Ethiopia · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Ethiopia Heritage Tour with Lalibela and Simien Mountains

8 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See the Blue Nile Falls after crossing one of the oldest bridges over the Blue Nile River
02 Admire the beautiful wall and ceiling paintings of Debre Birhan Selassie Church
03 Explore Simien Mountains National Park for picturesque viewpoints and endemic wildlife
04 Marvel at Lalibela's remarkable rock-hewn churches, including St George
05 Visit the ancient monastery of Hayk Estifanos (St. Stephen) on the way to Kombolcha
06 Enjoy Ethiopian cuisine and dances from different ethnic groups at a farewell dinner

Embark on an 8-day journey through some of Ethiopia's most notable historic and cultural destinations, from Bahir Dar and Gondar to Lalibela and Kombolcha. Enjoy scenic countryside drives, a boat trip on Lake Tana to island monasteries, and a visit to the Blue Nile Falls before exploring Gondar's beautifully decorated churches and royal castles. Continue to Simien Mountains National Park for picturesque viewpoints and the chance to spot endemic wildlife, then discover Lalibela's remarkable rock-hewn churches, including St George. The tour ends with a visit to the ancient monastery of Hayk Estifanos and a farewell dinner in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian cuisine and traditional dances.

Enjoy scenic countryside drives, a boat trip on Lake Tana to island monasteries, and a visit to the Blue Nile Falls before exploring Gondar's beautifully decorated churches and royal castles.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive Through the Countryside to Bahir Dar

Drive to Bahir Dar while enjoying the beautiful countryside on the way to your destination.

Day 02

Lake Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile Falls

Go on a morning boat trip to two of the monasteries found on the islands of Lake Tana, then return to Bahir Dar.
In the afternoon, drive 37 kilometres to see the Blue Nile Falls, crossing one of the oldest bridges over the Blue Nile River, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.

Day 03

Historic Gondar and Its Royal Enclosure

Depart for the historic city of Gondar. After arriving, go for an afternoon visit to the Royal Enclosure, consisting of 17th- and 18th-century royal castles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also, visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, one of Gondar's historic churches known for its beautiful paintings on its walls and ceilings.

Day 04

Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

Take an excursion to Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the amazing landscapes consisting of a chain of mountains and high elevations.
Also, see the area's endemic mammals, such as the Gelada Baboon, the Menilik Bushbuck, and the Walia Ibex. However, on a day trip, you are most likely to spot Gelada baboons.
Hike through some picturesque viewpoints before driving back to Gondar for an overnight stay.

Day 05

Full-Day Scenic Drive to Lalibela

Drive for a full day to Lalibela, passing through the beautiful countryside where you can take several photographs.

Day 06

Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Visit the most amazing churches carved out of a single rock in the small town of Lalibela, which was once ruled by a set of rulers of the Zagwe Dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries.
In the morning, see the first group of six churches found in adjacent courtyards.
Continue your visit in the afternoon to the second group, including the most beautiful church in Lalibela - St George.
Later, you can visit a local bar in town to enjoy traditional dance and music while tasting the locally made honey wine named 'tej'.

Day 07

Journey to Kombolcha via Hayk Estifanos

Leave for Kombolcha, a town found roughly halfway between Lalibela and Addis Ababa, and visit the ancient monastery of Hayk Estifanos (St. Stephen) on the way.

Day 08

Return to Addis Ababa and Farewell Dinner

Drive back to Addis Ababa, visiting any markets on the way.
After arriving, you can go shopping at the souvenir shops.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner party in one of the cultural restaurants in the city and see the dances of different ethnic groups in Ethiopia while enjoying wonderful Ethiopian cuisine.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home - end of the tour.