Tour Highlights
- Explore the vibrant capital city of Addis Ababa, including panoramic views from Mount Entoto and visits to major cultural landmarks.
- Discover the famous fossil “Lucy” at the National Museum of Ethiopia.
- Visit the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral and the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, now the Ethnological Museum.
- Experience the bustling atmosphere of Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa.
- Fly to Mekelle and explore the spectacular rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta region.
- Visit ancient churches including Wukro Chirkos Church and Abraha Atsbeha Church.
- Discover the remarkable cliff churches of Gheralta Mountains, including Abuna Yemata Guh Church and Debre Mariam Korkor Church.
- Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner with music, dance, and coffee ceremony.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Addis Ababa Sightseeing
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding hills. Afterwards, descend into the city and visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you will see the famous fossil remains of “Lucy,” one of the oldest known human ancestors.
Continue your tour with a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious landmark built during the period following World War II. Next, explore the Ethnological Museum, located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Conclude the day with a visit to Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly Addis Ababa – Mekele – Drive to Hawzen
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Mekelle. Upon arrival, you will be met and begin the drive to Hawzen in the Gheralta region. Along the way, visit the semi rock-hewn church of Wukro Chirkos Church. Continue to the impressive Abraha Atsbeha Church, considered one of the earliest churches in Ethiopia and renowned for its beautifully decorated interior.
Later, stop at the historic Dugum Selassie Church before continuing to Hawzen. Overnight stay in Hawzen.
Day 3: Excursion to Debre Tsion & Yohannes Makudi
Today you will explore more of the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta mountains. Begin with a visit to the monastery of Debre Tsion Abune Abraham Church, an extraordinary church carved directly from solid rock.
Afterwards, continue to Yohannes Makudi Church, one of the early Ethiopian Orthodox churches in the region. The church is accessed through a narrow cleft between towering sandstone cliffs, creating a dramatic and unforgettable approach. After the visits, return to Hawzen. Overnight stay in Hawzen.
Day 4: Excursion to Abune Yemata
After breakfast, drive to the base of the Gheralta mountains for a visit to the spectacular Abuna Yemata Guh Church. Reaching this remarkable church involves a short but adventurous climb up the cliff face. The church is famous for its ancient wall paintings and breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.
Nearby, you will also visit Debre Mariam Korkor Church, believed to date back to the 6th century. Just a short walk from here is the small rock chapel known as Abba Daniel Prayer Cave. After completing the visits, return to Hawzen. Overnight stay in Hawzen.
Day 5: Drive Hawzen – Mekele – Fly to Addis Ababa
Today you will drive back to Mekelle to catch your return flight to Addis Ababa.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell folkloric dinner at a traditional cultural restaurant. This is a wonderful opportunity to taste a variety of Ethiopian dishes while watching traditional dances representing the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The evening will also include the famous Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure.
