Experience the vibrant festivities of Meskel, witnessing the Demera being lit and participating in colorful processions and religious rituals.
Introducing Meskel Marvels
Celebrating Ethiopia's Religious and Cultural Treasures
Venture on a remarkable journey through Ethiopia to witness the vibrant celebration of Meskel, an ancient festival marking the finding of the True Cross. This carefully curated itinerary combines the grandeur of Meskel festivities with the exploration of Ethiopia's historical and natural wonders. From the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the castles of Gonder, experience the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of this captivating land.
Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains, home to endemic wildlife, and immerse yourself in the ancient history of Axum. This journey promises a unique blend of festive traditions, awe-inspiring monuments, and unforgettable experiences. Let "Ethiopian Treasures" be your guide to an unforgettable voyage, where the past intertwines with the present, and the beauty of Ethiopia unfolds at every turn.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Explore the dynamic capital city, with its intriguing museums, lively markets, and iconic landmarks, such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Visit isolated churches on the serene shores of Lake Tana, accessible by a scenic boat ride, and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual traditions of Ethiopia.
Discover the medieval castles of Gonder, including the magnificent Fasilades Castles and the Debre Berhan Church with its stunning murals.
Traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, walking amidst stunning scenery and encountering endemic wildlife, such as the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Marvel at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the intricate architecture and religious significance of these ancient wonders.
Step into the ancient kingdom of Axum, home to stelae, the Queen of Sheba's Bath, and the legendary Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
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 GONDER, & DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- This morning board a short flight to Gonder and upon arrival, you drive to the Simien Mountains. 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.
- Enjoy an afternoon walk around the lodge, amid the breathtaking alpine sceneries. This will help you acclimatize your body to the altitude.
- Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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. 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. Then 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. 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 8: FLY TO ADDIS & EXPLORE SIGHTSEEING
- This morning you fly back to Addis and transfer to your hotel.
- You will be taken to the festivities kicking off the Eve of Meskel- You'll see the Demera being lit amid much celebration.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 9: DEPART FROM 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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