Explore the world with tourHQ
Ethiopia · Religious & Spiritual
The journey
Join this 4-day Timket Ethiopian Epiphany tour in Addis Ababa and Gondar, where you will witness the sacred Tabots processions, attend vibrant Mass services, experience holy water blessings, and take part in swimming or washing in the holy water. Explore historic and religious landmarks including Mount Entoto, Trinity Cathedral, St. George Church, the Royal Enclosure, and the Bath of King Fasilides, while immersing yourself in Ethiopia's rich culture and colorful festival celebrations.
Participate by swimming or washing in the holy water.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to the hotel.
Spend the day exploring the city with visits to Mount Entoto, Trinity Cathedral, St. George Church, and Markato Market.
Overnight at the hotel.
Have breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar.
After check-in at the hotel, enjoy a city tour visiting the Royal Enclosure, Trinity Church with its famous mural paintings, and the Bath of King Fasilides, where the Epiphany celebration takes place.
In the afternoon, proceed to the city center to meet the Ark of the Covenants and walk with the people to the swimming pool, where the Arks spend one night.
In the late evening, around 06:00 PM, the Tabots arrive at their final temporary tent.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up at 05:00 AM and drive to the swimming pool to attend the Mass service and church processions.
Witness high clergymen performing vibrant chanting around the holy cistern and the Archbishop blessing the water and splashing it over the crowds.
Participate by swimming or washing in the holy water.
Around 06:30 AM, observe all the Arks (Tabots) being carried back to their respective churches with dancing and chanting.
In the late afternoon, the main ceremony ends, but the feast continues for the following days.
Overnight at the hotel.
Fly back to Addis Ababa and continue with city tours and other activities.
Enjoy dinner at a cultural restaurant before transfer to the hotel or airport for departure.
Where this trip takes you
Mount Entoto, Trinity Cathedral, St. George Church, Bath of King Fasilides
The route
The fine print
Room (3*-4* hotel)
English speaking guide service
Meals on a full-board basis
All entrance fees
Car rental
Fuel expenses
Driver allowance
Local guides payment
Water as needed
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Government tax and other fees
Local and international air tickets
Shopping expenses
Any other personal expenses, such as cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and similar items
Tips and gratuities
Note that this trip can be extended to other destinations such as the Historic Route, Omo Valley tribes, Simien Mountains National Park, Danakil Depression, and more.
Camera and video equipment
Smoking cigarettes is forbidden within the compound of every Ethiopian Orthodox church.
Please remove your shoes and hat when entering the churches.
Women are advised to cover their hair when visiting the churches.
This trip should be booked at least two months in advance to avoid overbooking of hotels and domestic flights to Gondar.
Logistics
Your 4 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
Estimated room rates
When
Travellers
Total
—
