Ethiopia · UNESCO Heritage Sites

8-Day Historical Tour of Ethiopia with Lalibela, Axum and Lake Tana

8 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the National Museum and Entoto Park in Addis Ababa
02 Explore the monasteries on Lake Tana and marvel at the Blue Nile Falls
03 Visit the Royal Enclosure and Debre Birhan Selassie Church in Gondar
04 Experience the majestic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the historic sites in Axum

Embark on a captivating journey through Ethiopia, from the vibrant capital of Addis Ababa to the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient monasteries of Lake Tana, and the royal palaces of Gondar. Discover the majestic Blue Nile Falls, explore the archaeological wonders of Axum, and visit remarkable churches in Hawzien and the Gheralta massif. This 8-day itinerary brings together Ethiopia's UNESCO heritage, religious landmarks, and dramatic landscapes in one immersive experience.

Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, which requires a one-hour walk followed by a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif, using footholds and handholds chipped into the sandstone rock.

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 Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Mekele, Aksum, Lalibela, Hawzen, Mount Entoto, Yeha

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Highlights

Arrive in Addis Ababa.
Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, we will provide a complimentary city tour.
You will see the National Museum and Entoto Park.

Day 02

Fly to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls

Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.
Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
After you refresh, you will head to Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake.
You will have a boat trip to the monasteries.
After lunch, drive out to visit Blue Nile Falls.

Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 03

Drive to Gondar and Explore Its Historic Sites

After breakfast, continue to Gondar.
After settling into your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure of Fasil Castel and Debre Birhan Selassie Church, which has the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.

Overnight in Gondar.

Day 04

Fly to Lalibela and Visit the First Church Group

Flight from Gondar to Lalibela.
Upon arrival, visit the first group of Lalibela churches, located north of a small stream named the Jordan River. These churches were carved during the time of King Lalibela (1181-1221) and are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 05

Lalibela Churches and Ne'akuto Le'ab Excursion

After breakfast, take an excursion trip to the cave-built church of Ne'akuto Le'ab (13th Century AD), known for its vast collection of ancient crosses, manuscripts, and icons.
If it is Saturday, visit Lalibela's attractive weekly market.
After lunch, visit the second and third groups of churches in Lalibela, totalling about eleven rock-hewn churches organized into three groups.

Day 06

Fly to Axum and Explore Ancient Landmarks

Flight from Lalibela to Axum.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel before visiting the Northern Stelae Field to see the 4th-century obelisks.
Explore the ruins of Dungur (Queen of Sheba's Palace), and the tombs of ancient figures such as King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel.
Visit St. Mary's of Zion Cathedral, the fabled home of the Ark of the Covenant.

Overnight in Brana Hotel.

Day 07

Yeha Temple and the Churches of Hawzien

Drive to Hawzien, stopping at Yeha Temple on the way.
Visit Mariam and Daniel Korkor Churches, which are notable for their impressive architecture and huge, high ceilings supported by 12 free-standing pillars.

Overnight in Wukro Lodge.

Day 08

Visit Abune Yemata Guh and Return to Addis Ababa

Travel from Hawzien to Mekele to Addis Ababa.
In the morning, your driver will pick you up from your hotel.
Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, which requires a one-hour walk followed by a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif, using footholds and handholds chipped into the sandstone rock.
In the late afternoon, drive to Mekele and return to Addis Ababa.