Tour Highlights
- Explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a medieval architectural marvel.
- Visit the “Camelot of Africa”—the 17th-century castles of Gondar.
- Take a boat tour on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries.
- Witness the panoramic views of the Simien Mountains and spot endemic wildlife.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and the National Museum. Drive to the Entoto Hills for a panoramic view of the capital and stop at the Sheromeda market for traditional textiles.
Day 2: Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
Fly to Bahir Dar and board a boat on Lake Tana. Visit ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula, such as Ura Kidane Mehret. End the day with sunset views over the Nile from Bezawit Hill.
Day 3: Gondar Castles and Churches
Drive to Gondar to tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO site featuring 17th-century castles. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie church, famous for its angelic ceiling art.
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to the Simien Mountains for a day of wildlife viewing. Look for endemic Gelada baboons and Walia Ibex among the jagged peaks before returning to Gondar.
Day 5: The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela to explore the 11 monolithic churches. In the evening, participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and learn how to bake injera.
Day 6: Asheton Maryam or Yemrehanna Kristos
Choose between a mule hike to the high-altitude Asheton Maryam monastery or a drive to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos. Continue exploring Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.
Day 7: Return to Addis Ababa
Fly back to the capital for souvenir shopping and a cultural farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
Day 8: Debre Libanos and Portuguese Bridge
Take a day trip north to the 13th-century Debre Libanos monastery. Visit the museum and walk to the historic Portuguese Bridge for views of the Jemma River Gorge.
Day 9: Adadi Mariam and Tiya
Explore the 13th-century rock-carved church of Adadi Mariam and the ancient Tiya stelae field (UNESCO site). Visit a local Oromo village before returning for a folkloric dinner.
Day 10: Final Departure
Enjoy free time for final shopping or a short walk in the city before your transfer to the airport for departure.
Includes
- Bed and Breakfast meal plan.
- Domestic flights for the specified sectors.
- All ground transportation and fuel.
- All entrance fees for sites and villages.
- Professional English-speaking local guides.
Excludes
- International air tickets.
- Alcoholic beverages and meals not specified.
- Insurance and photography fees.
