Ethiopia Hidden Treasure & Meskel Festival Experience 9 Days Tour 9 days

Welcome to Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital of Ethiopia and the diplomatic capital of Africa.

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After some time to relax, begin your guided sightseeing tour of the city.

Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil "Lucy," one of the oldest and most significant hominid skeletons ever discovered. Continue to the Ethnological Museum, where you will learn about Ethiopia's many ethnic groups, traditions, and cultural heritage. Afterwards, visit St. George's Cathedral, an impressive church built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory at the historic Battle of Adwa.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight to Bahir Dar, a beautiful lakeside city situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise across Lake Tana to visit several ancient island monasteries, famous for their centuries-old religious paintings, manuscripts, and treasures.

Later, visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), meaning "Smoking Water," where the powerful waterfall creates beautiful rainbows and refreshing mist.

Overnight at Blue Nile Resort, Bahir Dar.

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ethiopian countryside to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), home to the magnificent castles of Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, celebrated for its beautifully painted ceiling adorned with hundreds of angel faces.

Overnight at Haile Resort, Gondar.

After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa's most breathtaking mountain landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin your trek toward Sankaber Camp while enjoying dramatic views of deep valleys, towering cliffs, and expansive highland plateaus. Keep an eye out for endemic wildlife, including Gelada baboons, Klipspringers, and numerous bird species.

Overnight camping at Sankaber Camp.

Continue trekking through the magnificent Simien Mountains toward Geech Camp.

Along the way, visit the beautiful Jinbar Waterfall before hiking to the breathtaking viewpoint of Imet Gogo, one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the national park. From here, enjoy spectacular views across endless mountain ranges, dramatic escarpments, and deep valleys.

Overnight camping at Geech Camp.

Enjoy a relaxed morning walk around the Jinbar Waterfall area before driving back to Gondar.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or explore the town at your own pace.

Overnight at Haile Resort, Gondar.

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia's most sacred Christian destination, often referred to as the "New Jerusalem."

Spend the day exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved directly from solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Visit remarkable churches including:

• Bet Medhane Alem – the largest monolithic church in the world
• Bet Mariam – renowned for its beautiful interior decorations
• Bet Meskel – an important place of worship reflecting remarkable craftsmanship and spiritual significance

Overnight at Hilltop Lodge, Lalibela.

After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa.

Visit Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views over the capital and home to historic churches and the former palace of Emperor Menelik II.

In the evening, attend the spectacular Meskel Festival celebration at Meskel Square.

Witness thousands of worshippers gathering as priests chant ancient hymns and the magnificent Demera bonfire is lit. Watch the towering bonfire crowned with a cross decorated with yellow Adey Abeba flowers while experiencing traditional music, cultural dances, and an unforgettable spiritual celebration.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Enjoy your final day in Ethiopia before a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian cultural restaurant.