(with domestic flights) 8 days / 7 nights
Tour code:WET02
Embark on a captivating journey to the historic heart of Coptic Ethiopia, where ancient churches, majestic castles and regal palaces whisper tales of a thousand-year-old culture. This itinerary explores the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, the imposing stelae of Axum, the serene monasteries nestled on the islands of Lake Tana and the majestic monolithic churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the “Jerusalem of Africa”. Traveling across the Ethiopian plateau, at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, this journey is designed for discerning travelers and explorers who prioritize cultural immersion and contact with pristine landscapes and ancient traditions over luxurious comforts.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive ADDIS ABEBA
Arrive in Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital of Ethiopia. Meet our local team and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to settle in.
In the afternoon, explore Addis Ababa, a cosmopolitan metropolis of over 5.5 million people, located 2,400 meters above sea level in a valley surrounded by mountains. As the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa reflects a fascinating mix of different ethnic groups and religious communities (Christian, Jewish and Muslim). The city displays historical remnants of the imperial era, Italian occupation and socialist regime, while embracing modern development. Our tour will include key landmarks, including the Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie, which offers a rich collection of artifacts that showcase Ethiopia’s extraordinary cultural diversity. We will also visit the National Museum, renowned for its collection of artifacts from the Sabaean civilization and the fossilized remains of “Lucy”, a 3.5 million year old hominid. Dinner and overnight at Saromaria Hotel or similar. Possible departure for Bahirdar in the afternoon
Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR
Early in the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Bahir Dar. We will visit the Blue Nile Falls, also known as “Tis Isat” (“Smoking Water” in Amharic). Although the flow of the falls has been reduced in recent years due to a diversion for a power plant, they remain a spectacular sight. Return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon Dar we will discover the wonders of Lake Tana with a scenic boat trip. The shores and islands of the lake are home to around twenty monastic churches, many of which date back to the 14th century, reflecting a deep religious devotion. Our excursion includes visits to the monasteries of the Zege Peninsula, such as Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam. We will disembark at Zeghie and take a short walk through lush tropical vegetation and coffee plantations to reach Ura Kidane Mihret, considered one of the most important churches in the region. Its interior walls are adorned with an exceptional collection of frescoes, created between one hundred and two hundred and fifty years ago, depicting biblical stories in vivid colors. In the 16th century, faced with Muslim incursions, Coptic monks sought refuge on the islands of Lake Tana, transforming them into repositories of art and spirituality. These isolated and protected places became safe havens to preserve sacred texts and religious traditions that might otherwise have been lost. Return to Bahir Dar in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Jacaranda Hotel or similar.
Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR
After breakfast, departure for Gondar and arrival scheduled for lunch (180KM). Situated at 2,100 metres above sea level, Gondar enjoys a pleasant climate all year round and offers visitors the unique experience of exploring a walled city that displays medieval Portuguese architectural influences in the heart of the Ethiopian plateau. Within its walls are castles built by various emperors, the Fasilides Baths, the residence of Queen Mentewab and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a fine example of 17th-century Ethiopian fine art. Dinner and overnight at Goha Hotel or similar.
Day 4: GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO heritage site, enchants with spectacular landscapes and unique biodiversity. Impressive peaks, deep valleys and steep cliffs are the background to rare endemic species such as the Ethiopian wolf, the Walia Ibex and the Gelada baboon. The Afro-alpine flora with the heather tree, the iconic Kosso tree and the giant Lobelia enriches this precious ecosystem. We will take an excursion inside the park with panoramic stops and the possibility of spotting, sometimes in large groups, the famous Gelada baboons, also known as “lion monkeys” for the very thick mane of the male. Return to Gondar in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Goha Hotel or similar
Day 5: GONDAR – AXUM, Cradle of Ethiopian Christianity (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Axum, considered the cradle of Ethiopian Christianity. Tradition has it that nine saints from Syria or the Middle East, following the Council of Chalcedon, spread Christianity south from Axum.
This morning we will visit the Temple of the Moon at Yeha, a remarkable example of pre-Christian Axumite architecture, and the adjacent church dedicated to Abba Aftse, one of the nine saints. Upon arrival in Axum, check-in at the hotel.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the most significant sites and monuments of Axum. As the ancient capital of the Axumite kingdom and the birthplace of the ancient Ethiopia over two thousand years ago, Axum boasts a rich history. We will visit the Stele Park, where imposing monoliths served as tombstones, testifying to a glorious past. The archaeological museum houses 2,500-year-old artifacts, Axumite coins and finely decorated ceramics. Our tour continues to the Baths of the Queen of Sheba, the tombs of Kings Caleb and Gebre Meskel, the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and the museum displaying imperial crowns and ancient crosses. Dinner and overnight at Sabean Hotel or similar.
Day 6: AXUM – LALIBELA, the Jerusalem of Africa (flight)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lalibela. This afternoon, we will delve into the thousand-year-old history of Lalibela, starting with an exploration of the first group of its extraordinary churches. Lalibela is a complex of eleven monolithic churches, some interconnected by a network of underground tunnels. Dug into volcanic rock over a period of 24 years, these churches are divided into two groups, symbolizing the “earthly Jerusalem” and the “heavenly Jerusalem”. A seasonal riverbed, also dug into the rock and representing the Jordan River, separates the two groups. Separated from these is the magnificent Church of St. George, a monolithic, subterranean, cruciform structure of captivating beauty and grandeur. Inside the churches, we can admire ancient religious panels and, at Bete Mariam, frescoes illustrating ancient figurative art of Byzantine influence. In Lalibela, we will experience a unique encounter with an archaic and authentic form of Christianity, still deeply rooted in the Ethiopian highlands. Dinner and overnight at Harbe Hotel or similar.
Day 7: LALIBELA Excursion
After breakfast, take a 40 km hike through picturesque landscapes to Yemrahana Kristos Church (alternatively hike to Asheten Monastic Church) a true gem of wood and stone architecture, nestled in a suggestive cave. A short climb of about 20 minutes leads to this sacred site, testimony to a past rich in history and spirituality. After our visit, we return to Lalibela to explore the second group of churches. Dinner and overnight at Harbe Hotel or similar.
Day 8: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABEBA (flight)
This morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will have time for some last minute shopping for souvenirs. To ensure your comfort, we have arranged rooms for day use (one room for every four people). Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with Ethiopian music and dance performances. Finally, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
END OF PROGRAM