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Fantastic historical tour that takes you to one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia. On this tour you will visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, considered the 8th wonder of the world and also called the African Jerusalem; A Day of observation of the royal buildings and beautiful churches of Gondar, a town also named the African Camelot; Trip through the jaggedly carved Simien Mountains, offering landscapes reminiscent of America's Grand Canyon; Sightseeing Axum, Ethiopia’s religious center, and hiking to one of Ethiopia's most iconic landscapes of Gheralta mountains.
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Fantastic historical tour that takes you to one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia. On this tour you will visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, considered the 8th wonder of the world and also called the African Jerusalem; A Day of observation of the royal buildings and beautiful churches of Gondar, a town also named the African Camelot; Trip through the jaggedly carved Simien Mountains, offering landscapes reminiscent of America's Grand Canyon; Sightseeing Axum, Ethiopia’s religious center, and hiking to one of Ethiopia's most iconic landscapes of Gheralta mountains.
What's included
Departure Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Return Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Additional Information
Visas: Visas are required for all visitors. Apply online (https://www.evisa.gov.et/status/Index/)
Price includes
- Accommodation in single /twin share room
- All meals included
- Professional English-speaking guide at all times
- Site entrance fees are included
- Surface transportation (with the latest vehicle), Car maintenance, Fuel expense, Parking fees
- Unlimited bottled water throughout the journey
Price does not include
- Any Other Personal Expenses which are not mentioned in the inclusive list
- International Air, unless expressly paid for
- Meal: other than mentioned Places or Days
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- North Trip
North Trip
Day 1
Addis Ababa city tour
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. When you arrive, a representative from our company will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel we have reserved. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the fourth highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Day 2
Fly to Gondar then Excursion to Simien mountains national park
This morning, you fly to Gondar. Upon arrival, you will be met by GishAbay Ethiopia Tours representative then head towards the famous Simen Mountains via Debark town, the gateway to Simen Mountains National Park. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site, contains some of the most dramatic scenery, and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian wildlife. This afternoon, you will have easy walks (2–3 hours), and your guide will take you to some awe-inspiring viewpoints. You will mostly walk on Afro-Alpine moorland, which is the favored habitat of endemic Gelada baboons. These friendly baboons are known for their golden manes, bright pink breasts, and comical facial expressions. Then back to Gondar for overnight.
Day 3
City tour in Gondar then fly to Addis Ababa
Today you will visit Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa
Day 4
Fly to Shire then to Axum
This morning we fly to Shire and then drive 60 km to Aksum, a city founded three centuries before the birth of Christ. From around 200 BC to 700 AD, Aksum was the seat of the Aksumite Empire, which was one of the four great powers of the ancient world. Your exploration commences with the great stelae. Attributed to various medieval Ethiopian rulers from the 3rd century AD, these immense granite obelisks bear testimony to the technological prowess of the early Aksumites. Then visit Mariam Tsion or Saint Merry of Zion Church. Inside the church compound, there is a chapel that is believed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to house the Ark of the Covenant (the original tablets of Moses). Your visit also includes the Archaeological Museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, Tombs of King Kaleb, King Gerebre Meskel, and King Bazen, and finally explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
Day 5
Head towards Gerhalta Mountains
After breakfast, leave Aksum and travel towards the Gerhalta Mountains which are famous for their ancient orthodox rock Churches. First, you will pass via the historical Adowa Mountain where the Ethiopian Patriots defeated the colonization attempt of Italy. Continue travel through scenic countryside to Yeha, Ethiopia’s first city, which dates back more than 2,800 years. Visit the remains of the temple dedicated to Ilmuqeh, the Moon God. After a lunch break at Adigrat city, proceed to Hawzen town which is a center to explore the mysterious rock churches of Tigray.
Day 6
Fullday visit in Gheralta
After having breakfast, take a short drive to Abune Yemata Guh Rock-hewn Church. This church is considered to be the most spectacularly situated rock-hewn church in Ethiopia. The hike up to the church will take approximately an hour as you climb a steep 500m in altitude. The final part of the ascent requires climbing up a sheer cliff face with the help of handgrips and footholds. Once inside the church, accessed through a small crack in the rock, you will be amazed by the extensive and perfectly preserved wall and roof murals, believed to date back to the 15th century. In the afternoon, you will visit Tigray village and experience the coffee ceremony.
Day 7
Head to Mekele
This morning, hike to visit Debre Maryam Korkor and Abba Daniel. You will reach these churches after about 1h hour or 1:30 hour hike. The location offers commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch and a short break, you will visit another fascinating rock church, Abune Yemhata. The hike up to this church takes an hour, climbing roughly 500 meters in altitude, and the last part of the ascent involves clambering up a sheer cliff face using handgrips and footholds. The interior of the church reached via a small crack in the rock, is known for its extensive and perfectly preserved wall and roof murals.
Then drive to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region. On the way you will visit Abreha, We Atsebaha rock hewn church, known for its vivid cloth paintings, which depict various old and New Testament stories.
Finally, transfer to your hotel in Mekele.
Day 8
Fly to Lalibela via Addis Ababa
In the morning, you will catch your flight to Lalibela with a stopover in Addis Ababa to explore Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is the most famous of all of Ethiopia’s historic cities and contains the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’ and ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches draw pilgrims from all over the world. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from red volcanic rock. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are grouped into two parts, and each church has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved. In the afternoon, you will discover the Northwestern group of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.
Day 9
Full day in and arround Lalibela
After morning breakfast, set off by car or Mule to Asheten Mariam, a monolithic church beautifully perched at an altitude of 3,000 m near the summit of Asheten, which dominates the entire Lalibela region. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of rock-hewn churches, you will visit Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel- Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally, discover Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church.
Day 10
Fly back to Addis Ababa, shopping then dinner and Departure
Today you will fly back to Addis Ababa then you will have shopping to buy souvenirs. In the evening, before your
international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant.
We’re sure it really has been a wonderful trip, but sadly, it’s time for it to end. It has been an honor to look after you and hopefully provide you with many safari memories. We hope to see you again next time you go on tour.
