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BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA, AXUM /BY CAR : 13 DAYS
DESTINATION: – BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA, AXUM /BY CAR
Duration: – 13 DAYS
Day 1 — Arrive in Addis Ababa, on arrival in Addis Ababa you will be met by our team and transferred to Hotel. Overnight Hotel
Day 2 — Addis Ababa – Debre Markos, after breakfast drive to Debre Markos via Dejen (the famous area for growing teff, which is a staple food of Ethiopians), after 103 kms drive, visit the 13th C monastery of Debre Libanos and the 17th C Portuguese Bridge. En route have stop over to visit the Oromo tribal village. Further down, you will enjoy the fabulous Blue Nile Gorge. Similar to the Grand Canon of USA. Overnight Hotel.
Day 3 — Debre Markos – Bahir Dar Drive about 250kms to Bahar Dar (Bahar Dar is a modern town on the shore of Lake Tana,) through the beautiful scenery and visiting the Amhara people & their villages. Have a lunch at Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara National Regional State. Afternoon, we take a city tour of Bahir Dar that includes: Colorful market of pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. The Woito basket market and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best viewing point for the town, the lake and the river. Overnight Hotel.
Day 4 — Bahir Dar, After breakfast drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or ‘Smoke of Fire’. The falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which drench onlookers up to a kilometre away. Much of the water is diverted to for hydroelectric generation but it is worth visiting for the walk around and see the rural life. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and teff (from which injera, the national bread, is made.) After the Falls, return to Bahir Dar for lunch. The rest of the afternoon visit the local market of the town where local people from the country side and the people from the town gather for selling and buying the produce. Overnight Hotel.
Day 5 — Drive Gondar. Tour of Gondar We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that we visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List. the royal Fasilades Bath and the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Hotel
Day 6 — Drive Semien Mountains. After breakfast departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the headquarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to the gravel road to BuyitRas, the first campsite of the National Park and your lodge for the night. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Overnight Hotel
Day 7 — Drive Axum. On this day, the drive is long (280kms) but very beautiful with a spectacular landscape along the Semien Mountains and Tekeze Gorge. The road descends from 3100 metres through hairpin bends down the mountain side to 1400 metres in just 40kms! The drive down and back up to Adi Arkay showcases not only the immensely beautiful Simien Mountain massifs but also the people who eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. The drive continues through the Tekeze valley, crossing the Tekeze River, and onto Axum in the far north. Overnight Hotel
Day 8 — Visit of historical and archaeological sites in Axum. The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia’s northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom Of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: the archaeological museum, monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. We also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. Overnight Hotel
Day 9 — Drive from Axum to Mekele. After breakfast drive through the historical town of Adwa, which is a major African battlefield and drive to the very small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Mekele-the capital of Tigray region en route visit rock church of Wekro Cherkos and Abreha WE Asbeha. Overnight Hotel
Day 10 — Mekele – Lalibela. On this day, you will have the longest drive through the rough roads and will experience magnificent scenery). You will have a chance to visit Lake Ashenge and which is good for birding. Proceed to Lalibela for dinner and overnight Hotel.
Day 11 — Lalibela. Full day sightseeing tour of Lalibela: Lalibela, famous for its rock hewn churches dating back 800 years. It is exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world”. The afternoon is spent exploring the atmospheric subterranean complex of passages and the remarkable rock-hewn churches. Overnight Hotel
Day 12 — Lalibela – Kombolcha. After breakfast drive through the highland area of Delb where you can see the endemic Gelada baboon. Have stopover at Hayk to visit the 13th C. monastery of Hike Istifanos on the island of Lake Hike. Proceed to Dessie for dinner and overnight Hotel.
Day 13 — Kombolcha drive back to Addis Ababa
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HISTORIC ROUTE & HARAR /BY AIR & CAR : 9 DAYS
DESTINATION: – HISTORIC ROUTE & HARAR /BY AIR & CAR
Duration: – 9 DAYS
Day 1 — Arrive in Addis Ababa, be met and transferred by our representative to the hotel for overnight
Day 2 — Morning fly to Bahir Dar. After checking into the Hotel and refreshment, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or ‘Smoke of Fire’. Overnight Hotel
Day 3 — Drive to Gondar Tour of Gondar We experience a typical Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The attractions that we visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- they are included in the World Heritage List. The royal Fasilades Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Hotel
Day 4 — Fly Lalibela. We take a short flight to Lalibela then drive 23kms to the town where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela are situated. Today we visit the first group of six churches, which lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika’el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight Hotel
Day 5 — In Lalibela. After breakfast a mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated atop a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. This will take about 4 hours. We return back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the other group of Rock churches of Lalibela; Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa’el. Bet Emanuel’s elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Hotel
Day 6 — Fly Axum After breakfast fly to Axum. The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia’s northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. After check in to hotel, sightseeing tour of Axum that includes: St. Mary Church where the original Arc of the Covenant is housed, Archeological Museum, stelaes, tombs, and palace. Overnight Hotel
Day 7 — Fly Addis Ababa After breakfast you will check in to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel
Day 8 — Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and drive to Harar breakfast Fly to Dire Dawa, the second largest city of Ethiopia. Upon arrival drive 55kms to the walled city of Harar. After check in to Belyneh hotel, will visit The City Wall, the Gates and the narrow streets lined with traditional HarariGegar houses, the colorful Muslim and Christian markets (known for basketry). After lunch visit the Harari museum, Rimbaud House, a fine traditional house dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harar. Finally visit the traditional Hararie house within the famous walled city. As evening falls local men attract wild hyenas to the city in a bizarre spectacle as they bravely feed these dangerous scavengers. Overnight Hotel
Day 9 — Fly Back to Addis After breakfast drive to Dire Dawa where you will have a short stay then transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. En route we stop at the town of Awaday to see the biggest Chat market in the country. ‚Chat is a stimulant leaf that people chew to be relaxed. Upon arrival to Addis, the rest of the day will be for shopping: in the evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian Restaurants with dancing from the different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for Departure.
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BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA AND AXUM BY AIR : 7 DAYS
Destination: BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA AND AXUM BY AIR
Duration:- 7 DAYS
Day 1 — Arrive in Addis Ababa, be met and transferred by our representative to the hotel for overnight
Day 2 — Morning fly to Bahir Dar. After checking into the Hotel and refreshment, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. You will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or ‘Smoke of Fire’. Overnight Hotel
Day 3 — Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar is 180 kms. On the way you will enjoy a beautiful scenery of landscape, wide grazing land and hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The attractions that will be visited in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- they are included in the World Heritage List. The royal Fasilades Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Hotel
Day 4 – Fly to Lalibela where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches are situated. This day visit the first group of the churches, which lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika’el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight Hotel
Day 5 – After breakfast a mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated atop a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. This will take about 4 hours. Return back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the other group of Rock churches of Lalibela; Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa’el. Bet Emanuel’s elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Hotel
Day 6 — Fly to Axum. The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia’s northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. After check in to hotel, sightseeing tour of Axum that includes: St. Mary Church where the original Arc of the Covenant is housed, Archeological Museum, stelaes, tombs, and palace. Overnight Hotel
Day 7 — Fly to Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel
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LALIBELA — GONDAR — SEMIEN MOUNTAINS/BY AIR : 6 DAYS
DESTINATION: – LALIBELA — GONDAR — SEMIEN MOUNTAINS/BY AIR
Duration: – 6 DAYS
DAY 1 — Transfer to the airport and fly to Lalibela. Visit the rock hewn churches of the 12th century and the fascinating monolithic carvings. The site is well known as one of the wonders of the world. Overnight Hotel.
DAY 2 — Fly to Gondar. On arrival the guide will drive you to the hotel. Then after you will be taken to the Castles built by various Kings during the time of the medieval period and the ancient churches with their unique frescos. Overnight Hotel.
DAY 3 — Drive to the Semien Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful stretches of unspoiled wilderness surviving in the world today. Overnight stay Semien Lodge.
DAY 4 — The Semien Mountains and the strange and fascinating world surrounding them have not one grand canyon but up to 100 gorges so deep and steep that it may take as long as two days to trek them. Full day trek to the jagged peaks of the distant mountains. Overnight Semien Lodge.
DAY 5 — Morning trek to adjacent peaks to see Walia Ibex, endemic to Ethiopia, and Gelada Baboons. After lunch drive back to Gondar and overnight Hotel.
DAY 6 — fly back to Addis Ababa
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THE LALIBELA ROCK HEWN CHURCHES /BY AIR : 2 DAYS
DESTINATION: – THE LALIBELA ROCK HEWN CHURCHES /BY AIR
Duration: – 2 DAYS
DAY 1 — Transfer to the airport and fly to Labella. After transfer to hotel, visit the rock hewn churches of the 12th century and the fascinating monolithic carvings. The site is well known as one of the wonders of the world. Overnight Hotel
DAY 2 — Transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis.