Begin your journey in Ethiopia's capital, where a city tour introduces you to the fascinating Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the birthplace of Ethiopian coffee.
Introducing Enchanting Ethiopia
An Expedition to Ancient Wonders and Scenic Marvels
Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through Ethiopia, a land steeped in history and adorned with breathtaking landscapes that will leave you spellbound. This thoughtfully curated itinerary takes you on an immersive exploration of Ethiopia's cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the tranquil shores of Lake Tana, discover the hidden gems of this enchanting country.
Marvel at the medieval castles and ornate churches of Gondar, once the royal capital. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Simien Mountains, where panoramic vistas and abundant wildlife await your discovery. Experience the architectural marvels of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, carved meticulously from solid volcanic rock. Explore the ancient treasures of Axum, where legends of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant come to life.
Delve into the mystical allure of the Gheralta area, home to the enigmatic Tigray rock churches. As your journey draws to a close, you'll return to Addis Ababa, carrying with you the indelible memories of Ethiopia's timeless charm and spiritual grandeur.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Explore the picturesque city of Bahir Dar and embark on a boat trip to visit the stunning monasteries on the tranquil Lake Tana.
Discover the medieval castles and churches of Gonder, known as 'the Camelot of Africa,' and delve into Ethiopia's royal history.
Encounter the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains, home to diverse wildlife such as the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Marvel at the renowned rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Ethiopia.
Unearth the mysteries of Axum as you explore its towering stelae, the reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, and the captivating ruins of Queen of Sheba's Palace.
Journey to the Gheralta area and witness the enigmatic Tigray rock churches, carved into cliffs and shrouded in centuries-old legends.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR
- Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets.
- Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia's history, culture, and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes. Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family. We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, but they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY TO BAHIR DAR & VISIT THE MONASTERIES ON LAKE TANA
- Board a short flight to Bahir Dar where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Then you embark on a cruise of Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia, to visit monasteries dating back to the 14th century. Located on the forested Zege Peninsula, Azuwa Mariam is the most impressive of the southern monasteries. The walls of the church are completely covered with remarkable 16th-century murals that offer a revealing look into medieval Ethiopia.
- You then return to Bahir Dar for lunch at your hotel. Then you head into the colorful market. Later in the afternoon, you drive up Bezawit Hill for impressive views over the town, the Blue Nile, and of Lake Tana with its island monasteries. We aim to get here shortly before sunset to enjoy the magnificent natural light show. Afterward, we return to our hotel.
- Overnight in Bahir Dar
DAY 3: DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK VIA GONDAR
- This morning's scenic drive takes you to Simien Mountain National Park via Gonder. The Simien Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's largest ranges. More than a dozen peaks are higher than 3600 meters, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Simien's landscapes vary from plateaus, escarpments, and steep gorges to rolling hills and pinnacles. Enjoy an afternoon walk around the lodge, amid the breathtaking alpine sceneries. This will help you to acclimatise your body to the altitude.
- Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 4: EXPLORE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
- Your day is spent exploring the Simien Mountains National Park and watching for its endemic residents, including the elusive Walia ibex, the endangered Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada, a primate we'll get to know better alongside field researchers. We'll also look for a variety of birds, such as the powerful, cliff-nesting lammergeyer.
- Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 5: DRIVE TO GONDER & SIGHTSEEING IN GONDER
- A scenic drive returns you to Gondar- famous for its medieval castles and churches. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilades as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and is also known as “the Camelot of Africa”. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Gondar. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles, built by various kings and a queen over the course of 236 years.
- You will visit the Royal Enclosure, among these the Castle of Fasiledes, the oldest and probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area. We continue on to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The interior of Debre Berhan Selassie is decorated with beautiful murals, cherubs and paintings. It is rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
- Overnight in Gonder.
DAY 6: FLY TO LALIBELA & VISIT THE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES
- From Gonder, a short flight takes you to Lalibela, home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. It is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. Lalibela is the 8th wonder of the world; 11 rock-hewn churches have been cut out of a solid red volcanic rock, some completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves and a complex series of tunnels and narrow passageways connect the churches.
- Lalibela indeed offers a great opportunity for any traveler. After checking in and having your lunch in your hotel, the afternoon will be devoted to visiting the first group (or the north–western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 7: EXPLORE MORE ROCK CHURCHES
- After breakfast, drive to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good road passing through the most dramatic landscape of the countryside. This exquisite church is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction style. It is renowned for its interior decoration, its beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons, and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs. Drive back to Lalibela.
- In the afternoon, you will visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which include the churches of Bet Gabriel - Rafael, Bet Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Then you will continue your visit to the cruciform-shaped Bet Giorgis, the most beautiful church here. Its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. It is one of the newest and best-preserved churches.
- Overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 8: FLY TO AXUM & EXPLORE THE SIGHTSEEING
- In the morning you will fly to Axum, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. You will proceed to a full-day city tour of Axum –a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the stelae: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. Nearby is the subterranean Tomb of Ramhai, a former king of Axum. You also visit the Archaeological Museum, before heading to the Queen of Sheba's Bath.
- This large reservoir is an excellent place to observe the local women collecting water for washing. Visit also historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek. After having a lunch break, continue on your visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion.
- A chapel in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the Covenant. It is guarded by “The Guardian” who is the only person allowed into the chapel and the only person who may set eyes on it. There is also a small museum here which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures. You then continue to the Queen of Sheba's Palace. The palace area has been fully excavated and is definitely worth a look.
- Overnight in Axum
DAY 9: DRIVE TO GHERALTA AREA
- After breakfast, you drive across the dramatic mountainous landscapes to Gheralta. On your way, you visit the Monastery of Abba Garima which houses an impressive collection of ancient crosses, crowns, other artifacts and the oldest illustrated Christian manuscripts dated to the fifth-sixth century. You arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
- After settling in, we visit the area's ancient churches, carved into caves and high up on cliff faces. Believed to date back to 6 century AD, the origin of these sanctuaries remains a mystery. You return to your lodge in time to enjoy a beautiful Ethiopian sunset.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 10: EXPLORE THE TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES
- After an early breakfast, continue your exploration of the marvelous churches in the Gheralta cluster. Today's half an hour's drive takes you to closer to the foot of Korkur Mountain. It is from here you start you hiking up to the plateau. Here you will visit Mariam Korkur and Daniel Korkur rock-hewn churches. The latter one is the smallest church and has a really beautiful view of the surrounding areas.
- Drive back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon drive to Dugum, where we visit the Dugum Selassie, a rock cave and church carved into granite. It is the only site in the area that houses three sanctuaries, a baptistery, and a crypt.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 11: DRIVE TO MEKELLE & FLY TO ADDIS & DEPARTURE
- This morning, you drive to Mekele, the regional capital, where you catch your flight to Addis. On arrival in Addis, you transfer to a hotel where you can freshen up and have lunch. You have the afternoon free for shopping in Addis Ababa. Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home. Thanks for vacationing with Sawla Tours.
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
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