9-Day Ethiopia Culture and History Tour with Lalibela and Simien

Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, followed by a transfer to the Intercontinental or a similar 5-star hotel.

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

In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Ethiopia's largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 sq km) - to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th century AD).

Overnight at 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.

Overnight at Goha or a similar hotel.

Drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park.

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

Overnight at Simien Lodge.

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

Overnight at Consular or a similar hotel.

Have a sightseeing tour of Axum, including 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 ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba (10th century BC).

Overnight at Consular or a similar hotel.

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

In the afternoon, visit the second and third groups of the churches of King Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Overnight at Roha or a similar hotel.

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

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

Overnight at Roha or a similar hotel.

Fly back to Addis and enjoy a half-day city tour that includes the National Museum of Addis Ababa, where Lucy is found, and 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 see a panoramic view of the capital.

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

Departure.