7 Days / 6 nights Tour (Minimum two passengers)
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to visit the northern historical attractions but don’t have much time. Visitors will cover all the important sites in the Historic circuit by flying from one site to the other.
DAY 1 – ADDIS ABABA
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your city hotel for overnight. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- JUPITER INTERNATIONAL HOTEL or similar 4*
DAY 2 – ADDIS / BAHIR DAR
In the morning fly from Addis to the lakeside town of Bahir Dar. Visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, locally known as ‘Tiss Issat’ for the steam clouds or ‘smoke for fire’ caused by the waters plunging 45 meters below. A short, interesting walk about takes you to a splendid viewpoint.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake (3,600 sq km), to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, which are situated on the largest peninsula of the lake. These 14th Century AD monasteries are known for the colorful frescoes of religious scenes, and an impressive display of illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- ABAYMINCH LODGE or similar 3*
DAY 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR
Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit the ‘Royal Compound’ with many majestic castles constructed in the European middle ages architectural style, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasilades’, and finally Debre Birhan Sillassie church, which is the finest of the Gonderine churches. Built during the reign of Emperor Iyasu (1682 – 1706), the inside walls of the front room are covered with paintings on cloth, glued to the surface, the ceiling is built with thick beams and is decorated with winged angel heads looking down, the wall paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ, and Mary.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- GOHA HOTEL or similar 3*
DAY 4 – GONDAR / AXUM
A morning flight takes you to Axum – the most ancient capital city of Ethiopia. Spend the rest of day exploring Axum; visit the archaeological museum of Axum, the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the famous stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- SABEAN HOTEL or similar 3*
DAY 5 – AXUM / LALIBELA
After breakfast a short flight takes you to Lalibela, which is home to the 12th century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) after whom the town is named. In the afternoon, visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- ROHA HOTEL or similar 3*
DAY 6 – LALIBELA
In the morning, ride by mule to the hill top semi-monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century AD). The peak of the hill offers a wonderful viewpoint to have bird eye view of the surrounding area including the town of Lalibela. In the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- ROHA HOTEL or similar 3*
DAY 7 – LALIBELA / ADDIS/ DEPART
Fly back to Addis where you have a half-day sightseeing tour of Addis that includes visiting the National Archeological Museum of Addis Abba, where Lucy is to be found, the famous Merkato the largest open-air market in Africa, and Mount Entoto for the panoramic view of the city.
In the evening, you will be a guest at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the Ethiopian folkloric dances and to taste the variety of Ethiopian food. At a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport.
- Included Meals: B,D
Included
- Accommodation in a twin room, sharing basis
- Breakfast only in Addis Ababa
- All meals out of Addis Ababa
- All entrance fees
- Transfers
- Mule hire
- Boat rent at Lake Tana
- All ground transportation
- Professional English speaking guide
- Portage fees
- All local guides
- Scouts
- Government tax
Excluded
- Lunch and dinner in Addis Ababa
- Domestic or International airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
- Other expenses of personal nature like shopping, laundry, etc
- Any activity or expense not included in the inclusive list above