10-Day Ethiopia Timket Festival and Historic North 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 your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. After some time to relax and refresh from your journey, enjoy lunch before beginning your guided exploration of Ethiopia's vibrant capital.

Your city tour includes visits to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil remains of Lucy, one of humanity's oldest ancestors, followed by the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the country's most important religious landmarks and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Depending on your arrival time, you may also visit the Ethnological Museum or enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto overlooking the city.

In the evening, savor a delicious traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant while enjoying the warm hospitality and unique flavors of Ethiopian cuisine.

Overnight: Jano Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Gondar Royal Castles and Historic Churches

After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for your domestic flight to Gondar, Ethiopia's former imperial capital. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel before beginning a fascinating historical tour.

Explore the UNESCO listed Royal Enclosure, home to the magnificent castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors during the seventeenth century. Continue to the famous Bath of Emperor Fasilides, the center of the annual Timket celebrations.

Visit the remarkable Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling covered with angelic faces, before exploring the Kuskwam Complex, built by Empress Mentewab. Throughout the day, your guide will share stories of Gondar's royal history and architectural heritage.

In the evening, experience authentic Ethiopian culture at an Azmari Bet, where traditional musicians perform lively songs accompanied by local instruments.

Dinner and overnight at Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ketera Eve of Timket

Today marks Ketera, the sacred eve of Timket, Ethiopia's most important religious festival celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the day, witness thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox pilgrims gathering in Gondar as preparations begin for the grand celebration. Observe the colorful processions as beautifully decorated Tabots, representing the Ark of the Covenant, are carried from churches to ceremonial grounds by priests dressed in magnificent traditional robes.

The streets come alive with religious chants, prayers, incense, and joyful singing, creating an unforgettable atmosphere filled with devotion and celebration. This unique cultural experience offers exceptional opportunities for photography while respecting local traditions.

Dinner and overnight at Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Timket Festival Celebration

Rise early to witness the spectacular Timket Festival, one of Africa's most colorful and spiritually significant celebrations.

Join thousands of worshippers gathered before sunrise as priests conduct sacred ceremonies featuring ancient prayers, traditional chants, and the blessing of holy water. Watch as believers participate in the symbolic renewal of baptism through the sprinkling of blessed water, a powerful moment of faith and celebration.

Experience vibrant religious processions, colorful ceremonial umbrellas, traditional white garments, and joyful community gatherings that make Timket one of the world's most extraordinary cultural festivals.

After the ceremonies, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on this unforgettable cultural experience.

Overnight at Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Bahir Dar and Explore Lake Tana

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Gondar to Bahir Dar through the beautiful highlands of the Amhara Region. Along the way, pass picturesque villages, fertile farmlands, and rolling hills while observing daily rural life.

Upon arrival in Bahir Dar, check into your hotel before embarking on a relaxing boat excursion across Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile River.

Visit several ancient island monasteries, famous for their centuries old manuscripts, beautiful murals, and peaceful surroundings. The tranquil waters of Lake Tana and its rich birdlife create a memorable setting for this cultural excursion.

Overnight at Lake Avenue Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Lalibela Northern Cluster Churches

Fly to Lalibela Northern Cluster Churches

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela, one of Africa's greatest archaeological and spiritual treasures.

After checking into your lodge, begin exploring the remarkable Northern Cluster of UNESCO listed rock hewn churches. Visit Bete Medhane Alem, considered the world's largest monolithic church, along with Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Golgotha, and other remarkable churches carved directly into solid volcanic rock.

Your expert guide will explain the extraordinary engineering techniques used over eight hundred years ago and the religious vision of King Lalibela, who created this sacred city as a New Jerusalem.

Overnight at Sora Lodge, Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Southern Cluster and Saint Georges Church

Continue your exploration of Lalibela by visiting the Southern Cluster of churches, including Bete Gabriel Rufael, Bete Mercorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos, each displaying unique architectural styles and fascinating religious history.

Walk through the narrow rock carved tunnels connecting the churches before reaching the magnificent Bete Giyorgis, the iconic cross shaped church regarded as the masterpiece of Lalibela.

If time permits, participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or visit a nearby village to experience local customs, traditional homes, and everyday life.

Overnight at Sora Lodge, Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Morning Excursion Return to Addis Ababa

Depending on your interests and flight schedule, enjoy an optional morning excursion to either the mountaintop monastery of Asheten Maryam, offering breathtaking panoramic views, or the remarkable cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos, famous for its unique architecture and ancient religious treasures.

Following the excursion, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Guests may choose to explore local cafés, visit nearby markets, or simply relax after several memorable days of exploration.

Overnight at Jano Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa Sightseeing and Cultural Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, continue discovering Addis Ababa by visiting attractions not included during your first day, based on your interests and available time. Possible visits include Merkato, Africa's largest open air market, the Ethnological Museum, local artisan workshops, or additional panoramic viewpoints around the city.

Take time to shop for traditional handicrafts, woven textiles, coffee, spices, and souvenirs before your journey home.

In the evening, celebrate your final night in Ethiopia with a memorable farewell dinner featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine, traditional music, and energetic cultural dance performances representing several ethnic groups from across the country.

Overnight at Jano Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for last minute shopping, visiting nearby cafés, or taking a short walk around the city.

At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your international departure flight.

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.