Itinerary

1. Day 1: The Tis Issat of the Blue Nile and Monasteries on Lake Tana

   • Morning: Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahirdar.
   • Afternoon: Embark on a chartered boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting historical monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam.
   • Late Afternoon: Travel by car to Tiss Abay for a glimpse of the impressive Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat). Enjoy the surrounding scenery, including the Portuguese Bridge and the local villages.
   • Evening: Return to Bahirdar and explore the bustling city markets, known for their pottery, traditional clothing, and woven baskets.

2. Day 2: Awra Amba Communities and Gondar Castles

   • Morning: Depart Bahirdar and journey towards Gondar, stopping at the scenic Bezawit Hilltops for panoramic views of the Blue Nile. Visit the nearby palace of Emperor Haile Sellassie I (exterior only).
   • Afternoon: Continue to Gondar and delve into its rich history. Explore the unique murals of the 17th-century church, Debre Birhan Silassie. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Fasil Ghebbi enclosure, comprising Emperor Fasilidas's impressive palace, swimming pool, and other royal structures. Gain insights into the local Jewish community with a visit to the Jewish Village.

3. Day 3: Semien Mountains National Park

   • Early Morning: Take a scenic drive to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Overnight at Semien Lodge.

4. Day 4: Semien Mountains National Park

   • Full Day: Embark on a guided trekking adventure through the Simien Mountains, encountering stunning vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and traditional villages. Hike to viewpoints like "ye egzer meskot" (God's Window) for breathtaking panoramas of the mountain ranges.

5. Day 5: Simien Mountains to Axum

   • Early Morning: Depart the Simien Mountains and drive to Axum, a historical city shrouded in ancient legends.
   • Morning: Delve into the fascinating history of Axum. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring giant stelae, granite monoliths adorned with symbolic engravings dating back to pre-Christian times. Witness the grandeur of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, which is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

6. Day 6: Lalibela

   • Morning: Travel to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable rock-hewn churches.
   • Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Lalibela's northern cluster of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha (restrictions apply for women).
   • Later Afternoon: Visit Yimrehanne Kristos, a unique church built with layers of wood and granite, nestled within a large cavern.

7. Day 7: Lalibela

   • Morning: Explore the southeastern cluster of Lalibela's churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis, dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.

8. Day 8: Addis Ababa

   • Morning: Fly back to Addis Ababa, the bustling capital city of Ethiopia.
   • Afternoon: Embark on a city tour, visiting the renowned National Museum, showcasing the famous "Lucy" fossil, and other cultural and historical landmarks like the Ethnographic Museum, Entoto St. Mary Museum, and St. Trinity Cathedral.

9. Day 9: Departure

   • Morning: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, and Shiro Meda, known for its diverse local products.
   • Afternoon: Depart from Addis Ababa, marking the end of your Ethiopian adventure.