Day 1 - Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa

On arrival meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Founded in 1886 by Emp.

Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the seat of the African Union (AU). Addis Ababa is the third highest capital in the world and one of the largest cities in Africa with a population well over 5 million. It is located at 2500 m above sea level at the foot step of the highest peak of Entoto Mountain chain (3200m above sea level), and enjoys an excellent climate all year round; with an average temperature of 160C. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of Jacarandas, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as Merkato.

Overnight Jupiter Hotel (4*)

Meal(No meal included for this day)

Located in central Addis Ababa, Jupiter International Hotel is connected to the airport and close to ECA Conference Center, Addis Ababa National Archives and Library, and African Union Headquarters. Other points of interest near this hotel include Menelik II's Palace and Meskel Square. Dining options at Jupiter International Hotel include 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. Recreational amenities include a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room.

Days 2 - Bahir Dar

Fly to Bahir Dar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Bahir Dar- a beautiful lake side city. After hotel checkin, we head out on Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its famous monasteries. While on board our private boat, keep an eye out for a variety of bird species and the traditional tankwa crossing the lake. After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, we reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret, is home to an important collections of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas, colorful and well-preserved, tell stories of the Ethiopian saints. The second monastery we visit, Azwa Maryam, is a small and pleasant site with gardens and a humorous young priest. 

In the afternoon, make excursion to the Blue Nile Falls. The Blue Nile Falls is considered by many as one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. When in full flood the falls are quite impressive at 400 m wide and 45 m high. The falls are still an interesting site with some nice bird watching on the easy 30-min walk to the viewpoint. Hippos and crocodiles are occasionally spotted on the banks of the river, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours. The road to and from the falls is packed gravel and can be rough and dusty.

Overnight Kuriftu Resort and Spa

Meal(B,L,D)

The kuriftu is an upscale Resort and Spa facility built on the shores of Lake Tana in the city of Bahir Dar, just 10 kilometers from Bahir Dar airport. Designed with a blendof native Ethiopian architecture and décor, this lakeside resport houses 28 guest rooms in individual bungalows facing either Lake Tana or set amongst tropical gardens. All the rooms are furnished in Ethiopian style with traditional yet modern beds and lovely furniture. All rooms are equipped with every modern comfort, including flat-screen TV.

Days 3 - Gondar

Drive to Gondar

After breakfast, drive to Gondar. Spend the day exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings, the nearby bath of King Fasiledes (where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed). Surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Other royal buildings we visit include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of this king's wife. Finally, view the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly colored ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels.

Overnight Mayleko lodge

Meal (B,L,D)

Mayleko lodge is one of the best properties in Gondar located a short distance from the airport and ancient royal enclosures. It is a place where Ethiopian tradition runs true. Situated in pristine landscape, the lodge offers 21 bungalows, a gourmet restaurant, a swimming pool and a golf driving range.

Day 4, 5 - Lalibela

Rise early for the short flight over amazing rust colored canyons and high peaks to Lalibela.  The small town of Lalibela is situated high in the Lasta Mountains at over 8,500 feet in elevation.

Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in all of Africa and the entire Christian world. Ethiopia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, and the Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices root lies in Judaism and areas of the country practiced.

There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world".   The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Many different theories exist on how they were built and by whom, including angels and the Knights Templars.  Legend has it that King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia to build a new Jerusalem.

After check in to hotel, visit the first group of the churches which represent the earthly Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem (Saviour church), Bete Miriam, Bete Denagel, Bete Meskal, Debra Sina, and Bete Golgotha. . Standing 38 feet tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, but it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches. Bet Golgotha houses remarkable reliefs of figures, early Christian art rarely seen in other parts of Ethiopia.

Overnight Maribela Hotel

Next morning make excursion to Yimrehane Kiststos cave church.

In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s ark. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon.

Overnight Maribela Hotel

Meal (B,L,D)

Maribela hotel is one of the best hotels in Lalibela. The hotel offers great views of the awe inspiring Lalibela mountains. Rooms are spacious and well furnished. The tasteful interior decoration gives every guest the very best in Lalibela. Lovely flowers adorn the space in the private balcony. A cozy daybed is made available so you can enjoy the gorgeous views. The restaurant serves tasty Ethiopian and Continental dishes prepared by a team of culinary experts led by an experienced chef.

Day 6 - Axum

Fly to Axum

After breakfast we transfer back through the rugged landscape around Lalibela to the airport for our flight to Axum. This simple frontier town is in fact a city of great importance as the ancient capital of Ethiopia. According to local legend, Axum was home to Queen Sheba and the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, our sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place.

On arrival, we get our first glimpse of the history of this area with a city tour that includes the Archeological museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. The original church was build by Emperor Fasiladas, founder of Gonder, in 1665. It’s thought that this church is build on the original foundations of a temple build by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, which is said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. The modern St. Mary’s of Zion cathedral dates from the 1960s when Emperor Haile Selassie had it build. The architectural style is painfully out of place in the ancient city, but the contrast between the buildings on the site is fascinating. We also spend time exploring the on-site museum under the church, which houses many of Ethiopia’s priceless relics (the museum was recently opened to both women and men, photography is not allowed). 

In the afternoon, visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC). The North Stelae Park contains over 120 stelae, some are upright, some are buried and others have been removed. The Rome Stelae, the tallest at 25m high, was shipped to Italy in 1937 under orders from Mussolini, but has since been returned and re-erected.

Overnight Sabean Hotel

Meal(B,L,D)

Sabean hotel is a new 5 story building hotel in Axum. It is the best hotel in Axum in terms of accommodation and meal service. Rooms are spacious with in suite bath room. All floors are accessible either by stairs or suing a dedicated elevator. The restaurant serves both traditional and international dishes.

Day 7 - Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa for tours of the city and sights.. Afternoon will be leisure time.

Overnight Jupiter Hotel

Meal (B)

Day 8 - Depart

Price includes:

• Accommodation on a twin room sharing basis
• Meals - as indicated in the itinerary
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary
• All transfer in and out services
• All ground transportation
• Professional English speaking guide accompanying throughout the trip
• Porterage fees
• All local guide fees
• Boat hire in lake Tana
• Bottled mineral water; 1lt per person per day other than the beverage served during each meal
• Government tax

Excludes

• International airfare
• Lunch and dinner in Addis
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Personal expense like souvenirs, laundry, etc
• Tips
• Any expense which is not stated in the ‘Included List’ above