Ethiopian Culture Addis Ababa City Tours 12 Days Religious Tour Bahirdar Gondar Temples Parks

Day 1: Arrival

On arrival, you will be picked by our company professional drive/guide that will transfer you to the Addis Ababa hotel for overnight stay

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour 

In the Amharic language, Addis Ababa means “new flower” Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887, Addis is the capital city of contemporary Ethiopia and has a population of about four million. With the occurrence of the Organization of African Unity, is Africa’s diplomatic capital. We enjoy a mid-morning discussion in the garden of the Institutes for Ethiopian Studies with a well-Known professor of History and Anthropology, who gives a personal guided tour of the Ethnological Museum. The museum exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian cultural groups. After lunch, we visit Ba’ata Church, also known as Menelik’s Mausoleum, one of the oldest of the churches in Addis (90 years old). It harbors gorgeous paintings and the royal tombs of past Emperors. We continue on to the National Museum, where cultural and archaeological remnants, including “Lucy, “the 3.2 million-year-old hominid, are displayed. We also drive through the Mercato, the largest open-air market on the continent. Return to the hotel to freshen up, dinner and overnight at Addis Ababa, Hotel.

Day 3: Fly Addis Ababa – Bahirdar 

Early in the morning, transfer to the Airport for the 7:00 flight to Bahirdar. Take a City tour of the local Market, traditional dickens school in St. Michael church and Bezawit Hills where the Palace of Emperor Hailesilasie can be seen from outside, all this is after check in at Tana Hotel. This is also the best view point to drift the sunset on Lake Tana and to spot the outlet of Lake Tana where the Great Blue Nile River begins its long journey all the way to Egypt and finally Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, drive 35 Km to visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, walk 15-20 minutes to the fall through the beautiful river gorge on the ancient bridge from the 17th century, and meeting the local people at the small villages on the way to the fall is a grand familiarity. Return to Tana Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Bahirdar - Gondar 

After breakfast cross to Gorgora by boat, this town is situated north of Lake Tana and it was the temporary capital of Ethiopia in the 16th century prior to the establishment of Gondar as a permanent capital. It was the place of the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th centaury. Places to visit here include; the church of Debresina Mariam and on the way we will also visit the island monasteries of Narga Sillasie, Ura Kidanemihiret and Azwa Mariam. These island monasteries date back to the middle Ages. Today, the lake’s churches are well preserved and are well-known for their best Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other treasures. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the boat and then drive about 60 Km to Gondar after crossing Lake Tana for dinner and overnight at Goha Hotel.

Day 5: Gondar City Tour

Gondar served as the capital city of Ethiopia from 1632-1667 and is prominent for its medieval castles and churches. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound having 6 different castles built from 17th century by different kings, the pool of King Fasilidas, which served as a baptismal pool during Ethiopian Epiphany. We will also visit other churches as well as the Deberberhan Sillassie known for its incredible ceiling decorated with winged angels from the 17th century. Return to Goha Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park

Make a full day excursion to Sankaber; part of the Simien Mountains National Park and the “Felasha” or the black Jewish village. It is assumed that the Felashas settled at the village during the time of king Menelik the first, the son of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. At Sankaber, there is a great a chance to see troops of bleeding heart baboon in addition to a relaxing trek in the most remarkable sceneries of the park including Ginbar River Falls and Wolkafit mountain chain. The area is also habitat of endemic vegetations such as giant lobelia and beautiful wild flowers. Retire to Goha Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 7: Fly Gondar - Lalibela

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Lalibela. Check in at Roha Hotel, and then drive to the spot where a concentration of some of Ethiopia’s famous rock-hewn churches, built in the 12th century and attributed to King Lalibela are found. In his youth, King Lalibela was fascinated to monastic life and later made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After he came to power, he had these amazing churches created without using mortar or wood. Elaborately carved into solid rock, they were all completed in just a 23-year time. Bete Medani Alem, the largest is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has walls that are up to six feet thick. Its basilica has five naves. This particular church is though to be a copy of the great cathedral of Saint Mary of Zion, built in the Ethiopian city of Axum in the 4th century. After lunch, continue the journey into Ethiopia’s long and wonderful history with a visit to other Lalibela’s notable churches whose architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed. Retire to Roha Hotel in Lalibela, for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Lalibela and the Surrounding Churches

In the morning, mule ride and walk to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery, this is well known for its 12th Century monastery church and stunning view at 10,298 feet above sea level. The view enclosed by diverse types of wild flowers and Afro-alpine vegetations and crops on the field is so spectacular.

After lunch, visit the 2nd group rock-hewn churches which include the most prominent rock-hewn monolithic church, St. George, Bete Gabriel, Bete Mercorios, Bete Emanuel and Bete Aba Libanos. Continue walking through the monastery where monks and nuns live, before returning to Roha Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Fly Lalibela – Axum

After an early breakfast, fly to Axum. Check in to Remhay Hotel, and there after visit the Stele Square, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum and Tsion Mariam Church where the original arc of the covenant is housed. Retire to Remhay Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 10: Excursion to the Temple of Yeha

Early in the morning, enjoy an excursion to Yeha on the way enjoying the picturesque beauties of Adwa mountain ranges. At Yeha visit the 6th Century monastery of Aba Pantelion and the 5^th-6^th Century B.C Pre-Christian Temple of Yeha. After lunch at the hotel, the group will have a free afternoon for private walk or to visit a local community at their own interest. Return to Remhay Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 11: Fly Axum – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Afternoon, you could enjoy souvenir shopping and/or leisure before returning to Hilton Hotel for Dinner and overnight. 

Day 12: Departure

This day is reserved for departure.

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