Historic North Ethiopia Itinerary
1
Overview
Arrive at Bole International Airport. A representative will meet you and take you to your hotel.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Arrive Addis AbabaHotel
Sheraton Addis Ababa2
Overview
Tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Visit the National Museum, home of the 3 million year old skeleton, “Lucy.” Visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets and the Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Drive to the Entoto Hills for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
Itinerary Details
Destination
ddis AbabaHotel
Sheraton Addis Ababa3
Overview
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Addis Ababa - BaharHotel
Kuriftu Resort4
Overview
Morning drive to see the Blue Nile Falls. Return to Bahar Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Gondar north of Lake Tana.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Bahar – GondarHotel
Gondar Hills5
Overview
Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War II, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. See the baths of King Fasilides which still serves as a baptismal pool during Timkat.
Itinerary Details
Destination
GondarHotel
Gondar Hills6
Overview
Drive to Sankabar, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in the spectacular scenery and view wildlife such as the Gelada baboon. Light hiking in the afternoon in the park.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Gondar – Simien MountainsHotel
Limalimo Lodge7
Overview
Spend the day hiking and enjoying the scale and beauty of this highland region, possibly spotting wildlife such as the endemic Gelada Baboons and the Lammergeyer.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Simiem MountainsHotel
Limalimo Lodge8
Overview
Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frequent stops at viewpoints along the way. Arrive in Axum late afternoon.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Simien Mountains – AxumHotel
Sabean Hotel9
Overview
Tour the ancient stelae fields standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archaeological Museum. See St. Mary Tsion Church, which houses the Ark of the Covenant according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (no one is allowed to see the ark). Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.
Itinerary Details
Destination
AxumHotel
Sabean Hotel10
Overview
Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines, 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
Itinerary Details
Destination
Axum - LalibelaHotel
Mezena Lodge11
Overview
Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Stop at Arbaytu Ensesa where the monks and nuns make hand crafts and traditional cloth.
Itinerary Details
Destination
LalibelaHotel
Mezena Lodge12
Overview
Following breakfast, visit Neakuteleab Cave Church 7 kilometers out of Lalibela and on the way to the airport. Fly to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.