Immerse yourself in Ethiopia's vibrant capital, exploring its fascinating museums, iconic cathedrals, and bustling markets.
Introducing Lost in Time
Exploring Ethiopia's Treasures and Enchanting Landscapes
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Ethiopia, where ancient wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes await your discovery. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the tranquil shores of Lake Tana, prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary nation.
Explore the medieval castles and magnificent churches of Gondar, often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa." Traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where encounters with endemic wildlife and sweeping vistas will leave you spellbound.
Discover the ancient wonders of Axum, the legendary capital of the Aksumite Empire, and be awestruck by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a testament to human ingenuity and devotion. Your journey will also take you to the enigmatic Tigray region, where hidden rock-hewn treasures await, before culminating in Addis Ababa, where you'll bid farewell to this captivating land.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Tana to visit isolated monasteries dating back to the 14th century, adorned with captivating murals.
Wander through the imperial city of Gonder, where you'll encounter majestic castles, churches, and the renowned Royal Enclosure.
Trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park, encountering endemic wildlife and absorbing the majestic scenery.
Step into the ancient city of Axum, exploring its mysterious stelae, archaeological sites, and legendary Queen of Sheba's Bath.
Venture into the rugged Gheralta region to discover the hidden rock-hewn churches, adorned with ancient artifacts and exquisite frescoes.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring rock-cut churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Ethiopia's rich religious heritage.
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, our hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel for overnight accommodation.
- The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). With a multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”. After your long flight and a welcome briefing, you can settle into your hotel for some rest.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: EXPLORE THE CITY OF ADDIS ABABA
- Today you will spend the day exploring Addis Ababa, which begins with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It is the most important Orthodox Church in Addis Ababa and has survived many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest. You proceed to visit the National Museum, one of the most important museums in Africa.
- The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy (a 3.5 million year-old fossil), as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items, and art. After lunch, you will continue our visit to St. George's Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II. 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, they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 3: 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 4: DRIVE TO GONDER & SIGHTSEEING IN GONDER
- This morning's drive (180 km) takes you to Gondar, a site of wonders. After some time to rest and have lunch, you will spend today exploring the city of Gondar. It was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilades as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and is also known as “the Camelot of Africa”. 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.
- You 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 5: DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- This morning's drive takes you to Simien Mountain National Park. It 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.
- 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 6: DRIVE TO AXUM & EXPLORE THE SIGHTSEEING
- Today's half-day long but scenic journey as you drive to Axum. The views in this remote part of Ethiopia are simply spectacular. The drive affords some excellent photo opportunities of the jagged Simien Mountains and the Tekeze Valley. The route is dotted with intermittent mountain hamlets that add to the splendor of the scenery.
- Your journey brings you to the sacred city of Axum in the Tigrayan region. You will check in and have your lunch in the hotel. You will proceed to a half-day city tour of Axum. 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. 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.
- Overnight in Axum
DAY 7: DRIVE TO GHERALTA AREA
- In the morning, continue 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. 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. After having a lunch break, 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 to enjoy a beautiful Ethiopian sunset.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 8: EXPLORE THE TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES
- After an early breakfast, head to explore the marvelous rock churches in the Gheralta cluster. A short drive takes you 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 visit Mariam Papaseti church which is decorated with beautiful mural paintings.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 9: DRIVE TO MEKELLE
- This morning you will drive to the Mekele, passing by a number of interesting churches and towns on the way. Carrying on towards Wukro, you first visit Abreha Atsbeha church, one of the most picturesque of the churches in the area with a beautifully decorated interior, depicting biblical scenes and saints. Having a lunch break at Wukro, head to visit Wukro Cherkos, a semi-monolithic church. Inside this crucifix-shaped church, you'll see patterned pillars and carvings.
- Then drive to Mekelle overnight.
DAY 10: DRIVE TO LALIBELA
- A full day's drive today takes you due south, between the mountains to the west and the stark landscape of the Danakil Depression to the east, via the town of Woldiya, to arrive at Laliblea. It is a home of rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. Located at 2,600 meters above sea level, it 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.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 11: VISIT THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES
- After breakfast, this morning is devoted to visiting the first group (or the north–western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
- 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 12: EXCURSION TO YEMRHAN KRISTOS & NAKUTO LEAB CHURCHES
- This morning's drive takes you to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good gravel 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 for lunch. Late afternoon, you visit Nakuto Leab Monastery, which houses an impressive collection of ancient crosses and illustrated manuscripts.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 13: FLY TO ADDIS & DEPARTURE
- After breakfast, you transfer to the airport and take the short flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. 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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