$3,575 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. Begin your exploration with a visit to the National Museum, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an architectural treasure and spiritual center, then stroll through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Experience the city’s vibrant rhythm before settling into your hotel. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa Coffee Tour
Addis Ababa Coffee Tour
Start the day immersed in Ethiopia’s coffee culture. Visit a local coffee house to learn about the beans, roasting, and brewing traditions, followed by participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the afternoon, drive to the Entoto Hills for panoramic views over Addis and visits to historic churches. Conclude with dinner at a cultural restaurant. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, gateway to Lake Tana. Embark on a scenic boat trip to explore the lake’s island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret with its vibrant murals. After lunch, visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” (the Smoking Water), a breathtaking cascade depending on the season. Enjoy lakeside sunset views. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Blue Nile Resort Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Bahir Dar – Gondar
Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar, the former royal capital known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Explore the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi, a fortress-city with 17th-century castles and palaces. Later, visit the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling adorned with 80 angel faces. In the evening, stroll the cobbled streets of Gondar town. Overnight in Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Gondar Plaza Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Gondar – Simien Mountains
Gondar – Simien Mountains
Journey into the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and high plateaus on a short hike. Spot endemic wildlife including Gelada baboons, klipspringers, and numerous bird species. Relax at a lodge with sweeping mountain views. The cool air and vast landscapes offer a perfect retreat. Overnight in the Simien Mountains.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Limalimo Lodge
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Simien Mountains – Axum
Simien Mountains – Axum
Drive north through scenic highlands and mountain passes to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital and religious center. Visit the UNESCO-listed stelae field, featuring colossal obelisks carved from single granite blocks. Explore archaeological sites including the Queen of Sheba’s palace and tombs of ancient kings, immersing in Ethiopia’s millennia-old legacy. Overnight in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
- Consolar Hotel Aksum
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Axum – Lalibela
Axum – Lalibela
Take a morning flight to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem.” Spend the day visiting the northern cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, the world’s largest monolithic church, and the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis. Learn about their history, symbolism, and living religious traditions that continue today. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Lalibela Full Day
Lalibela Full Day
Continue your exploration with the eastern group of churches, such as Bet Gabriel-Rufael and Bet Mercurios, believed to have once served as royal residences. Journey to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos, a masterpiece built within a limestone cavern. In the evening, enjoy an optional visit to a traditional cultural house with music and dance. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Rift Valley Lakes
Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Rift Valley Lakes
Fly back to Addis Ababa and drive south into the Great Rift Valley. Stop at Lake Ziway, home to diverse bird species and hippos, and continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, a haven for flamingos and pelicans. Arrive at Lake Langano, known for its safe swimming waters and golden beaches. Relax by the lakeside. Overnight in Langano.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Langano
- Accommodation:
- Africa Vacation Club Ethiopia
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Coffee Region Sidamo & Yirgacheffe
Coffee Region Sidamo & Yirgacheffe
Travel deeper into Ethiopia’s coffee heartland. Visit Sidamo and Yirgacheffe, regions producing some of the world’s most sought-after Arabica beans. Meet local farmers, tour coffee farms, and learn about cultivation, harvesting, and drying methods. Enjoy tastings of freshly brewed coffee at its birthplace. Overnight in Yirgacheffe.
- Main Destination:
- Yirga Chefe (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Amnen Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Return to Addis Ababa & Departure
Return to Addis Ababa & Departure
Drive northward back through the Rift Valley, with stops at cultural villages and scenic viewpoints along the way. Return to Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping or relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional dishes and live dance performances. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
