7-Day Historic Northern Ethiopia Tour

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, begin exploring Ethiopia's vibrant capital.

Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil "Lucy," one of the oldest and most complete human ancestors ever discovered. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and an important symbol of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.

Later, experience the lively atmosphere of Merkato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets, where you can browse local crafts, spices, textiles, and traditional products.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by traditional music and cultural dances.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sapphire Addis Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

After breakfast, take a morning domestic flight to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Tana.

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise across Lake Tana to visit centuries-old island monasteries renowned for their beautifully preserved religious manuscripts, ancient murals, and treasured artifacts.

In the afternoon, drive to the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, locally known as "Tis Issat" or "Smoking Water." A short walk leads to viewpoints overlooking the impressive cascade, surrounded by lush vegetation and local villages.

Return to Bahir Dar for the evening.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains

After breakfast, depart for Gondar (approximately 3 hours).

Often called the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar was Ethiopia's imperial capital during the 17th century.

Visit the remarkable Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring royal castles, palaces, banquet halls, and ancient fortifications built by Emperor Fasilides.

Continue to the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling adorned with hundreds of painted angel faces.

After lunch, continue to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park.

Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery during your drive to the lodge.

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
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains National Park

Spend the day exploring one of Africa's most dramatic mountain landscapes.

Take a guided hike along scenic trails offering panoramic views of deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and towering peaks.

Watch for the park's endemic wildlife, including:

Gelada baboons
Walia ibex
Ethiopian wolves (occasionally)
Numerous endemic bird species

The Simien Mountains provide exceptional opportunities for photography and nature appreciation.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Fly to Lalibela

Drive back to Gondar Airport for your flight to Lalibela.

After checking into your hotel, begin exploring the first group of the world-famous rock-hewn churches.

Carved directly into solid volcanic rock over 800 years ago, these architectural masterpieces remain active places of worship and are among Africa's greatest historical treasures.

Visit several churches, including the iconic Church of Saint George, renowned for its striking cross-shaped design.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Full Day Exploring Lalibela

Continue discovering the remaining churches of Lalibela, connected by a fascinating network of tunnels, courtyards, and hidden passageways.

Learn about the history of King Lalibela and the vision behind creating a "New Jerusalem" in Ethiopia.

Depending on your interests and timing, you may also visit the nearby Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high on a mountain with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Spend time interacting with local priests and observing traditional Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Return to Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy time for last-minute shopping or visit a local coffee house to experience Ethiopia's famous coffee ceremony.

A farewell lunch will be arranged before your transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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