Ethiopia Historic Route7 Days
Arrival Bole International Airport
Trek Ethiopia Eco Tours meets all guests arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time. For morning flight arrivals you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For afternoon or evening arrivals, you may begin your tour the following day.
Day
01
Addis Ababa
Visit the Emperor Haile Selassie’s final resting place, Trinity Cathedral. Explore the Ethnographic Museum for a fantastic overview of Ethiopian history and culture. Visit Maryam Church and take a quick drive to the Entoto Hills to see the city. Stop at Sheromeda’s traditional cloth market while traveling. Visit one of Addis Abeba’s two main markets, the Mercato or the Sholla Market.
Overnight Hotel – ( Lunch, Dinner included)
Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar
Take Ethiopian Airlines to Bahar Dar. Explore historic monasteries on the Zege Peninsula and go on a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Among the monasteries we will see are Bete Maryam, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Ura Kidane Mehiret. Visit Bezawit Hills at sunset for a view of the Nile River to cap off the day.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D included)
Day
Day
02
Day
03
Bahar Dar - Gondar
Travel to Gondar via the rural areas. Explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of five castles constructed between the early 17th century by successive Ethiopian kings. The castles, which have withstood multiple wars and air raids during World War 2, are proof of the tenacity of this once-mighty empire. See the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, which is renowned for its angelic ceiling painting and other religious artwork.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Gondar - Lalibela
Take Ethiopian Airlines to Lalibela. Explore the spectacular rock-hewn churches, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. At least 800 years ago, a group of eleven monolithic churches were carved out of the stone mountainside. The world’s largest monolithic church, a labyrinth of passageways and tunnels, finely carved reliefs, and magnificent examples of icon paintings can all be found within this complex. Take part in a traditional coffee ceremony in the late afternoon and discover how to bake injera, a staple meal in most of Ethiopia.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day
Day
04
Day
05
Lalibela
Two options are available for the morning: Enjoy a morning hike on mules to Mount Asheton, a rock-hewn monastery dating back to the thirteenth century. The walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Lalibela. – OR – Take a drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a stunning church that predates the Lalibela churches and is located in a shallow cave. You will be able to see the Ethiopian highlands’ rural areas and villages on the drive to Yemrehanna. After choosing one of the aforementioned options, proceed with the afternoon church tour of Lalibela.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Lalibela - Axum
Take an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Axum. Experience the 2,000-year-old stelae fields. Take a look at the striking new Archeological Museum. See St. Mary Tsion Church, where the Ethiopian Orthodox Church resides the Ark of the Covenant (no one is allowed to see the Ark.) When time permits, visit additional tombs and archaeological sites.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day
Day
06
Day
07
Axum - Addis Ababa
Take a flight to Addis Ababa. See the National Museum, which is home to “Lucy,” a 3 million-year-old skeleton. Shopping for mementos is optional in the afternoon. A farewell meal at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with musicians and dancers from several of the nation’s numerous ethnic groups. If necessary, transfer to the airport for a late-night departure.
(B, L, D)
End of Tour: (Trek Ethiopia Eco Tours will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request.)