ETHIOPIA: Off the beaten track (14 days)
1st: 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.
2nd 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.
3rd 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.
4th 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 14th century. We see old frescos, Coptic crosses and other art treasures. In the afternoon drive to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.
5th 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.
6th 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.
7th 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.
8th 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.
9th 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.
10th 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.
11th day: Mekelle – Ambalage – Lalibela
Breakfast. We cross Ambalage mountain range and in the evening arrive in Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Overnight in Lalibela.
12th 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.
13th 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.
14th day: Addis Ababa – flight back
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Flight back to your destination.
PRICE INCLUDES:
* domestic flight according to the itinerary, transportation by boat and chartered bus or van,
* accommodation in a local hotels in a double/twin rooms (with an attached bathroom),
* breakfast on every day,
* Professional English speaking guide in Ethiopia (also another languages speaking guides are available on your request).
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
* International flight to / from Ethiopia,
* Ethiopian visa cost: 50 USD,
* Entrance tickets: approx. 150 USD.
This is only sample of our offer. Any detail such as duration of the trip, standard of the accommodation and meal plan might be changed according to your preference. We will prepare a tailor made offer for you!
