13 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport
Our representative will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel.
Day 2: City Tour in Addis Ababa
After having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar
After an early breakfast, drive north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, known as the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge before stopping in Debre Markos for lunch.
Day 4: Tour in Bahir Dar
After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to various island monasteries like those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (women are not allowed). In the afternoon, you will drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike to the falls..
Day 5: Drive to Gondar, City Tour
After breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopias most famous churches.
Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, a campsite in the national park. On the way, Insider guides will handle
park fees, local guides, and scouts. Shortly after, you will start a 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. Back in Sankober, enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment where you can observe the Gelada baboons and perhaps the Walia Ibex. In Sankober, an Insider will meet you with your supplies. .
Day 7: Drive to Axum
In the morning after having breakfast, depart north for Axum enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains on the way. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Day 8: Axum City Tour
Explore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Siteand visit the ancient stele, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored.
Day 9: Gheralta Mountains and Drive to Mekelle
After a early breakfast, drive four hours to the Gheralta Mountains where you will visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray such as Abraha Atsbeha and the steep Abuna Yemata Guh (perched on the side of a cliff). Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekelle.
Day 10: Drive to Lalibela
After breakfast, drive all day to Lalibela. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. l.
Day 11: Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Spend the day visiting the three groups of Lalibelas rock-hewn churches. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 12: Drive to Kombolcha
Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way visit the Hayk Lake, visit the local monastery Estafanos and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Day 13: Drive to Addis Ababa and Departure
After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa where you can spend the rest of the afternoon for last-minute shopping or resting before meeting for the farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurant with traditional dancing. Proceed to airport for check-in and departure.