Overview
This Seven-days Northern Historic Tour takes you through Ethiopia’s northern circuit, known for its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You’ll explore the vibrant capital city, Addis Ababa, the serene Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar, the medieval castles of Gondar, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the ancient ruins of Axum.
Itinerary
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Followed by Addis Ababa city tour. Visit the National Museum, Merkato, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Entoto
mountain before driving back to your hotel. Overnight at Aya hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, take an early flight to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana. Late Morning, drive 37KM to the village of Tis Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay). In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, to visit Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam monasteries. Overnight at Jacaranda hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to Gondar (approximately 3 hours) and explore Gondar city, the Camelot of Africa. Visit Fasilides Castle, Iyasu's Palace, the Banquet hall and stables which offers insights into Gondar's royal history. In the afternoon, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Fasilides' Bath. Overnight at Goha hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
Late morning, fly from Gondar to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit northern group of Lalibela rock-hewn churches, namely: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel. Late afternoon, visit the purely monolithic standalone Church of Bete Giyorgis, with spectacular sunset view. Overnight at Top Twelve hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, visit the southern group of churches namely; Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Lehem. After the visit, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at Aya hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning fly to Axum. In the afternoon, explore the ancient city of Axum, visit the Stelae Park, home to towering obelisks that are symbols of Axum’s ancient civilization. Explore the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be housed. Late afternoon, walk through the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and learn about Axum’s rich history. Overnight at Consular hotel or at the hotel of your choice Axum.
Late morning, take a flight back to Addis Ababa and time for final pack and shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and dance performances. Followed by transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the trip!
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
Gonder is best known for its castle ruins and decorated churches. The castle ruins, known as Fasil Ghebbi, are a series of buildings that were once the home of Ethiopian royalty.
The best options are a flight from Jinka to Addis (55 minutes) or from Arba Minch to Addis (65 minutes). From Addis, you will connect with a domestic flight to Gondar, followed by a ~2 hour drive into the mountains.
If faith is a mystery, there are few places in the Christian world where the mystery is deeper than in Lalibela. Eight hundred years ago, an Ethiopian king ordered a new capital for Christians. At 8,000 feet, on the central plateau of Ethiopia, stand 11 churches, each carved from a single, gigantic, block of stone.
Three facts about the Axum Empire include: They were the first sub-Saharan African civilization to create their own currency. They established their own unique written language. They became the center of the Ethiopian Christian Church.
