Description

Day 1 Addis Abeba

Arrive in Addis Abeba and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Overnight at Jupiter hotel or similar

Day 2 Lalibela

Fly to lalibela with its wonderful rock hewn churches, known in some circles as the 8th wonder of the world. In the afternoon, we visit some of these intriguing monuments to discover more about Ethiopia’s enigmatic past.

Overnight at Mountain View hotel or simlar

Day 3 lalibela

Take a morning excursion by mules to the Asheten Mariam Church, known for its wonderful views, or alternatively a visit will be arranged by to the cave church of Nakutoleab. In the afternoon, visit the remaining rock hewn churches in lalibela.

Overnight at Mountain View hotel or similar

Day 4 Mekelle

After an early breakfast we start the journey to the town of Mekelle. Along the way there will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops as we pass through small Amhara villages.

Overnight at Aksum hotel or similar

Please note that today involves 9 & 10 hours driving

Day 5 Tigray churches

Today we continue our exploration of the remote Tigary region, visiting the marvellous churches of medhane alem adikesho, Wukro cherkos and abraha atsibha.

Overnight at agoro lodge or similar

Day 6 Axum

Today we drive to Axum through spectacular scenery, visiting the 5th century temple of yeha en route, which displays incredible skills in stone work, and is the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia,

Overnight at yared zema hotel or similar

Day 7 Axum

Visit the amazing sites of Axum, including its collection of ancient stelea, the bath and palace of queen of sheba and saint Marry of Zion church, which legend says is home to the ark of the covenant.

Overnight at yared zema hotel or similar

Day 8 Simien Mountains National park

Today, a long drive to the Simien Mountains National Park , a spectacularly scenic area with interesting endemic mammals including gelada baboons and many species of birds. Depending on our arrival time we may have time to take short walk in the park before our main walk the next day to experience the breathtaking beauty of these mountains.

Overnight at simian lodge or similar

Day 9 Simien Mountains National Park

We spend today walking through the mountains to visit awe-inspiring viewpoints and spot some of the wildlife. For those who do not want a full day trek, a shorter alternative can be taken.

Overnight simian lodge or similar

Day 10 Gondar

Drive to Gondar, a city famous for its amazing collection of old castles and palaces. We visit the main sites of the town including the Bath of king Fasiladas and the beautifully decorated Debre Birhan silasie church (light of Trinty) with its wonderful murals.

Overnight goha hotel or similar

Day 11 Bahir Dar

We head to Bahir Dar, stopping en route at any point of interest. On arrival we will drive to the Blue Nile falls where we will take a short walk to view the falls themselves. Later we return to Bahir Dar, where our hotel tonight overlooks Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile.

Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile hotels or similar

Day 12 Bahir Dar

This morning we take boats out onto Lake Tana to explore its fantastic collection of ancient monasteries, dramatically situated on the lake’s islands and peninsulas. The afternoon is free to explore Bahir Dar, with the option of visiting Bezawit hill where you experience the view of the lake and the river Blue Nile coming out of that Lake Tana.

Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile hote or similar

Day 13 Addis Abeba

Take flight back to Addis Abeba and an afternoon tour of the capital. Visit the Entoto Mountains, with a fantastic view over the city, the national museum, st. george ’s cathedral and the merkato, reputedly the biggest open air market in Africa.

Overnight Jupiter international hotel or similar

Day 14 Addis Abeba

The tour ends with a transfer to the airport