10-Day Ethiopia Historic North & Rift Valley Explorer

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Welcome to Ethiopia

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Addis Ababa, the political and diplomatic capital of Africa, sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters and offers a pleasant climate. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy a short orientation drive through the city. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Source & Waterfalls

In the morning, take a scenic flight to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana. Visit the source of the Blue Nile (Abay River), where Lake Tana feeds Africa’s greatest river. Continue by road to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” meaning “Smoking Water.” Enjoy the lush landscape and traditional villages along the way. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Tana Monasteries – Drive to Gondar

After breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit some of its ancient island monasteries, famous for religious art and manuscripts. In the afternoon, drive through beautiful highland scenery toward Gondar, once the imperial capital of Ethiopia. The journey offers views of rural life and rolling hills. Arrival in Gondar in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar Castles & Debre Birhan Selassie

This morning, explore the Royal Enclosure of Gondar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved 16th- and 17th-century castles. These structures reflect Ethiopia’s medieval imperial history. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its ceiling of winged angels and vivid biblical paintings. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred destinations. In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century. These churches remain active places of worship and are considered a spiritual wonder of the world. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Harbe Hotel - Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela Churches – Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, continue visiting the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, connected by tunnels and trenches. Highlights include the famous Church of St. George, shaped like a perfect cross. In the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel for rest. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to the Rift Valley Lakes

Depart Addis Ababa by car heading south into the Great Rift Valley. Visit Lake Ziway, known for birdlife, followed by Abijata–Shalla National Park, home to flamingos and volcanic landscapes. Continue to Hawassa, a lively lakeside town on Lake Awassa. Enjoy scenic views and warm local hospitality. Overnight in Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Hawassa Lake View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Hawassa Fish Market – Dorze Village – Arba Minch

After breakfast, visit the colorful Hawassa fish market on Lake Awassa, locally known as Honeymoon Lake. Continue driving south to the Dorze Village, famous for its unique bamboo houses and traditional weaving. Proceed to Arba Minch, located between Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Konso Cultural Landscape & Lake Chamo

Drive to the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet the Konso people and explore their impressive stone terracing, traditional villages, and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo, known as the “Crocodile Market,” where you will see large crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Addis Ababa – City Tour & Departure

Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour including the National Museum, home of the famous fossil “Lucy,” as well as other key landmarks. Depending on time, shopping for souvenirs is possible. In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.

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.