ETHIOPIA: HISTORIC ROUTE 9 DAYS
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar - Gondar - Axum - Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia- an ancient wonderland with rich cultural traditions, architectural remains, natural beauty and enormously hospitable people. Ethiopia has a history of over 3,000 years, which has been preserved in a remarkable manner. Only in Ethiopia will you find yourself dramatically transported back in time through the participation in sacred rituals of an archaic faith.

2021 ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrival Addis Ababa
Upon your arrival at Bole International Airport, you will clear immigration and proceed to baggage claim. After collecting your checked bags, clear customs and pass through the arrivals hall, you will be met by our representative, who will transfer you to Radisson Blu Hotel or similar.

Day 2 Fly Addis - Bahir Dar (1hr) (B)
This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries. It has a very beautiful painted maqdas and priceless collection of crosses as well as crowns. In the afternoon you will drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile falls (please be informed that due to the newly constructed electric dam in the vicinity, the water level of the falls could be very minimal. Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile Hotel.

Day 3 Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar (182km ~4hrs) (B)
Today you will drive to Gondar. Set in a landscape of incomparable beauty it was once the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Visit the incredible castles and churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Later you will proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie church . Its walls and ceilings are ornately decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Overnight at Mayleko Lodge or similar. 

Day 4 Excursion Simien Mountains (250km : ~ 6 ½ hrs.) (B)
Today you will drive to Sanqaber in the Siemen Mountains, the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes. Known as 'the roof of Africa', your visit will let you soak in the magnificent scenery and relax with a picnic lunch with a beautiful view . Drive back to Gondar in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Fly Gondar – Axum ( 1:20 hrs) (B)
Be transferred to the airport for flight to Axum, Ethiopia’s most ancient city. Axum was once the center of a great empire and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge’ez language and literature. Enjoy a city tour of Axum that includes the stelae park, St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary chapel which is the repository of the Ark of the Covenant, the coronation yard and Axum museum, ruins of Queen of Sheba’s Palace  and King Kaleb’s tomb. Overnight at Consular Hotel or Sabean Hotel.

Day 6 Fly Axum – Lalibela (45min) (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela, also known as "Africa’s Petra’’, is Ethiopia ’s crown jewel. It is the home of the most famous churches in the country and is the scene of many major religious ceremonies. You will visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which are called the “Eighth Wonders of the World”. These churches were hand-hewn out of solid rock between 800-1200 AD and are still active worship places. Overnight at Hotel Tukul Village Hotel.

Day 7 Excursion to Genete Mariam (34km ~ 4hrs) (B)
Today you will have an excursion to Genete Mariam, one of the most interesting churches in Lalibela’s outlying area. Genete Mariam is a large monolith carved into a pink-tinged outcrop near the source of the Tekaze River. Supported by pillars, the church is very different from any of the excavations in Lalibela in that it is not hidden within a trench, but carved openly on a rocky hilltop, though the cover of scaffolding detracts from the impact of seeing it from afar . According to tradition, Genata Mariam was excavated during the reign of Yakuno Amlak, the king who 'restored'' the Solomonic line in the early 13th century. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Fly Lalibela – Addis (B)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Addis. Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel.

Day 9 Sightseeing Addis - Departure Addis Ababa (B)
Today you will enjoy sightseeing around Addis Ababa. Begin your city tour in Addis with a drive up north to Mount Entoto. Descending down to Addis, you will proceed to the Ethnographic museum, which displays a very large collection of Ethiopian crafts and items of historical interest. We will also visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the 3.4 million-year-old fossil of ‘Lucy’ (perhaps our earliest ancestor). After lunch, visit the Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all modern churches.

To wrap up your tour, we will drive through the largest open-air market in Africa. Then be transferred to your hotel where you will have use of a day room. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

2021 Prices based on two person traveling.
Jan 10 - Dec 20, 2021        $3,063.00  per person
Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.
Airfares are extra and varies between $310.00 to $520.00 per person. Subject to change.

 INCLUSIONS

• Hotel accommodation on a double/ twin room occupancy on a bed and breakfast basis
• All airport transfer and ground transport
• Bottled drinking water per person every day
• Regional guide
• Scout fee
• Internal airfare
• All entrances

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare
• Lunch and dinner
• Day use room
• Photography and video fees
• Porter fee
• Other beverages
• Gratitude and other related expenses of personal nature