$3,542 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your guide for transfer to your hotel. After rest, take a guided city exploration: visit the National Museum to see “Lucy” and other ancient hominid fossils, the Ethnographic Museum with its cultural treasures, and St. George Cathedral, symbol of Ethiopia’s Orthodox faith. Finish at Entoto Hills for sweeping views over the city and insight into the capital’s origins. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Bonanza Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Yeha & Axum
Yeha & Axum
Fly north to Axum, heart of the ancient Aksumite Empire. En route, stop at Yeha, Ethiopia’s oldest standing monument (8th century BC), where massive stone blocks form the ruins of a pre-Christian temple. On arrival in Axum, explore the legendary Stelae Park with its towering granite obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s ruined palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Axum & Surroundings
Axum & Surroundings
Continue your exploration of Axum, once one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Visit King Ezana’s stone inscription, written in Sabaean, Ge’ez, and Greek, and royal tombs that showcase Aksumite engineering. The archaeological museum displays centuries of artifacts. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional trip to Mai Shum, a sacred bathing reservoir, or explore nearby villages for cultural encounters with Tigrayan traditions. Overnight in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
- Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Fly to Lalibela; Rock-Hewn
Fly to Lalibela; Rock-Hewn
Morning flight to Lalibela, the “New Jerusalem.” After lunch, begin exploring the northern cluster of 12th–13th century rock-hewn churches carved directly into the volcanic tuff. Highlights include the vast Bet Medhane Alem, the atmospheric Bet Maryam, and the iconic, cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis, Ethiopia’s most photographed church. Experience sunset views over the rugged highlands. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Maribela Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lalibela Full Day
Lalibela Full Day
Spend a full day delving into Lalibela’s second cluster of rock-hewn churches, linked by underground tunnels and passageways. Discover Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Amanuel, and Bet Abba Libanos. Optional excursions include a mule trek to the hilltop Asheton Maryam Church or a drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a stunning cave church predating Lalibela. Gain insight into the living traditions of Ethiopian Christianity. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Maribela Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Lalibela – Gondar
Lalibela – Gondar
Fly (or drive if preferred) to Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa.” In the afternoon, visit Fasil Ghebbi, the Royal Enclosure, where 17th-century castles reveal Gondar’s imperial grandeur. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its painted ceiling of winged angels. This masterpiece of Ethiopian religious art is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Overnight in Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Gondar Hills Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Gondar & Lake Tana
Gondar & Lake Tana
Travel to Bahir Dar, gateway to Lake Tana. Enjoy a boat trip across the lake, the source of the Blue Nile, to visit ancient island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret, decorated with vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Monks share stories of faith and heritage. Learn how Lake Tana has been a spiritual center for centuries. Overnight at a lakeside lodge in Bahir Dar.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Tana
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Blue Nile Falls & Simien Mountains
Blue Nile Falls & Simien Mountains
In the morning, walk to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” or “the smoking water.” During the rainy season, the thundering cascade is spectacular. In the afternoon, drive north toward the Simien Mountains, ascending into a landscape of high plateaus and deep valleys. Overnight in a lodge or eco-camp near the park’s edge.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Simien Mountains National Park
Simien Mountains National Park
Spend the day exploring the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Light to moderate hiking takes you through dramatic escarpments and Afro-alpine meadows. Spot endemic wildlife, including Gelada baboons grazing on the cliffs, and, if lucky, the rare Walia ibex. The scenery, with jagged peaks and plunging gorges, is among Africa’s most awe-inspiring. Overnight in the Simien area.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Return to Addis via Historic Sites
Return to Addis via Historic Sites
Descend from the highlands and return to Addis Ababa by flight or road, with optional stops at historic monasteries, bustling local markets, or traditional villages along the way. The journey highlights Ethiopia’s contrasts, from remote mountain landscapes to the modern energy of the capital. Evening free for rest or cultural dining experience. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Bonanza Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Adadi Mariam & Entoto / Optional Adwa Extension
Adadi Mariam & Entoto / Optional Adwa Extension
In the morning, drive south to visit Adadi Mariam, a 12th-century rock-hewn church still in use today. Return via Entoto Hills to explore Entoto Raguel Church with its historic paintings and panoramic views. For interested groups, an optional extension can be made to the new Adwa 00KM Museum, commemorating Ethiopia’s decisive victory over colonial forces. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Bonanza Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Departure
Departure
Spend your final morning at leisure with last-minute shopping or optional visits to Unity Park and Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. After a farewell Ethiopian coffee ceremony, transfer to Bole International Airport for your flight home, concluding your unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s historic north.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
