This program is designed to introduce you to Ethiopia’s remarkable history and beautiful natural landscapes.
The North part of Ethiopia is every known on historical heritages . On this specific package you will have a chance to visit Ethiopian historical sites and Simien Mountains National park. Under this package you will visit Bahir Dar and Lake tana, Gondar and its Palace, Lalibela and eleven rock hewn churches and The fortified old city of Harar. Further more, this package includes many cultural attractions inside those which will make you delight whenever you explored them.
Day 1: Addis Ababa
On arival to Addis meet our team and transfer to hotel, if time permits Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open markets.
Overnight Hotel Lobelia.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar
Morning after breakfast take a flight to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries.
Overnight Jacaranda Hotel.
Day 3: Bahar Dar – Gondar
morning drive to see the Blue Nile Falls. Return to Bahar Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Gondar, north of Lake Tana, stopping at the village of Awra Amba.
Day 4: Gondar
Visit the remote ruins of Kuskuam, built for Empress Mentewab in the 1700’s. After lunch, tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.
Day 5: Gondar – Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some light hiking in the afternoon in the park and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboon, Menilik’s Bushbuck, Ethiopian Kips Springer and many more. return to Gondar for overnight.
Day 6: Gondar – Flight to Lalibela (Eight Wonders of the World)
Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines. Morning after breakfast take a flight to Lalibela UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lalibela is noted as The, New Jerusalem” – a town for internationally renowned rock hewn churches known as, Eight wonders of the world, physically praised from the rock in which they stand, these towering edifices seems to be superhuman creation in scale workman ship and concept. On arrival transfer to your Hotel for check in and then begin to explore the rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.
Overnight Top Twelve Hotel
Day 7: Lalibela
After breakfast, Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.
Overnight Top Twelve Hotel
Day 8: Flight To Dire Dawa
Visit the remaining churches with a tour guide then Get a transportation to Lalibela Airport. flight to Dire dawa through Addis Ababa. On arrival to Dire dawa, we depart for Harar stopping at Awodai, Ethiopia’s biggest Khat market. In the evening, you will see the “Hyena man” feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town. With a little courage, you may of course also feed the hyenas yourself!
Day 9: Harar City Tour
Morning after breakfast drive to the old walled city of Harar. On this day visit both the colorful Muslim and Christian market know for spice, the museums, and the traditional Hararie houses situated within the famous walled city.
Day 10: Flight Dire Dawa – Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the National Museum, home of the 3.18 million year old skeleton “Lucy.” Optional souvenir shopping in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.