Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

   • Arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your local guide.

   • Take a city tour visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia, Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.

   • Explore Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city and insights into its early history.

   Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.

2. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Axum

   • Fly to Axum in the morning and meet your driver at Axum International Airport.

   • Check in to your hotel and take a short rest.

   • Visit the Stele Park, Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by Ethiopians to house the original Ark of the Covenant.

   • Explore the Palace of Queen Sheba and other ancient treasures of Axum.

   Overnight stay at a hotel in Axum.

3. Day 3: Axum to Adigrat via Yeha and Debre Damo

   • Have an early breakfast and drive to Adigrat.

   • Stop at the ancient Sabean settlement of Yeha Temple, dating between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, known for its moon temple dedicated to the god Almuqah.

   • Continue to Debre Damo Monastery, accessible only by rope climbing and open to male visitors.

   Overnight stay at a hotel in Adigrat.

4. Day 4: Adigrat to Hawzien via Tesfa Cluster Churches

   • Drive to the Tesfa Cluster to visit ancient rock-hewn churches such as Medhanialem Adi Keshu, Paulos, and Petrous.

   • Continue the journey to Hawzien.

   Overnight stay at a hotel or lodge in Hawzien.

5. Day 5: Rock-Hewn Churches of Gheralta Mountains

   • Spend the day exploring the Gheralta Mountain rock-hewn churches, many of which are located on cliff faces and accessed by footholds and hand grips carved into the rock.

   • Visit Mariam Korkor, Daniel Korkor, and Abune Yemata Guh, known for their stunning views and unique architecture.

   Overnight stay at a hotel or lodge in Hawzien.

6. Day 6: Hawzien to Mekele

   • Leave Hawzien and drive to Mekele, Ethiopia’s second-largest city with a population of around one million.

   • Visit the rock-hewn churches of Abreha and Atsbeha, Wukro Cherkos, and other churches in the Gheralta region.

   Overnight stay at a hotel in Mekele.

7. Day 7: Mekele to Addis Ababa and Departure

   • Take an early breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

   • Spend the remaining time shopping and engaging in leisure activities.

   • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional Ethiopian dishes and folkloric dances.

   • Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.