Ethiopia | The Historic Route
 A religious gathering on the mountain top |
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10 days / 9 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Addis Ababa | 2 |
| Bahir Dar | 1 |
| Gondar | 3 |
| Axum | 1 |
| Lalibela | 2 |
Day 01 Arrive Addis Ababa
A warm welcome to the capital of Ethiopia. Private transfer to your hotel (D).
Sheraton Addis
Day 02 Addis Ababa
Explore the city of Addis Ababa, founded in 1886. Visit the National Museum, home to the fossilised hominid ‘Lucy’, St. George and Holy Trinity Cathedrals and for those keen to see a ‘real’ African market than a walk through the largest in Africa, the mercato is a must (B,L,D).
Sheraton Addis
Day 03 Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
A short flight takes you to the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Where life revolves around the lake and you will find the local fishermen at work in traditional papyrus reed boats. An afternoon hike takes you to the beautiful ‘Tis Isat Falls’, also known as the Blue Nile Falls (B,L,D).
Tana Hotel
Day 04 Bahir Dar – Lake Tana – Gondar
A full day of exploration (and contemplation) as you cruise from south to north on Lake Tana. Visit a selection of the remote island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret with its beautiful frescoes and the stunning island setting where time has stood still at Narga Selassie monastery. Once on the northern lake shores visit the Church of Debre Sina and drive through wheat fields into the old mountain capital of Gondar (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel
Day 05 Gondar
Gondar has a rich history, with its beautiful and strategic mountain setting, it was once the crossroads of several major caravan routes, the 17th century capital and also occupied by the Italians during World War II. Today the Art Deco buildings left behind surround the Royal Enclosure with its medieval castles and churches. This afternoon explore the castles and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its angel painted ceiling. Make sure you are back at your hotel in time to watch the sun set from the terrace! (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel
Day 06 Godar – Simien Mountains – Gondar
An amazing day as you travel to the Simien Mountains National Park. The incredible mountain scenery will literally take your breath away. Hike along mountain trails breathing in the endless vistas as your guide explains the unique flora of this mountain region. If you are lucky you may also cross paths with a troop of the Gelada baboon, an unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. Return to Gondar for overnight. (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel
Day 07 Gondar – Axum
A flight further north takes you to the oldest city in Ethiopia and land of the Queen of Sheba’s ancient kingdom, Axum. This afternoon explore the city. Visit the small but interesting museum, the impressive Stelae fields and also the grounds of the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant (B,L,D).
Remhai Hotel / Yeha Hotel
Day 08 Axum – Lalibela
Fly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela - the Jerusalem of Ethiopia and Africa’s own ‘Petra’. A fitting finale to your Ethiopian adventure, explore the monolithic, red-coloured churches, incredibly carved into the rock. Your guide will lead you through the network of crevices and tunnels linking each of the churches. The churches are still in use today, step inside and you will see the priest in his holy robe who will happily display his splendid Ethiopian crosses (B,L,D).
Roha Hotel
Day 09 Lalibela
Today your guide takes you to the eastern group of rock churches, smaller in size, these are by no means any less impressive with intricate carvings and many dark tunnels to explore! Travel outside town to the Nakutelab rock hewn Church, built into the side of a hill in a natural cave. Finish the afternoon with a visit to a private home to participate in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony (B,L,D).
Roha Hotel
Day 10 Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa with your guide where your Ethiopian journey ends (B,L).
