Itinerary

1. Addis Ababa

   1. Morning (8:30 am): the visit starts with a tour of the capital city Addis Ababa, literally means "New Flower". Addis Ababa is Africa's undisputed diplomatic capital. It is the Headquarters of the African Union (AU) and the UN-Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

   2. The city tour will include National Museum with "LUCY" 3.2 million years old humanoid skeleton, ethnographic museum, Trinity Cathedral or Saint George Cathedral.

   3. In the afternoon visit mount Entoto (the peak point and birth place of the capital); conclude the city tour with a visit to Africa's Biggest Open market 'Merkato'.

   4. Overnight at hotel

2. Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar (Flight)

   1. In the morning, transfer to the airport to catch flight to Bahirdar.

   2. Upon arrival, check in to hotel room and take half day boat cruise over Lake Tana to visit 14th century ancient island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam.

   3. In the afternoon, drive 35 KM to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls.

   4. Overnight at hotel in Bahirdar, experiencing night life in Bahirdar is optional

3. Bahir Dar - Gondar (Drive)

   1. After breakfast in the morning, drive to Gondar (the Camelot of Africa). Visit a total of eleven palaces in one compound from the 17th century.

   2. In the afternoon, visit Berhane Selassie church which is famous for its murals art and then back to hotel.

4. Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park - Gondar (Drive)

   1. After an early breakfast, drive to Simien Mountains National park; the park is designated for its special creation of collection of mountain summits, breathtaking terrains and some endemic wildlife residents to the park.

   2. On the same day, trekking around the park to explore the stunning view and wildlife of the park.

   3. Late in the afternoon, drive back to hotel in Gondar and overnight.

5. Gondar - Lalibela (Flight)

   1. After breakfast, transfer to airport and fly to Lalibela.

   2. Upon arrival, check in to hotel rooms and start visiting the churches of Lalibela, churches including the famous rock hewn church of St. George which is carved in a cross shape out of a monolith rock.

   3. Lunch at the hotel, afternoon continue visiting other medieval rock hewn churches that are under UNESCO protection as World Heritages and then back to hotel.

6. Excursion to Asheton Maryam Church

   1. In the morning trek and ride on mule back to top of Asheton Mountain, for a visit of the first monolith rock chiseled church "Asheton Maryam" by king Lalibela.

   2. In the afternoon, back to hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy Lalibela town scenery.

7. Lalibela - Aksum (Flight)

   1. Early in the morning, transfer to airport and fly to Axum; a town with more than 3000 years of history. The day will cover visiting of palaces and tombs of king Kaleb (6th century, AD); the extraordinarily Stele field and tombs of kings including King Remhay (1st to 4th century, AD); followed by the trip, to St. Mary of Zion church which is believed to be the final resting place of the original Arc of the Covenant (as prophet Moses built it some 3500 years ago at the foot of mount Sinai).

   2. Then drive out of the town (4km) on the way to Gondar to see rock carved lion dated back to 4th century A.D.

   3. Then visit the perceived ruins of palace of the legendary queen of Sheba known as Queen Makeda (over 900 years B.C) and then back to hotel.

   4. At the hotel in Axum during or after dinner, there will be a comprehensive facilitated discussion and briefing on the mysteries of Lalibela and Axumite civilization in Ethiopia (optional).

8. Aksum - Addis Ababa (Flight)

   1. Early in the morning, transfer to the air port at Axum to catch the morning flight to Addis Ababa.

   2. Upon arrival in Addis, transfer to hotel for day use rooms and safe keeping of luggage. Then time for leisure and shopping.

   3. In the afternoon a farewell party at one of traditional restaurants to experience the traditional dance of Ethiopians; then a warm farewell session and transfer to Bole International airport for departure.