Arrival in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa - Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, an operator will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,438 meters, making it the third highest capital city globally. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the National Museum, which houses some of the country’s historic treasures, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and the resting place of the last emperor, Haile Selassie.

National Museum of Ethiopia - The National Museum contains some of the country’s historic treasures, including a collection of fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia, such as the 3.5 million-year-old remains of ‘Lucy’, the oldest hominid ever found.

Holy Trinity Cathedral - The Church of the Holy Trinity is Ethiopia’s main cathedral and the resting place of the last emperor, Haile Selassie.

Flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Lake Tana - Early in the morning, you will fly to Bahir Dar. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to uncover the secrets of the monasteries and churches on the islands. Visit the Ura Kidane Mihret Church on the Zeghie Peninsula. In the afternoon, visit Tississat Falls, known in Amharic as ‘water that smokes’, located about 32 km south of Bahir Dar.

Blue Nile Falls - In the afternoon, visit Tis Abay Falls, known in Amharic as ‘water that smokes’, located about 32 km south of Bahir Dar. Due to a nearby hydroelectric power scheme, the waterfalls may not always be at full force.

Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar

Fasil Ghebbi - This morning, drive for 3 to 4 hours (185 km) north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Gondar is now one of Ethiopia’s largest and most impressive cities, featuring its walled Royal Enclosure. Gondar’s most famous monuments are its exceptionally well-preserved 17th-century castles.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church - This afternoon, visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Light of Trinity) with its stunning angelic ceiling and murals.

Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountain National Park

Simien Mountains National Park - After breakfast, drive to Debark on the edge of the Simien Mountains. Late in the morning, drive up into the mountains for breathtaking views of this unique ecosystem. Take an optional 1.5-hour walk, mostly flat or downhill, and hope to see the endemic Gelada baboons, Klipspringers, Lammergeyer vultures, and bushbuck.

Drive from Simien Mountain National Park to Axum

Axum - After breakfast, continue on the rugged road for a full day’s drive to the ancient city of Axum via the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and Tekeze River gorge.

Visit Axum UNESCO World Heritage Site

Axum - Axum was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Axum, once one of the most powerful in the ancient world. Located at the center of trade routes between the Mediterranean and India, and the great port of Adulis on the Red Sea, it was economically, politically, and technically advanced, at times controlling both sides of the Red Sea. Axum is also the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and is believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the famous monolithic stelae of Axum, with the tallest one still standing over 21 meters, and the greatest one, once 34 meters high, now toppled but still the largest monolith ever erected by man.

Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion - Axum is the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and is believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old Church of St. Mary of Zion was the first church built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330 AD. Its ruins can be seen within the church compound.

Flight from Axum to Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - In the morning, fly to Lalibela. In the afternoon, begin visiting the first cluster of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela, the ‘New Jerusalem’, is thought to have been constructed around 800 years ago by King Lalibela. Although rock-carved churches are found in other parts of the world, those in Ethiopia are particularly fascinating.

Visit Lalibela - Rock-Hewn Churches

Church of St. George - In the afternoon, visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the churches of Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Mercurous, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Bete Emanuel is the best in this group, exceptionally carved with unique Axumite architectural features.

Flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa - On this day, fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants, featuring traditional music and live dances from various ethnic groups of the country. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure home.

• Private transportation
• Local guide
• Lunch
• Room
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Domestic flight Tickets
• Private Tour Guide
• Entrance fee

• Alcohol drinks
• Tips for service provider
• Shopping- Personal expenses
• Visa fees
• International flights

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.