Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and transfer to Intercontinental or similar 5 star hotel.

Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar and visit the Blue Nile Falls before lunch. 

In the afternoon, have a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th Century AD).

O/N – AbayMinch Lodge or similar

Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar - the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. 

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’, the church of Quskuam Mariam (17th century AD), the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.

O/N - Goha or a similar Hotel

Drive from Gondar to Debark (the headquarter of the Simien Mountain National Park)

After check-in, drive 36 km to the Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit  Gelada Baboonthe - the endemic mammal of Ethiopia, and view the breathtaking scenery of the Simien Mountains.

O/N – Simien Lodge

Drive to Axum - the earliest Capital of Ethiopia, crossing the Tekezze Gorge.

O/N - Consular or similar Hotel

Have a sightseeing tour of Axum which includes visiting the Archaeological museum of Axum, the famous Stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the bath and ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (10th Century BC).

O/N – Consular or similar Hotel

In the morning, fly to Lalibela – home of the 12th century AD rock hewn churches of King Lalibela.

 And in the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of King Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

O/N – Roha or similar hotel

In the morning, mule ride to the hill top to visit the semi monolithic church of Asheton Mariam (13th century AD) which has a great and unforgettable scenery of the area. 

In the afternoon, visit the remaining second and the third group of the churches of Lalibela.

O/N – Roha or similar Hotel

Fly back to Addis and have a half-day city tour  that includes visiting the National Museum of Addis Ababa where Lucy is found, Merkato - the largest open-air market in Africa. Then, drive to Mt. Entoto (3,200 meters) and visit the former palace of Emperor Menelik II who was the founder of Addis and a see panoramic view of the capital. 

In the evening, you will be invited  to a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people and to taste a variety of meals.

Departure