Visit the most diverse ethnically and religious wise country of Africa. During this tour you will be visiting the source of the most famous and indispensable river for the Egyptians, the Nile. The castles of Gondar unique from the whole of Africa, the magnificent mountainous sceneries of the Semien Mountains, the capital of the ancient Axumite Empire and finally the most incredible Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela nick named as the 8th wonder of the world.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Addis - Welcome to Abyssinia as you arrive in Addis Ababa city that is very young when compared to the country. In Amharic, Addis Ababa means new flower. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain (3,000 m above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums and one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known as the Mercato. Transfer to Hilton Hotel (5 star). City tour of Addis Ababa in the available time.
Day 2: Addis / Baher Dar - This morning fly to Baher Dar. Upon arrival transfer to Tana Hotel and start of with your boat cruise in Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. There are 33 islands on the lake and 23 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. Some of the islands are forbidden for women. A visit will be done to the monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which allows both genders. This church contains beautiful frescoes on its inside walls and after wards the priests will display them a collection of old crosses, manuscript old books and crowns of former kings and queens among other interesting objects of the church of historical interest. Back to Baher Dar for lunch. In the after noon visit the Blue Nile falls and the Bezawit hill side where Ex Emperor Haile Sellassie's palace is found from where panoramic view of Lake Tana and Baher Dar can be enjoyed. Overnight in Tana Hotel.
Day 3: Baher Dar / Gondar - Transfer to the Airport for morning flight to Gondar and on arrival transfer to Goha Hotel. Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are dozens of castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city is more European than African and also has Islamic influences. Your afternoon visit includes the palaces, the library of his son, residences and baths of Fasilidas; followed by a visit to the church of Debre Berhan Sellassie (Light of the Trinity), which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls, it's interior is decorated with beautiful spellbinding frescos after which visit also Quskuam church. Dinner and overnight in Goha Hotel.
Day 4: Gondar / Semien Mountains / Gondar - Whole day excursion to see the Semien Mountains known as the Roof of Africa up to Senka Ber with a picnic lunch. On way back visit the Felasha Village and the market of Gonder. Overnight in Goha Hotel.
Day 5: Gondar / Axum - On arrival at Axum transfer to Yeha or Remehai Hotel. Axum known as the land of the Queen of Sheeba has a history which is very early and relatively unknown, however locals tracked and recorded in the 14th century A.D. that this was the capital of the Queen of Sheeba during the 10th century B.C. Axum was the kingdom that dominated Asia and Africa for a thousand years and it's most important building is the St. Mary of Zion where it is said that it holds the Ark of the Covenant brought by King Solomon and Queen of Sheba's son Menelik almost 3000 years ago. We visit the city today and marvel at the historic tomb of the former King Remehai, the Queen of Sheeba's palace, and the church of St. Mary with it's crowns of former rulers is like feeling more than a thousand years back of our time. Overnight in Yeha or Remehai Hotel.
Day 6: Axum / Lalibela - On arrival transfer to Roha Hotel Lalibela, once the thriving capital of a medieval dynasty is still remarkably and unbelievably beautiful. The village is hardly visible as the horizon is dominated by the peak of Mount Abune Yousef. Legend holds that in this town, once called Roha, a mother saw her baby in a cradle surrounded by a dense swarm of bees. Ethiopian belief is that the animal world could foretell the advent of important personages, so she called her son "Lalibela", meaning "the bees recognize his sovereignty." Learn other local folklores on your visits to remarkable rock-hewn churches built by this prince over 800 years ago. Almost superhuman in their scale, these towering edifices are truly a world wonder. In the afternoon visit the 1st part of the Rock Hewn Churches which are six in number, namely : Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el (also known as Bet Debre Sina), Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, and Bet Medhane Alem. Overnight in Roha Hotel.
Day 7: Lalibela - Morning excursion by car to visit Nakutoleab Monastery at the outskirts of Lalibela. Afternoon visit the 2nd part of Rock Hewn Churches which are five namely: Bet Aamanuel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el and Bet Giyorgis. Overnight in Roha Hotel.
Day 8: Lalibela / Addis - Upon arrival in Addis Ababa city tour in the available time. Overnight in Hilton Hotel.
Day 9: Addis / Departure - Transfer to the airport for departure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price includes:
- Hotel accommodation in Hilton Hotel (5 star) in Addis Ababa and the best out of Addis Ababa.
- All transfers and ground transportation
- Entrance fees
- Boat Trip on Lake Tana
- Local English speaking Guide
- For a group of 10 persons and above escorting English, German or Italian speaking Guide.
The price does not include:
- Air transportation
- Alcoholic beverages and tips.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ethiopia
Archeology/History
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