11-Day North Ethiopia and Harar Tour

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

Addis – Mekelle – Hawzen

Fly early in the morning to mekelle and drive to Abrha We Atsibeha a rock-hewn church located about 15 km west of Wukro On the way back visit Wukro Cherkos, one of the best-preserved rock churches in Tigray. After lunch Continue your journey to Al-Nejashi Mosque a 7th-century mosque believed to be the first mosque in Ethiopia.
After exploring Al-Nejashi, drive to Hawzen and hike to Abune Yemata Guh Church Spend the night in Hawzen.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gheralta Churches – Axum

In the morning trek an hour and half to the awe-inspiring Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor Churches, marveling at their ancient architecture and breathtaking views.

Afterward, embark on a picturesque drive to Axum, passing through Adigrat then drive to see the Adwa battlefields, where Emperor Menelik II’s army secured Ethiopia’s historic victory against colonial forces in 1896. Finally, we arrive in Axum, the legendary city of the Queen of Sheba and Ethiopia’s most sacred historical site, where we will spend the night immersed in its rich heritage.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum City tour

After breakfast, we embark on a guided city tour of Axum, exploring its rich historical and archaeological sites. Key highlights include:
The Obelisk of Axum: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ethiopia’s most iconic monuments.
The St. Mary of Zion Church Complex: Home to the legendary Ark of the Covenant (according to Ethiopian tradition).
The Queen of Sheba’s Palace Ruins: Exploring the remains of this ancient royal complex.
The Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel: Remarkable underground tombs showcasing ancient Axumite engineering.
The Ezana Stone: Often referred to as Ethiopia’s “Rosetta Stone.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum – Lalibela

In the morning, take a flight from Axum to Lalibela, one of the world’s most remarkable sacred destinations, famous for its 11 medieval rock-hewn churches. In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of these magnificent sites, including the iconic St. George Church (Bete Giyorgis), renowned for its unique cross-shaped design and spiritual significance. Overnight stay in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Excursion to Nakutalab Church

In the morning, begin your excursion with a visit to Nakutolab Church, a lesser-known yet spiritually significant rock-hewn church just outside Lalibela. This site, named after King Nakutolab, is famous for its sacred water, believed to have healing properties. After exploring the church and its serene surroundings, return to Lalibela for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue your journey through history by exploring the Second and Third Groups of Lalibela Churches. These include Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos, each showcasing remarkable architectural and religious significance. After a day of spiritual and historical exploration, spend the night in Lalibela, reflecting on the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela – Gondar

Early in the morning, attend a traditional mass at one of Lalibela’s main churches, followed by a visit to the second group of rock-hewn churches. After exploring these remarkable sites, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, continue with a city tour, visiting the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and other historic landmarks. In the evening, settle in for your overnight stay in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Plaza Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar – Bahirdar

Today, we embark on a scenic 4-hour drive from Gondar to Bahir Dar, passing through the beautiful Amhara landscape and nature. In the afternoon, we head 34 km south to visit the Blue Nile Falls and explore the traditional houses nearby. Upon returning to the city, we visit the local markets and end our day by enjoying a stunning sunset from the mountain, offering an incredible view of the city. We will spend the night 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)

Bahirdar – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, we take a 4-hour boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the monasteries, enjoy the surrounding nature, and observe the birds and wildlife. We then return to Bahir Dar city.
In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Addis Ababa, spend the night in Addis.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and 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)

Addis Abeba to Harar

Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa on Ethiopian Airlines and we will Visit in Dire Dawa Kefira Market and the old Train station which is built by French Continue by vehicle from Dire Dawa to Harar on the way we will see Lake Haromaya and the big Khat market Aweday in Eastern Africa. Stroll through the 16th century walled city of Harar, the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. See the home of Arthur Rimbuad, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a “gun-runner” during the 19th century.
Overnight in Harar medium hotel.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Harar city

Visit the colorful Islamic market. Tour the National and Harari museums and the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie.) In the evening see the “Hyena Man” feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town. Overnight in Harar medium Hotel.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Harar – Dire Dawa – Addis

In the morning, explore Harar’s vibrant Islamic Market and enjoy panoramic views from the Hakim Gar Mountains. Afterwards, drive to Dire Dawa for your fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, attend a farewell program at a traditional restaurant, savoring authentic Ethiopian dishes and cultural music. Finally, transfer to Bole International Airport.

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.