Ethiopia’s sovereign history has left its very diverse and fertile lands filled with historical and cultural treasures, ranging from the ancient tombs, and obelisks of Axum to 17th century castles, to the incredible rock-hewn churches around Lalibela. From 3,000 BC part of the northern country of what is now Ethiopia, has had connections with upper nile countries, text and bas-reliefs describe Egyptian expeditions to the region of Nubia in search of incense, ivory and spices and gold. Empire of Queen of Saba (Sheba), who started the famous Axumite dynasty. It has been the center of power for the Ethiopian empire and church for millennia, known to the ancient Greeks as the sanctuary of the gods and mentioned by both Homer and Herodotus the land has changed little and evidence of it's once majestic past is till evident.
Christianity which arrived at the end of the 3rd century had and still has, strong presence of the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church which played a great part in preserving their ways during times of invasion and wars by using the natural caves and plateaus of the highlands, for building monasteries and churches that can be accessed only by some dodgy climbing on Cliff faces till this day. This ancient and beautiful country is a historical treasure not to be missed be amazed by the thundering Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a boat trip on the splendid Lake Tana. Aside from the awe-inspiring sites, you'll be able to take in a fine blend of scenic delights and natural history (birding watching is great along this route) and you'll get to know the charming northern Ethiopian people, who add that much more quality to any visit of their country.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Abeba, overnight hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Kobolcha or Dessie, overnight hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Lalibela home to a spectacular collection of 12 century churches hewn out of the surrounding rock, that many believe are the work of angels. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Mekelle the mountain scenery is of out standing beauty, Overnight hotel.
Day 5: Visit Mekelle museum for some fascinating insight of Ethiopian history and drive on to Adigrat and visit the rock hewn churches O Wukro Cherkos, Medhanem Alem Adi Qusho, and the islamic of site of Hamed al Negash, overnight hotel.
Day 6: Drive to Axum, a once great city that was under the center of the Auxumite empire of the Queen of Sheba and the beginning of the modern Ethiopian history It is a mecca of archaeological and historical remains, like the pre- Axum temple at Yeha and the unusual collection of stelae dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, Overnight hotel.
Day 7: Tour of Axum, visit the stelae, Queen Sheba's palace, Mariam of Zion church and the Axum museum, Overnight hotel.
Day 8: Drive to Gondor, a city built on a volcanic plain surrounded by forests and crossed by two rivers that form a gate way to Lake Tana. The Medieval center of Ethiopia for some 200 years, it still reflect it's once past grandeur of baths, castles and churches. Overnight hotel.
Day 9: After breakfast head slowly to Debre Berhan Selassie church with beautiful art showing scenes of the life of Christ, perhaps one of Ethiopia's most beautiful churchs. Overnight hotel.
Day 10: Heading north we travel to Debark, on the edge of the Simien Mountains National Park. A UNESCO Heritage site, this area is characterized by enormous chasms and gorges, a wild beauty like no other in Africa. We'll take a short trek to Sankaber, where we camp for the night.
Day 11: Then it is off to Baher Dar, a pleasant city and take a boat ride on the historic Lake Tana and visit the monasteries on the islands, Overnight hotel.
Day 12: Drive back to Addis Abeba, Overnight hotel.
Day 13: Departure / Transfer to airport.
Note: Available Dates: 27.12.2009 - 09.01.2010.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Note: Single Person Supplement - 200€.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ethiopia
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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