Day 1: Arrival – Sightseeing of Addis Ababa
As soon as you set foot at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, welcome and transfer to your reserved hotel followed by Addis Ababa city tour. Visit National museum, have an insight into the past and present history, culture, economy and art of the nation. Among other things you will visit the oldest hominid known as Lucy “Dinknesh ” dated back to 3.2 million years. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral built by Emperor Haile Silassie II. It is one of architecturally decorated, spacious, splendid stained-glass windows and well-designed churches in Ethiopia. Visit is Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Visit mount Entoto the highest peak of the city at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level, offering panoramic view of Addis Ababa city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
In the morning, fly to Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara regional state, located on the shore of Lake Tana, the biggest lake in Ethiopia and source of the mighty Blue Nile River. Take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Maryam located on Zege peninsula. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Tis Abay to see the Blue Nile falls (the volume of the falls could be minimal during the dry season). Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar
In the morning drive to Gondar through agricultural fields and beautiful countryside. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas and has served as the capital of Ethiopia for 250 years. In the afternoon explore the city of Gondar; visit Fasiladas Castle, Debre Birhan Selassie church and Fasiladas bath. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: Gondar – Lalibela
Late in the morning fly to Lalibela. Visit the 12th century Lalibela rock-hewn churches often called the 8th wonders of the world. This afternoon, visit five churches of the northern group namely; Biete Golgotha Mikael, Biete Mariam, Biete Denagel, Biete Maskal, and Biete Medhani Alem. Conclude the day with a visit to the famous and purely monolithic church of St. George with a spectacular sunset view. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 5: Lalibela – Shire – Axum
In the morning, visit the remaining five churches of the southern group namely; Biete Lehem, Biete Gabriel Rafael, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Qeddus Mercoreus. In the afternoon fly to Shire and drive to Axum. Overnight in Axum.
Day 6: Axum
Take a full day tour of Axum city. Axum is a city with more than 2500 years of history. It was a center of a great empire and ancient civilization and home to the original Ark of covenants. Explore the city of Axum; visit St. Mary Zion Church, Chapel of the Tablet, Stele Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. Overnight in Axum.
Day 7: Axum – Shire – Addis Ababa
In the morning drive from Axum to Shire and fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon have time for shopping or afternoon at leisure. In the evening attend a folkloric farewell dinner. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with a traditional dance performance live from stage. Transfer to airport for your departure.
What is included in the price quote?
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
- Government tax
Price Excludes?
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
