Ethiopia Holiday Tours - 12 Days Historical & Natural Travel tours in Ethiopia
Day-By - Day itinerary
Day 1 - Addis Abeba
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, meet our representatives and transfer to the given Hotel. During the day, visit historical sites in AddisAbaba including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of Lucy, whose skeletalremains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the HolyTrinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3,200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight at a hotel
Day 2 - Addis Ababa-Axum
In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for your flight to Axum. The rest of the day, Discover history and myth at the Queen of Sheba's Palace and Bath before visiting the St Mary of Zion churches, reputedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. Continue to King Ezana's Stone, written in three ancient languages, en route to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel, two of Axum's most important rulers who succeeded in bringing southern Arabia under their rule. After lunch visit the Axum stelae field and museum. A short walk offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside, before a private visit to a local artist who specialisesin religious paintings. Overnight Axum (Hotel)
Day 3 - Drive to Hawsein
Journey to a little visited but peaceful and astonishing spot Yeha which is Ethiopias first known capital and considered the birthplace of the country's earliest civilization. Its ruins are impressive for their sheer age, dating from around the 5th century BC. Also the monastery of Debre Damo which is the first monastery in Ethiopia dates back to Aksumite times. It boasts the oldest standing churchin the country. Overnight Hawsein (Hotel).
Day 4 - Hawsein - Mekele
In the Morning visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor.Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offercommanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight (Hotel).
Day 5 - Mekele - Lalibela
You will have an early morning departure from Mekele to Lalibela. This will be a full day of car travel, but on the way you may have time to visit a few of the previously visited sites. Overnight Lalibela (Hotel).
Day 6
In the morning, visit the first group of rock-hewn churches- bet Medhane Alem , Bet Maryam , Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel , Bet Mikael und Bet Golgotha (not allowed for women). After lunch, head to the second group of rock-hewnchurches which represent scenes of the heavenly Jerusalem. Finally visit the cross-shaped church of St. George which is regarded to be the third group and is the last work of church excavation by King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (Hotel).
Day 7
After breakfast, you set off on mule or on foot to the church ofAshetun Mariam, about a 4 hours round trip. An alternative to theAshetun Mariam trip, or if visitors are not afraid of a full day it can be done in the afternoon in addition to Ashetun Mariam, visit the the church of yimrehanne Kristos, the most popular of the church outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late -Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight Lalibela (Hotel).
Day 8 - Lalibela - Gondar
In the morning, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Gondar. The rest of the day, then, explore Fasiladas Castle compound, which covers an area of over 70,000 sq m (229,659 sq ft), surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has an imposing parapet and four small domed towers. continue to Debre Berhan Salassie Church, probably the country's most famous church and a highlight of Gondar. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and the walls portray Ethiopian saints, martyrs, and lore. Overnight Gondar (Hotel).
Day 9 - Gondar - Bahir Dar
This morning we will drive to Bahir Dar throuh the Guzara Castle site the ruined castle which was built before the establishment of Gondar arriving in Bahir Dar in time for lunch.the rest of the day, you will visit the small town of Tiss Issat meaning smoking fire. Cross the Blue Nile on a small boat which offers stunning photo opportunities. This evening, visit Bezawit Hill to watch the wonderful sunset. Overnight Bahir Dar (Hotel).
Day 10
After an erealy breakfast you will take on a boat trip Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, which is dotted with some 30 islands of which 20 are home to monasteries and churches. We will be taking you to Zega penninsula and the Monastery of Azuwa Maryam & Ura Kidane Mhiret which it is believed to date back to the 16th Century, & the island monastery of Debre Maram near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. Overnight Bahir Dar (Hotel).
Day 11 - Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa
In the morning, transfer to Addis, in the evening, there will be Grand Holidays complimentary farewell dinner party. There will not be better way of ending a trip. (flight schedule permitting) At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back.
Day 12 - Arrived our destination
End of the tour!