Ethiopia · Castles & Palaces

3-Day Bahir Dar and Gondar Historical Tour with Lake Tana Cruise

3 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the historical sites in Addis Ababa
02 Board a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit a 14th-century monastery in Bahir Dar
03 Walk through Tis Isat village to see the Blue Nile Falls
04 Explore the castles and churches built by Emperor Fasilides in Gondar

Sign up for a 3-day tour that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich history as you explore the lakeside charm of Bahir Dar and the royal heritage of Gondar. From serene boat rides on Lake Tana to the majestic Blue Nile Falls and the stunning castles of Gondar, each experience invites you to discover the cultural and historical treasures of Ethiopia.

From serene boat rides on Lake Tana to the majestic Blue Nile Falls and the stunning castles of Gondar, each experience invites you to discover the cultural and historical treasures of Ethiopia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Debre Birhan

Languages Dutch, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Bahir Dar and Cruise Lake Tana

Be met and transferred to your hotel.
Later, take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th-century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, the most famous of the Zege Peninsula monasteries.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 02

Blue Nile Falls, Market Visit, and Bahir Dar City Tour

In the morning, drive to the Blue Nile Falls. Drive back for lunch, and in the afternoon visit the market and the city.

Day 03

Drive to Gondar and Visit Castles and Churches

Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar (180 km, 3-4 hours), known as the Camelot of Africa.
After breakfast, begin your journey to Gondar. The royal capital of Ethiopia, Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas.
In the afternoon, visit the city of Gondar, including the castles and churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants.
Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity), with wonderful mural art, and Qusquam Church.
Overnight in Gondar.