7-Day Cultural Tour of Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela

• Depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos early in the morning.

• Visit the Portuguese bridge on the way, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia.

• Pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge afterwards. The gorge extends nearly 400 km and reaches depths of up to 1500 m.

Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

• Take a boat trip on Lake Tana in the morning to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), as well as the source of the Blue Nile River.

• Drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area in the afternoon.

• Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.

Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

• Continue north to Gonder after breakfast. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture.

• Explore the sites of Gonder after briefly settling into your hotel, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings.

• Visit Fasilidas's Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.

Overnight in Gonder.

• Proceed to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state in the morning. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape.

Overnight in Lalibela.

• Start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in the morning, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael and Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).

• Continue after lunch with the Southeastern Cluster of churches - Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.

• Visit the most famous of all the churches - Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honour of the patron saint of Ethiopia - Saint George.

Overnight in Lalibela.

• Drive to Dessie via Woldia early in the morning.

• On the way, visit the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the local monastery and enjoy the birdlife.

Overnight in Dessie.

• Return by driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way, you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with an excellent chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If the day is Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market, including the attractive camel market.