Ethiopia · Religious & Spiritual

8-Day Ethiopia Historical and Nature Tour with Lalibela and Simien

8 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover UNESCO-listed sites in Lalibela and the Simien Mountains
02 Explore historic churches, monasteries, and royal palaces across northern Ethiopia
03 Cruise Lake Tana to visit the monasteries of the Zege Peninsula
04 Experience wildlife viewing in dramatic highland scenery, including Gelada baboons
05 Enjoy cultural performances, local cuisine, and guided city tours

Explore Ethiopia on an 8-day journey through Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, and the Simien Mountains. Visit rock-hewn churches, royal castles, and ancient monasteries while travelling through beautiful highlands and cruising across Lake Tana to historic monastery sites. Walk among Gelada baboons in breathtaking scenery, enjoy cultural performances and local cuisine, and uncover centuries of history with expert guidance and immersive visits that highlight Ethiopia's culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

Walk among Gelada baboons in breathtaking scenery, enjoy cultural performances and local cuisine, and uncover centuries of history with expert guidance and immersive visits that highlight Ethiopia's culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park

Languages Amharic, Dutch, English, French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Highlights

Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to the hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, visit city highlights, including the National Museum.
Enjoy a scenic drive around the capital before resting for the night.

Overnight at Magnolia Hotel.

Day 02

Fly to Bahir Dar and Cruise Lake Tana

Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana.
Enjoy a boat cruise to monasteries on the Zege Peninsula, including Ura Kidane Meret and Azwa Maryam.
Explore Bahir Dar city, including Bezawit Palace and Weito village with its papyrus boat makers.

Overnight at Jacaranda Hotel.

Day 03

Scenic Drive to Gondar and Royal Castles

Drive through scenic highlands from Bahir Dar to Gondar.
Visit the Royal Enclosure and the castles of King Fasilides.
Explore the Timkat ceremonial pools and Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its famous angel ceiling.

Overnight at Goha Hotel.

Day 04

Explore Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and sweeping views.
Look for endemic wildlife, including Gelada baboons and other rare species.

Overnight at Ras Dejen Hotel.

Day 05

Morning Hike in the Simien Mountains

Spend the morning hiking and viewing wildlife in the Simien Mountains.
Observe Gelada monkeys interacting, grazing, and playing.
Drive back to Gondar for relaxation and evening rest.

Overnight at Goha Hotel.

Day 06

Fly to Lalibela and Visit Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a short flight to Lalibela in the Lasta Mountains.
Explore groups of rock-hewn churches carved from solid stone.
Walk through tunnels, courtyards, and ancient passageways.

Overnight at Sora Lodge.

Day 07

Asheton Maryam and Lalibela's Sacred Churches

Ride a mule up to Asheton Maryam Church high above Lalibela.
Enjoy panoramic mountain views and a short hike.
Visit the most famous group of churches, including Bete Giyorgis.

Overnight at Sora Lodge.

Day 08

Nakutoleab Monastery and Departure

Visit Nakutoleab Monastery in the morning.
Transfer to Lalibela Airport for the return flight to Addis Ababa.
Depending on your departure time, enjoy a farewell dinner and traditional show.
Continue to your international departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Addis Ababa 5 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

3 domestic flights within Ethiopia (Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar, Gondar - Lalibela, Lalibela - Addis Ababa)
Private guided tours and entrance fees to all listed attractions
7 nights' accommodation with breakfast (Hotels & Lodges: Magnolia Hotel, Jacaranda Hotel, Goha Hotel, Simien Lodge, Sora Lodge)
Airport transfers and private transportation
Boat trip on Lake Tana to monasteries
Mule ride to Asheton Maryam Church
Select cultural experiences and traditional performances
Scenic drives through Ethiopian highlands
English-speaking professional guide

What's Not Included

International flights to/from Ethiopia
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned (lunches and dinners unless specified)
Personal expenses, drinks, and gratuities/tips
Optional activities not included in the itinerary

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes and clothing for highland and city sightseeing
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Camera or smartphone for photography
Small backpack for day trips
Any personal medications

Know before you go

Some sites require walking on uneven surfaces and steps (Lalibela, Simien Mountains).
Altitude may reach over 2,500 meters - take it easy on the first day.
Modest clothing is recommended at religious sites.
Flights may be subject to schedule changes.
Physical fitness is needed for hiking and the mule ride.

Logistics