Explore the fascinating Historical sites of North of Ethiopia to have the best cultural Experience and to discover ancient historical sites of the country
Day 1 Addis Ababa to Bahir dar
Drive from Adis Ababa to Bahir dar through Sululta plain with a scenic landscape of the Ethiopian highland. The drive will take us from Shewa region to Gojam region. We will have a stop at Debrelibanos where you will visit the Portuguese bridge and see the Jema Valley. Crossing on the dramatic landscape of the Blue Nile Gorge which is comparable to the Grand Canyon of America with a Depeth of more than 1000 M.
Overnight in Hotel. Bahir dar
Day 2 Bahir dar
Early in the morning, after breakfast, walk to the port of Lake Tana to take a boat to the monastery of Ura Kidanmhiret. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, it has a refreshing air, water birds, hippos and dozens of islands. After arriving at Zegie peninsula, we take a 30 minutes walk through the forest and coffee plantation, to reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, famous for its beautiful wall paintings and sacred religious manuscripts. On Lake Tana, we will try to find hippos. After lunch, you will drive 30 km to the Blue Nile Falls. If it is not the rainy season, we will visit the town of Bahir dar.
Overnight in Hotel. Gondar
Day 3 Gonder ( Bahir dar – Gondar )
After Breakfast we drive to Gondar. The drive will take about 4 hrs. on a beautiful landscape of the countryside. Gondar city tour which includes the of the Royal Enclosure, featuring castles and buildings built by a succession of Ethiopian Emperors beginning in the early 17th century. After lunch we will Visit Debre Birhan Selassie church (Trinity) famous for its religious paintings and iconic ceiling depicting many angels. Drive in the center of Gondar to Swimming pool of King Fasil.
Overnight in Hotel. Gondar
Day 4 Simein Mountain Day Trip
Today you will leave early in the morning for the Simien Mountains. You will pass through the village of Woleka or Felasha, where Ethiopian Jews lived before leaving for Israel. Arrive at the Debark park office to pick up your entry permit, scout and guide. Mount Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Natural Site recognized for its scenic landscapes, rare flora and fauna.
We will make a short trek along the mountain escarpment overlooking the beautiful valley. We will see many Gelada baboon, an endemic species to Ethiopia After a short trek through the beautiful landscape and a break for a picnic lunch, we will return to Gondar.
overnight Hotel. Gondar
Day 5 Lalibela
in The morning Fly to Lalibela. Where you will visit churches, that are carved into a rock bed. These churches dated from the 13th century and were built by the Ethiopian king Lalibela. He is considered a saint by the Ethiopian Christians. Lalibela built these 11 magnificent churches carved into a bed of volcanic rock after seeing a dream. He wanted this church complex to be the second Jerusalem. The most famous is the Church of St. George, with its iconic cross shape. Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in the world.
Overnight in Hotel. Lalibela
Day 6 Axum
After breakfast, drive to the airport for the flight to Axum. Axum was the capital of the Axumite kingdom and the home of an ancient civilization. Axum is the Holiest city for Ethiopian Christians. The original Ark of the Covenant is found in Axum, in a small chapel inside the Zion Mary Church. Visit the ancient fields of Stelea, the archaeological museum, the tombs of the kings, the archaeological sites and the Zion Mary Church in Axum.
Overnight in Hotel. Axum
Day 7 Drive Axum to Gheralta mountain
In the morning drive from Axum to Gheralta through the picturesque landscape of Tigray. Although the rock churches of Lalibela are the most beautiful, the rock churches of northern Tigray are equally beautiful.
nn the way we make a side trip to Visit-Yeha Temple, Yeha was a religious center of the kingdom before Axum. It has Archaeological sites and a 2500 years old The Yeha Temple. A newer church built near the temple.
After lunch, in the city of Adwa we continues driving to Gheralta mountains.
– based on our time we can visit Abune Yemata Ghu chucrh: this is the most inaccessible church and famed as a church on the sky by BBC. The church is dated back to the 6th c. and it is very small chapel, but with wonderful wall Paintings.
To reach the magnificent rock churches of Abune Yemata Ghu, you have to climb an 8 meter long rock face. The climb to the church is very scary, but the view from the top is worth it. It is not only about the church, it is about the rock climbing experience, the Adrenaline it requires, and the Stunning view it has. It is a lifetime experience and one of the highlights of our tours.
Overnight Hotel or Lodge in Hawzen
Day 08: Gheralta
In the morning after breakfast we go to The Gheralta mountain Massive. Where we will look for another beautiful churches hidden in the most inaccessible part of the mountain. These churches are on a vertical cliff. It may need climbing and trekking to reach. Based on your strength, we can cover the most beautiful and accessible to you.
We can trek to Mariam Korkur and Daniel Korkur Churches, which are on Top of the Gheralta Mountain Massive. It takes 1:30 hrs. Long trekking. The church is one of the biggest and beautiful in the Gheralta region. It has a striking view of the surrounding area and mountains.
Overnight Hotel or Lodge in Hawzen
Day 9 Gheralta – Mekele – Addis Ababa
After a relaxed morning depending on your flight we will drive to Mekele.
on The way make a side trip to Abrah WeAstibeha Church: the Biggest and beautiful Rock hewn church of Tigray. It is built by King Ezan, and his Twin Brother in the 4th century.
Drive to Mekelle
Fly from mekele to Addis Ababa
End of Tour