ETHIOPIA: Off the beaten track (14 days)

1^st: flight to Addis Ababa – Addis Ababa

Meeting at the airport, departure to Ethiopia. Arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

2^nd day: Addis Ababa – Debre Markos

Breakfast. We drive via picturesque Sululta region to medieval church Debre Libanos and Debre Markos. On the way we see magnificent view of Blue Nile. Overnight in Debre Markos.

3^rd day: Debre Markos – Bahir Dar – Tis Issat

Breakfast. We drive to Bahir Dar – town located on bank of Tana lake and go to visit Tis Issat – famous waterfall on Blue Nile. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

4^th day: Bahir Dar – cruise on Tana lake – Gondar

Breakfast. Cruise on Tana, the biggest lake of Ethiopia. Visit to the Zenghie Ura Kidane Mihret monastery founded in 14^th century. We see old frescos, Coptic crosses and other art treasures. In the afternoon drive to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

5^th day: Gondar – Debark – Simien mountains

Breakfast. We visit old town of Gondar – former capital of Ethiopia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city founded in 1636 by emperor Fesilides. We walk around royal palaces and visit Debre Berhan Selassie monastery famous for beautiful frescos. In the afternoon we drive to Debark town located in Simien mountains. On the way we pass the villages of Ethiopian Jews (Falasha). Overnight in Debark.

6^th day: Debark – Simien mountains – Debark

Breakfast. One day trip to Simien mountains. It is the highest mountain range in Ethiopia, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. We make some trekking and enjoy unspoiled landscape of this area. Observing plants and animals. In the afternoon we drive back to Debark for overnight.

7^th day: Debark – Axum

Breakfast. We drive scenic route via Simien mountains to Axum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – the ancient capital of Ethiopia where coronations of emperors and empress were held. It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa. Overnight in Axum.

8^th day: Axum

Breakfast. Full day for sightseeing tour of ancient Axum. Visit to Axum Museum (called the most important museum in whole country), San Mary of Zion sanctuary (famous place, where according to legends, The Ark of the Covenant were hidden – please be noted only men are allowed to enter the church), palace and bath of Queen Sheba. We admire ancient tombs of kings Ezana, Gebre Meskel and the magnificent Stelae (obelisks). Overnight in Axum.

9^th day: Axum – Yeha – Adigrat

Breakfast. We drive to Yeha, where we visit ancient monuments of old (before Axum) capital of Ethiopia. We drive to Freweyni / Sinkata village area and visit rock-hewn church Adi Chewa Arbuta Insesa. Overnight in Adigrat.

10^th day: Adigrat – Tigray – Mekelle

Breakfast. We visit splendid rock-hewn churches of Tigray region: Medhane Alem Adi Kasho, Wukro Chirkos and Abreha wa Atsbeha. We drive to Mekelle. Overnight in Mekelle.

11^th day: Mekelle – Ambalage – Lalibela

Breakfast. We cross Ambalage mountain range and in the evening arrive in Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Overnight in Lalibela.

12^th day: Lalibela

Breakfast. We visit the famous twelfth-century stone churches. Each building has its own unique architectural structure, magnificent carvings, mostly preserved frescoes and paintings. Excursion to the church Yemrehane Kristos, build during the reign of emperor Lalibela (1185-1225). It is one of the most amazing churches in the area, built in a cave. In the afternoon we visit the temples: Bet Giorgis, Bet Maryam, Bet Emanuel and Bet Danaghel. Overnight in Lalibela.

13^th day: Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport, flight to Addis Ababa. After arrival city tour of Ethiopian capital. We visit Cathedral and the National Museum with famous remains of Australopithecus “Lucy”. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

14^th day: Addis Ababa – flight back

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Flight back to your destination.