= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Ethiopia | The Historic Route
 A religious gathering on the mountain top |
|
Click to download PDF itinerary:
10 days / 9 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Addis Ababa | 2 |
| Bahir Dar | 1 |
| Gondar | 3 |
| Axum | 1 |
| Lalibela | 2 |
Day 1 Arrive Addis Ababa
A warm welcome to the capital of Ethiopia, and private transfer to your hotel (D).
Sheraton Addis (Standard Room)
Day 2 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 an authentic African market, a walk through the largest in Africa, the Mercato, is a must (B,L,D).
Sheraton Addis (Standard Room)
Day 3 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).
Kuriftu Spa & Resort (Standard Room)
Day 4 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 Narga Selassie in its stunning island setting where time has stood still. Once on the northern lake shores, visit the Church of Debre Sina and drive through wheat fields to the old mountain capital of Gondar (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 5 Gondar
Gondar has a rich history. With its beautiful and strategic mountain setting, the 17th-century capital was once at the crossroads of several major caravan routes, and was also occupied by the Italians during World War II. The Art Deco buildings surrounding the Royal Enclosure with its medieval castles and churches are a reminder of this heritage. This afternoon, explore Gondar’s castles and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its iconic ceiling of painted angels (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 6 Godar – Simien Mountains – Gondar
Spend an amazing day as you travel to the Simien Mountains National Park: the incredible mountain scenery is breathtaking. Hike along mountain trails enjoying the endless vistas as your guide explains the unique flora of this elevated region. If you are lucky, you may also cross paths with a troop of the Gelada baboon, a unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. Return to Gondar for overnight (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 7 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 (Standard Room)
Day 8 Axum – Lalibela
Fly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela - the Jerusalem of Ethiopia, and Africa’s own ‘Petra’. In a fitting finale to your Ethiopian adventure, explore the monolithic red-hued 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 may see a robed priest observing the faith in time-honoured fashion (B,L,D).
Mountain View Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 9 Lalibela
Today your guide takes you to the eastern group of rock churches: smaller in size, these are no less impressive, with intricate carvings and many dark tunnels to explore! Travel further afield to the Nakutelab rock-hewn church, built into the side of a hill in a natural cave. The afternoon culminates in a visit to a private home to participate in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony (B,L,D).
Mountain View Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 10 Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa with your guide as your Ethiopian journey ends (B,L).
Enquire Now
