Tour to Northern Ethiopia

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidass Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

In the morning, proceed driving to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches

Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, on the way visiting the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the local monastery and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidass Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

Early morning, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum (hotel).

Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Shebas Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazens tomb, and the Queen of Shebas Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum (hotel).

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route at Wukro to visit the rock-hewn church of Chirkos. Overnight in Mekele (hotel).

Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopias most prized destination  Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches  Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches  Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia  Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, on the way visiting the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the local monastery and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

Early in the morning, depart on a flight for Bahir Dar. After arrival, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (resort or hotel).

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidass Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

Early morning flight to Axum. Upon arrival to Axum, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Shebas Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezanas enscription, King Kalebs tomb, King Bazens tomb, and the Queen of Shebas Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum (hotel).

Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

In the morning, take a trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. After the visit, return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches  Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches  Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia  Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Naakuto Laab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa.

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidass Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

Today is an early morning departure to Sankober in the Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the bleeding heart baboon due to the red patch of skin on its chest. Overnight in the Simien Mountains (lodge) or in Debark (hotel).

After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum (hotel).

Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Shebas Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezanas enscription, King Kalebs tomb, King Bazens tomb, and the Queen of Shebas Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum (hotel).

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. Overnight in Hawsein (hotel or lodge).

In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight (hotel).

Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopias most prized destination  Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches

Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches .  Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Naakuto Laab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport
An Insider will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

City Tour in Addis Ababa
After having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel

Drive to Bahir Dar
After an early breakfast, drive north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, known as the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge before stopping in Debre Markos for lunch. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Tour in Bahir Dar
After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to various island monasteries like those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (women are not allowed). In the afternoon, you will drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike to the falls. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Drive to Gondar, City Tour
After breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopias most famous churches. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, a campsite in the national park. On the way, Insider guides will handle park fees, local guides, and scouts. Shortly after, you will start a 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. Back in Sankober, enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment where you can observe the Gelada baboons and perhaps the Walia Ibex. In Sankober, an Insider will meet you with your supplies. Overnight stay in Simien Lodge.

Drive to Axum
In the morning after having breakfast, depart north for Axum enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains on the way. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Axum City Tour
Explore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Siteand visit the ancient stele, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.
Gheralta Mountains and Drive to Mekelle

After a early breakfast, drive four hours to the Gheralta Mountains where you will visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray such as Abraha Atsbeha and the steep Abuna Yemata Guh (perched on the side of a cliff). Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekelle. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel.

Drive to Lalibela
After breakfast, drive all day to Lalibela. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Spend the day visiting the three groups of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Drive to Kombolcha
Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way visit the Hayk Lake, visit the local monastery Estafanos and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Overnight stay in Sunny Side Hotel.

Drive to Addis Ababa and Departure
After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa where you can spend the rest of the afternoon for last-minute shopping or resting before meeting for the farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurant with traditional dancing. Proceed to airport for check-in and departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport
An Insider will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

City Tour in Addis Ababa
After having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel

Flight to Bahir Dar and drive to Blue Nile Falls
Today an early morning short flight takes you to Bahir Dar. Take a half-day boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women). In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 4: Full-day boat trip on Lake Tana to visit Island monasteries
Spend the day exploring Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are a total of thirty islands, many with churches or monasteries. You will visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidhane Mihret, Narga Selassie and Daga Stifanos. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

 Drive to Gonder and make city tour
After breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopias most famous churches. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Flight to Lalibela and visit the Rock hewn churches
Take an early morning short flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival you will visit the 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved into the bedrock. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Full day in Lalibela
After breakfast, continue visiting the churches or hike to Asheten Mariam, a rock-hewn church in the mountain above the town. In the afternoon, you will visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Flight to Axum
Take an early morning flight to Axum, where upon arrival you will explore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Siteand visit the ancient stele, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.
Day 9: Flight Axum to Addis Ababa and Departure
After breakfast take flight back to Addis Ababa. Spend the rest of the afternoon for last-minute shopping or resting before meeting for the farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurant with traditional dancing. Proceed to airport for check-in and departure.