Ethiopia has preserved a distinct form of Orthodox Christianity. We will see its extraordinary pageantry and unique variations of church architecture, as well as traditional lifestyles in the countryside, where ancient agriculture and pastoral nomadism continue.
Day 01 Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (By Flight)
Arrival at airport in Addis Ababa. Domestic flight Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Meet-and-greet at Bahir Dar airport. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret as well as the outlet of the Blue Nile River, where hippos can sometimes be seen. Drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. The water levels in the falls can vary depending on the season and per use of the local power station. The walk is a pleasant one, where you are sure to get a look into the lives of the local residents. You will cross the Blue Nile River by boat. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Bahir Dar – Gondar (By Road) (174 Km / 03 hrs 02 min appx.)
After breakfast, Proceed to Gondar will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Gondar – Axum (By Road) (06 Km / 18 min appx.)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Axum. Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to visit the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Time permitting, you may also visit the Church of Arbuta Ensessa. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Axum – Lalibela (By Flight)
After Breakfast, Proceed to Visit the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Lalibella
After Breakfast, Proceed to Visit the church of Yimrehane Kristos, about 45km from Lalibela town. This is the most popular church in the surrounding region. Created in the late-Axumite style, this church is set in the entrance to a cave with a skeleton graveyard in the back of devout pilgrims who visited this church. Visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Lalibella – Addis Ababa (By Flight)/Depart Addis Ababa
Departure transfer to onward destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels | |
| Bahirdar | 01 | Kuriftu resort | |
| Gondar | 01 | Goha Hotel | |
| Axum | 01 | Sabean Hotel | |
| Lalibela | 02 | Mountain view Hotel |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees
- Air Ticket from Axum – Lalibela.
- Local English speaking guide.
- 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.