening, you may join an optional traditional music and dance performance. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Sky Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Scenic Drive to Gondar & Medieval Castles

You'll depart Bahir Dar in the morning for a scenic 3-hour drive through the Ethiopian highlands to the historic city of Gondar. After lunch, you'll explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring centuries-old castles and palaces. You'll continue to Fasilides’ Bath, renowned for its unique architecture and cultural significance, then visit the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling murals. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountains Trek & Highland Wildlife

You'll set out in the morning on a 2-hour drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. You'll enjoy an easy guided trek in the Sankaber or Chenek areas, where you can spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and possibly Walia ibex, along with spectacular mountain views. You'll have a picnic lunch surrounded by dramatic scenery. You'll return to Gondar in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Flight to Lalibela & Rock-Hewn Churches

You'll take a morning flight from Gondar to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia. After settling in at your lodge, you'll begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved directly from solid rock in the 12th–13th centuries and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the region’s rich religious traditions. In the evening, you'll relax at your lodge and enjoy a stunning sunset over the surrounding highlands. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Asheten Mariam Hike & Lalibela Churches

You'll start the day with a scenic hike to the 13th-century Asheten Mariam Monastery, perched on a hilltop above Lalibela and offering panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. You'll return to town for lunch before visiting the second group of Lalibela’s renowned rock-hewn churches, each with unique architectural and historical significance. In the evening, you'll experience authentic Ethiopian hospitality with a local family, joining a traditional cooking lesson, enjoying a home-style dinner, and participating in a classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela Highlights & Addis Ababa City Tour

You'll begin the day with a visit to Lalibela’s most iconic church, St. George (Bete Giyorgis). Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, you'll explore the city’s highlights, including the National Museum, home to the famous Lucy fossil, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with music and dance before transferring to Bole International Airport for departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.