On this trip of discovery, you will visit the major sites of Ethiopia’s Historic Route — four of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Axum, Lalibela, Gondar, the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the Palace of Queen of Sheba, and the last resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Cruise on Lake Tana, the source of the Great Blue Nile River, trek in the spectacular Simien Mountains "the chess pieces of gods", see the Gelada "Bleeding Heart" Baboon, and more.
Trip Highlights
- Celebrate Timket ("Ethiopian Epiphany").
- Experience Ethiopian Orthodox Christian doctrines and traditions.
- Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Be amazed by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of "the living wonders of the world".
- Enjoy the magnificent nature and endemic wildlife in the Simien Mountains.
- Travel back in time to explore the ancient city of Axum, the last resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
- Discover the fairytale castles of Gondar.
- Take a cruise on Lake Tana to visit the ancient island monasteries.
- See the source of the mighty Blue Nile River and Blue Nile Falls.
- Discover the old walled city and the fourth holiest city of Islam.
- Visit the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.
- Meet your ancestor Lucy at the National Museum in Addis Ababa.
- Try the varied Ethiopian food.
- Attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driven to your hotel. If you arrive in the morning, we can arrange an optional city tour in Addis.
Overnight: Hotel, Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa, Bahirdar
In the morning, drive to Bahirdar through the Great Blue Nile Gorge with stops at different small towns like Dejen, Chancho, and Goha Tsion.
Overnight: Hotel, Bahirdar
Day 3: Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls, Bahir Dar
After breakfast, we will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th century island monasteries of Lake Tana.
After lunch at the hotel, we will drive 35 km to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls.
Overnight: Hotel, Bahirdar
Day 4: Bahir Dar, Gondar
After breakfast, we will drive to Gondar through the beautiful countryside scenery to arrive at Gondar around lunchtime.
After checking into the hotel and having lunch there, we will start tour of Gondar which includes the Royal Enclosure, the pool of King Fasilidas, and the famous Debre Berhan Sellassie adorned with brilliant frescos inside.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar
Day 5: Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Simien Mountains National Park. Enroute we will visit the "Felasha", or Black Jewish village.
Driving from Gondar up to the Simien Mountains National Park, we will experience the spectacular scenery culminating at the top of the massif. For the rest of the day, we will trek around the park and Sankaber to explore the stunnining views and wildlife.
Overnight: Simien Lodge, Sankaber
Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park, Axum
After breakfast, we will drive to Axum through the beautiful scenery of the Simien Mountains and the Tekeze River Gorge.
Overnight: Hotel, Axum
Day 7: Axum
After breakfast, we will visit the ancient city of Axum. Your visit in Axum includes the Stele Square, Kaleba Tombs, 4th-century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church, where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.
Overnight: Hotel, Axum
Day 8: Axum, Hauzien
In the morning, we drive to Hauzien, the center of some of the most ancient rock-hewn churches, through the stunning and historical mountains of Adwa.
Overnight: Lodge, Hauzien
Day 9: Hauzien, Mekele
In the morning, we drive to Mekele enroute visiting some of the most ancient Tigray rock-hewn churches including Wikro Cherkos, Abrha We-Atsbeha, and Dugum Selassie.
Overnight: Axum Hotel, Mekele
Day 10: Mekele, Lalibela, Timket Eve at Lalibela
After breakfast, we will drive north to Lalibela through Sekota. Enroute you will visit Yimrhane Kirstos and different villages of the Agwe tribal people.
In the afternoon, we will attend the Timket eve ceremony called Ketera. During Ketera, the priests take out the Tabots — replicas of the original Ark of the Covenant — from each church and bless the water of the pool where the next day's celebration will take place.
In the evening, we will return to the Taboat Maderia to attend the night celebrations.
Overnight: Hotel, Lalibela
Day 11: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Timket Festival at Lalibela
Early in the morning, we will again walk to the Tabot Maderia to witness the early morning baptism ceremony. The water, which symbolizes the Jordan River, is blessed by the priest and the patriarch then a golden cross is dipped in the water and a burning consecrated candle is extinguished in the alter. Then water is sprinkled on the assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ's baptism.
Following the baptism, the procession of the Tabots to their respective rock churches begins as the people feast, sing and dance.
Overnight: Hotel, Lalibela
Day 12: Lalibela, Asheten Mariam, Second Day of Timket
In the morning, we attend the second day of Timket around the first group of rock-hewn churches.
After lunch and a rest at the hotel, we will continue our journey into Ethiopia’s long and marvelous history with a visit to more of Lalibela’s remarkable churches
The rock-hewn churches that we will visit this afternoon include Bete Gebriel, Bete Merkorios Bete Amanuel, Bethlehem, and Bete Aba Libanos. At the end of the tour, there will be a special Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house.
Overnight: Hotel, Lalibela
Day 13: Lalibela, Addis Ababa, Departure
After breakfast, we transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your departure time, we can arrange an optional city tour.
In the evening, there will be Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours complimentary farewell dinner party with traditional special buffet and local drinks (flight schedule permitting). At the end of the farwell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.
Dates
Jan. 9–21, 2019
