7-Day All Inclusive Historical Northern Ethiopia

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

Arrival Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole Airport, your Addis Ethiopia Tours guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Your immersive city tour begins at 9:00 AM. Dive into Ethiopian culture at the National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy." Experience the vibrant chaos of Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market. Ascend Mount Entoto for breathtaking city views and insights into the city's origins. Finally, find tranquility at the historic St. George Cathedral, a beautiful octagonal church and national landmark.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Momona Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Bahirdar

Your adventure north begins with a scenic morning flight to the lush lakeside city of Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in local life with a visit to the vibrant marketplace, a sensory journey of colorful produce, traditional crafts, and the lively atmosphere of this highland community.

In the afternoon, a serene boat trip awaits on the vast expanse of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the legendary source of the Blue Nile. We will sail to one of the lake's famous ancient island monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mihret or Azwa Maryam. Stepping inside these centuries-old circular churches, you will be surrounded by breathtaking, vivid frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints, offering a profound glimpse into Ethiopia's deep-rooted Orthodox Christian traditions. The peaceful journey across the water provides stunning views of the surrounding papyrus reeds and aquatic birdlife.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bahirdar - Gondar

After breakfast, we embark on a picturesque drive through the scenic Ethiopian countryside to the historic city of Gondar.

Upon arrival, you will step into the legendary Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called "Africa's Camelot." This fortified compound houses a remarkable collection of five castles and palaces, built by a succession of Ethiopian emperors starting in the 17th century. Their enduring presence, having survived wars and even WWII air raids, stands as a powerful testament to the strength of a once-mighty empire.

Later, we visit the revered Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a masterpiece of Ethiopian art. Its interior is adorned with vibrant frescoes, culminating in the world-famous ceiling where the faces of 104 angelic cherubs gaze down upon you in a breathtaking display of sacred artistry.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar - Axum

A short morning flight transports you to the legendary city of Axum, the heart of a civilization that once rivaled Rome and Persia.

Your exploration begins in the awe-inspiring Stelae Field. Walk among these towering, 2000-year-old granite obelisks, ancient marvels of engineering that served as monumental tombstones for Axum's elite. The sheer scale, especially that of the fallen Great Stele, will leave you spellbound.

Next, we visit the modern and impressive Archaeological Museum, where a curated collection of artifacts—from ancient coins to royal inscriptions—brings the glorious Axumite kingdom to life. Depending on time, our tour may extend to other significant sites, such as the reputed Bath of the Queen of Sheba or the ruins of ancient palaces, each layer revealing more of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's profound history.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum - Tigray Churches - Mekele - Addis Ababa

After an early pickup, we journey towards Mekele through the dramatic Gheralta mountains. Here, we undertake a final, unforgettable adventure: hiking to the legendary rock-hewn churches. We will visit one or two of the most renowned, such as the breathtaking Abune Yemata Guh, perched precariously on a cliff face, or the expansive Mariam Korkor with its stunning views. This is a profound and active conclusion, combining physical effort with spiritual awe amidst stunning landscapes.

We then continue to Mekele, where you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Momona Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Lalibela

A morning flight takes you to the sacred town of Lalibela. In the afternoon, prepare to be astounded as you enter the legendary complex of eleven rock-hewn churches, a living UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest architectural marvels.

Carved entirely from solid volcanic rock over 800 years ago, these monolithic structures are connected by a maze of tunnels and passageways. You will stand in awe before the magnificent Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), perfectly carved in the shape of a cross. Explore the otherworldly network of sanctuaries, including the massive Bet Medhane Alem, believed to be the largest monolithic church on earth, adorned with ancient crosses and intricate icon paintings that tell stories of deep faith and extraordinary craftsmanship.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Your final day offers an optional, profound start with attendance at the mesmerizing early morning mass in Lalibela, a powerful experience of chanting and ancient rituals. Afterwards, we complete our tour of the remaining rock-hewn churches before catching an afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.

In Addis, we visit the renowned National Museum to meet "Lucy," our famous 3.18-million-year-old ancestor. The afternoon allows for optional souvenir shopping. The tour culminates in a festive farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you'll enjoy authentic cuisine while being entertained by vibrant cultural dancers and musicians from across Ethiopia. A final transfer to the airport for your late-night departure concludes this incredible journey.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

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.