Northern Ethiopia Historic Tour 7 days

DAY 1 Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa in the morning. After taking a break for lunch you will start Addis Ababa city tour. Visit National Museum where Lucy is located, Merkato Market and Entoto Mary’s church.

DAY 2 Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar - Zege Pennisula.

Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahirdar. Check in to your hotel after arrival. Boat sail on Lake Tana identifying the Abay river path by its muddier water compared to the waters of Tana. Harbour at 3 of the 37 Island monasteries and explore the Ethiopian Orthodox church treasures of Holy Icons and admire the church as it is the main habitat for Ethiopian biodiversity, bird life and aquatic animals including hippo that are easily seen here.

Overnight: Bahir Dar - hotel

DAY 3 Blue Nile Falls - Gondar

Drive 30 km to the town of Tis Abay that means ”Smoking Abay (Nile river)” to see the gigantic Blue Nile river waterfall. It becomes 400 meter wide in rainy seasons. Drive back to Bahir Dar to stay overnight in Gonder town revising the city tour of Bahir Dar. Visit the Ethiopian Jewish (Falashas) in Gonder in the afternoon.

Overnight: Gonder - hotel

DAY 4 Gondar

Full day wander in Gonder town visiting the UNESCO registered world wonders of royal castles with the bath of king Fasiledes. After lunch break walk to Debre Berhan Selasie church known by its roof paintings and the Qusquam St. Mary complex.

Overnight: Gonder - hotel

DAY 5 Gondar -Lalibela

Fly from Gondar to Lalibela at 10:00 Am. Lalibela is a town in Amhara Region, Ethiopia famous for its rock-cut monolithic churches. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Axum, and a center of pilgrimage. The population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Lalibela is set in a very attractive mountainous area and is a paradise for hikers. Visit half of the 11 rock hewn churches in the morning (Bête Medhane Alem, Bête Maryam, Bête Gholgota, Bête Denagil, Sina, Bête Giorgis) and the rest in the afternoon. Stunning the stones carved to make these monolithic churches in the 12 century, using the tools of that time displayed in the museum. Entrance for the whole churches for 5 days is 400 birr the most expensive place according to Ethiopians for these the first must see place in Ethiopia. Churches are closed from 12:00AM-02:00 PM.

Overnight: Lalibela - hotel

DAY 6 Cave Monasteries - Yemirhanne Kirstos - Asheton Maryam

Day trip to the outlying churches of Asheton Maryam and Yemirhanne Kirstos. The visit to Asheton Maryam church A popular walk is to half day trip to the rock-hewn church of Asheton Maryam. Although the church is a fine example, it's the walk which makes it special. Exploring the countryside, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas. The walk is quite strenuous with a total distance of around 10 km and goes from an altitude of 2500 m to 3100 m. It is possible to do a part of the hike by mule.

Yemrehanna Kristos may predate Lalibela’s churches by up to 80 years, you have before you a virtual blueprint of greatness. The church is about 1½ hours (45km) north of Lalibela by 4WD. It can easily be visited along with Arbatu Ensessa, Bilbila Giyorgis and Bilbila Chirkos. It’s also possible to get here by foot or mule. Both options take about five hours to cover the shorter 20km distance. The climb up to the church through a forest of juniper trees alive with vervet monkeys takes around 20 minutes.

DAY 7 Return back to Addis Ababa

Transfer to Lalibela airport to fly back to Addis. After arrival shopping and finalise your visit in Ethiopia attending Ethiopian cultural music & traditional food and drink at Yod Abyssinia traditional restaurant .

Overnight: Addis Ababa /Departure