Itinerary

1. Day 1: Addis Ababa City tour

   • Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where your tour guide or driver will greet you.
   • You will then be transferred to your hotel.
   • If you arrive in the early morning, after a leisurely rest, you will spend the afternoon sightseeing in Addis Ababa. Established by Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa—meaning ‘New Flower’ in Amharic—is a relatively young city full of contrasts. This city tour includes the National Museum, which houses the country’s historic treasures, including the famous ‘Lucy’; the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor; and a drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city.
   • You will also visit the newly established Entoto Park.

   Overnight: Magnolia Hotel.

2. Day 2: Fly to Lalibela for the rock-hewn churches

   • In the morning, transfer to Bole International Airport for a scenic flight to Lalibela.
   • Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are believed to have been built 900 years ago by Saint King Lalibela. These elaborate edifices are each carved entirely from a single block of living granite and are considered the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, the ‘Jerusalem of Africa’, and the ‘Petra of Africa’. This deeply spiritual place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The churches are divided into two groups: the first symbolizes Earthly Jerusalem, while the second represents Heavenly Jerusalem.

   Overnight: Maribela Hotel.

3. Day 3: Yemrehanna Kristos Church

   • On this day, embark on an exciting excursion outside of Lalibela to explore one of the nearby captivating rock churches.
   • Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast and head towards Yemrehanna Kristos cave church, an architectural wonder crafted in the Aksumite style using a unique blend of wood and stone. This church is famous for its breathtaking interior, intricate geometric designs, and a dome ceiling featuring exquisite carvings and paintings. It was built in honour of Saint King Yemrehanna Kristos, who predated Saint King Lalibela.
   • After exploring this masterpiece, return to Lalibela for lunch before immersing yourself in the Second Group of the 11 Rock Churches.

   Overnight: Maribela Hotel.

4. Day 4: Drive to Bahir Dar

   • After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Bahir Dar, a stunning city next to Lake Tana, which serves as the capital of the Amhara regional state. The journey is a treat, offering breathtaking views of the northern highlands and glimpses of daily life among the friendly Amhara locals.
   • En route, stop at the small community of Awramba, known for its unique way of life, philosophy, and social systems.
   • Interact with the founder or other community representatives to learn about their intriguing lifestyle.
   • As the day draws to a close, arrive in Bahir Dar, where you can unwind after an adventure-filled day.

   Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel.

5. Day 5: Bahir Dar, Boat trip, and drive to Blue Nile Falls

   • In the morning, embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, covering 3,600 square kilometres and home to 37 islands. Twenty of these islands house some of the country’s most venerated monasteries, many dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, featuring superb ecclesiastical art.
   • You will visit the monastery of Ura Kidane Miheret on the Zege Peninsula, which is famous for its incredible wall paintings and collection of crosses and crowns.
   • Continue to the Betre Mariam monastery, then return to Bahir Dar via the source of the Blue Nile, where you might see some hippos.
   • After lunch, drive to the stunning Blue Nile Falls, known as “the water that smokes” in Amharic, about 32 kilometres south of Bahir Dar. The falls measure 400 meters wide and descend 48 meters during the full flood.
   • Finally, cross the Nile River by boat to reach your vehicle and drive back to Bahir Dar.

   Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel.

6. Day 6: Drive to Gondar

   • After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive to Gondar, taking in breathtaking views of the northern highlands along the way.
   • Upon arrival, you will be transported back in time to the imperial capital of Ethiopia, steeped in history, culture, and tradition.
   • Explore the city’s Royal Enclosure, a complex of buildings housing dramatic 17th-century castles built by different emperors. Often referred to as the Camelot of Africa, this site will leave you awestruck.
   • Afterwards, stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, known for its stunning ancient murals adorning the walls and ceilings.

   Overnight: Goha Hotel.

7. Day 7: Drive to Simien Mountains

   • Following breakfast, continue your journey north to the Simien Mountains.
   • After a two-hour drive, stop at the town of Debark to fulfil park regulations and secure a local guide and park scout.
   • Then, drive into Simien Mountains National Park for a short hike (2-3 hours) through breathtaking scenery.
   • Today, you may have a chance to see endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and klipspringers.
   • After your hike, stay in the lodge or return to Debark town. The Simien Mountains range lies north of Gondar, with many peaks rising above 4,000 meters, including the highest point, Ras Dashen, at 4,620 meters. This area is home to elusive animals like the Walia Antelope and Ethiopian Wolf.

   Overnight: Ras Dejene Hotel.

8. Day 8: Fly Back to Addis Ababa

   • After breakfast, drive back to Gondar and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
   • You will arrive in Addis in the afternoon.
   • Transfer to a hotel to rest and settle in before your night flight, or you can enjoy some last-minute shopping.
   • In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant featuring cultural dances.
   • Later, you will be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your return flight home.