Ethiopia’s uniqueness makes it a fascinating destination for every kind of traveller, but in particular for the traveller who wants that bit more. Ethiopia’s historic sites are extremely wide-ranging and possibly the most extensive in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts claim that such sites are only a fraction of what Ethiopia has to offer given that a further 95% remain to be discovered and excavated.
Day 01 Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrival at Addis Ababa airport meet, assist and transfer to hotel.
Today we will have full day sightseeing tour of the capital which includes the Ethnological Museum in the former palace of King Hailesillassie, the National (Archaeological) Museum, the superb Holy Trinity Cathedral, the various historical monuments of Addis Ababa; and Merkato largest opeŶ‐air market in Africa. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Addis Ababa – Bahirdar (By Flight)
In the morning fly to Bahirdar and after check in drive 32 km southwest of Bahir Dar to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls. We will walk some distances to the Falls and visit some of the villages around there. In the afternoon we will have a boat excursion in Ethiopia’s largest water body, Lake Tana (3,600 sq km) to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam which are found on the largest peninsula of the lake.
These monasteries are known for the colorful frescoes of religious scenes, different ancient types of crosses, paintings, murals and an impressive display of illuminated Bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Bahirdar – Gondar(By Road) (174 kms / 03 hrs 30 min approx)
After breakfast, proceed to early morning drive to Gondar ‐ Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of King Fasilledes. In Gondar there are dozens of castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years.
Gondar visit includes the palaces, residences and open air baths of King Fasilledes; (World Heritage Site by UNESCO), the monasteries of Qusquom, the church of Debre Berhan Sellassie (Light of the Trinity) with its 16th century paintings and frescoes, which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls.
Day 04 Gondar – Semien Mountain(By Road)(146 kms / 02 hrs 50 min approx)
After breakfast, proceed in the morning we will visit Beta Israel or the Felasha Mura in the outskirts of Gondar. Continue drive to the Semien Mountains National Park via Debark the gateway to the park and continue driving to reach to Sankaber 3230masl through a beautiful scenery and Ahmara people and villages. The Semien Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and we will visit its exceptional natural beauty which includes superb scenery, endemic fauna and flora. Among other endemics it is here that the Gelada Baboon (bleeding heart Baboon) is found. Overnight at lodge.
Day 05 Semien Mountain – Gondar (By Road)(146 kms / 02 hrs 50 min approx)
After breakfast, proceed in the morning we will walk around the park and its surroundings and continue drive to Gondar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Gondar – Lalibela (By Flight)
In the morning fly to Lalibella rock‐ hewn churches of 12th century. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We spend the rest of the day visiting fascinating churches within the town and countryside; some are made from the rock and dating back to around the twelfth century. We visit the first and second group of monolithic churches. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Lalibela
After breakfast, proceed in the morning drive to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery. This is very famous for its 6th‐century monastery church and beautiful view at 10,298 ft above sea level. We will walk/mule ride through dramatic highland scenery and which eventually ends in a beautiful serene agricultural hamlet. In the afternoon drive to Yimrahene Kirstos (let Christ Lead us) monastery church. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Lalibela – Axum (By Flight)
Fly to Axum, a holy city of Ethiopia, dating back over 2000 years and the cradle of Ethiopian civilization with the Axumite Kingdom, tour of Axum that includes: Axum stele or obelisks; the largest single pieces of stone standing anywhere on the world (World Heritage Site by UNESCO), castles of former monarchs, the Axum Museum and Mariam tsion Church, built on the site of Ethiopia’s first church AD, and palace of Sheba and the Gundit stelae field, King Ezana’s inscriptions and the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Axum ‐ Addis Ababa (By Flight)/Depart Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis and in the afternoon visit the Merkato Market and Entoto mountains for panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Evening Ethiopian traditional dinner and dance in one of the renowned restaurant of Addis Ababa. This day you will be transferred to onwards destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels | |
| Addis Ababa | 01 | Radisson Blu | |
| Bahirdar | 01 | Kuriftu resort | |
| Gondar | 02 | Goha Hotel | |
| Semien Mts. | 01 | Semien Lodge | |
| Lalibela | 02 | Tukul Hotel | |
| Axum | 01 | Sabean Hotel |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees
- Local English speaking guide.
- Air Ticket from Addis Ababa – Bahirdar, Gondar – Lalibella, Lalibela – Axum and Axum – Addis Ababa.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- All taxes
Branding
– Logo branding on Vehicles.
– Color and logo branding Merchandise.
– Departure gifts with company’s branding.
- Personal Expenses.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.