7-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour Lalibela, Gondar & Bahirdar

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where your Origin Abyssinia guide warmly welcomes you. Depending on your arrival time, begin discovering Ethiopia's vibrant capital with visits to the National Museum, home of the famous 3.2-million-year-old fossil Lucy, the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic viewpoints from Mount Entoto. This relaxed introduction helps you acclimatize while offering your first glimpse into Ethiopia's remarkable history and culture before beginning your northern adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries

Take a short morning flight to Bahir Dar, on the southern shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake. In the afternoon, board a boat to visit two or three of the lake's centuries-old island monasteries, home to vividly painted murals depicting biblical scenes and Ethiopian saints. Learn about the monastic communities that have preserved these treasures for generations. Return to Bahir Dar in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, with the lake's calm waters and birdlife offering a relaxed contrast to the capital.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Blue Nile Falls & Transfer to Gondar

This morning, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Issat or "smoking water," one of Ethiopia's most spectacular natural sights, especially impressive in and just after the rainy season. Take a short guided walk to the viewpoints and, where conditions allow, cross the historic stone bridge near the falls. In the afternoon, drive to Gondar, passing through highland farmland and villages, arriving in time to settle into your hotel before dinner.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar Castles & Flight to Lalibela

Spend the morning exploring Gondar, once the capital of the Ethiopian empire and known as the "Camelot of Africa." Visit the Royal Enclosure, or Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a cluster of 17th century castles and palaces, and the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of winged angel faces. In the afternoon, fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia's most celebrated pilgrimage site, and check into your hotel ahead of two full days exploring its rock-hewn churches.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela Northern Church Cluster

Begin your exploration of Lalibela's extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved directly into volcanic rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. Visit the northern cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bete Maryam, one of the oldest churches at the site. Your guide will explain the legends, symbolism, and construction techniques behind these UNESCO World Heritage churches, still active places of worship today, and you may see pilgrims and priests going about their daily devotions.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela Southern Cluster & Bete Giyorgis

Continue exploring Lalibela with a visit to the southern cluster of churches, followed by the iconic Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), carved in the shape of a cross and considered the finest example of the rock-hewn churches. Time permitting, take an optional excursion to the 12th century monastery of Yimrehane Kristos, built inside a cave and decorated with beautiful woodwork (optional, for an extra cost). Spend your final evening in Lalibela reflecting on one of the most remarkable religious sites in the world.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Addis Ababa & Departure

Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international departure schedule, enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at a local market or visit the fascinating Ethnological Museum. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a memorable farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's finest traditional restaurants. Savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine while enjoying vibrant live music and cultural dance performances from across the country's diverse regions. After this unforgettable cultural experience, your guide will transfer you to Bole International Airport in time for your international departure, bringing your remarkable journey along Ethiopia's legendary Historic Route to a close.

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.