5-Day Blue Nile Falls & Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray

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

Arrival in Axum

Fly from Addis Ababa to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the iconic Northern Stelae Field with its towering obelisks, explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins, and admire the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. The Archaeological Museum provides a fascinating overview of Axum’s rich history. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Axum to Gheralta Churches

After breakfast, drive to the Gheralta region, famous for its dramatic rock-hewn churches. Climb to the spectacular Abuna Yemata Guh, carved high into a sandstone cliff, known for its frescoes and breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore additional churches such as Mariam Korkor or Daniel Korkor, where history, faith, and stunning landscapes come together. Overnight in Gheralta.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gheralta to Mekele & Flight to Bahir Dar

Drive from Gheralta toward Mekele, stopping to visit the historic Wukro Cherkos Church, an impressive example of Axumite-style rock-cut architecture. Continue to Mekele, the capital of Tigray, before taking an afternoon flight to Bahir Dar, the lakeside city known as the gateway to the Blue Nile and Lake Tana monasteries. Settle into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

+6 Photos

+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Blue Nile Waterfall & Lake Tana Monasteries

This morning, journey to the Blue Nile Falls, or “Tis Issat” (the Water that Smokes), where the river plunges into a gorge, creating mist and rainbows. Return to Bahir Dar for lunch, then take a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana. Visit medieval monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret, decorated with vivid murals depicting Ethiopian saints and biblical stories. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar City Tour & Return to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Bahir Dar. Visit the colorful local market, where farmers and artisans display vibrant goods, and stroll along Lake Tana’s shores to see fishermen using traditional papyrus boats. Learn about local culture before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa, where your northern Ethiopia journey ends.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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