10 Days Northern Ethiopia Historic Expedition

Overview

Embark on a fascinating 10-day journey through Northern Ethiopia, exploring its rich history, ancient civilizations, and stunning landscapes. This tour is designed to immerse you in the cultural and historical treasures of the region, from ancient churches and monasteries to UNESCO World Heritage sites and breathtaking natural wonders.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Morning: Fly into Bole International Airport. Meet and greet, then transfer to your hotel for check-in.
• Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch.
• Afternoon: City tour. Visit key landmarks such as the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Mercato Market.
• Evening: Welcome dinner. Experience traditional Ethiopian cuisine with live music and dance performances.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

• Morning: Flight to Bahir Dar: Take a domestic flight to Bahir Dar.
• Midday: Arrival in Bahir Dar: Transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch.
• Afternoon: Blue Nile Falls: Visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known as “Tis Issat” in Amharic.
• Evening: Dinner at the Hotel: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 3: Lake Tana Monasteries

• Morning: Boat Trip on Lake Tana: Explore the ancient monasteries on Lake Tana, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam.
• Midday: Lunch in Bahir Dar: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: City Tour: Visit the Bahir Dar market and take a panoramic view of the city from Bezawit Hill.
• Evening: Dinner at the Hotel: Relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel in Bahir Dar.
• Day 4: Bahir Dar to Gondar

Morning:

• Drive to Gondar: Depart for Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa,” famous for its medieval castles and churches.
• Midday: Lunch en route: Stop for lunch at a restaurant along the way.
• Afternoon: Royal Enclosure: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gondar’s Royal Enclosure, including Fasil Ghebbi and Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
• Evening:  Dinner at the Hotel: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Gondar.

Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park

• Morning: Drive to Simien Mountains: Explore the stunning Simien Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.
• Midday: Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch in the park.
• Afternoon: Hiking in the Park: Take a short hike to appreciate the natural beauty and scenic views of the Simien Mountains.
• Evening: Dinner at the Lodge: Relax and enjoy dinner at your lodge near the park.

Day 6: Axum

• Morning: Flight to Axum: Take a domestic flight to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire.
• Midday: Stele Park: Visit the famous Stele Park, home to towering obelisks and archaeological ruins.
• Afternoon: St. Mary of Zion Church: Explore St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• Evening: Dinner at the Hotel: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Axum.

Day 7: Lalibela

• Morning: Flight to Lalibela: Take a domestic flight to Lalibela, home to the magnificent rock-hewn churches.
• Midday: Lunch in Lalibela: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Rock-Hewn Churches: Explore the iconic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including Bete Giyorgis, Bete Medhane Alem, and others.
• Evening: Traditional Ethiopian Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural music and dance performances.

Day 8: Lalibela Continued

• Morning: Further Exploration of Churches: Visit additional churches and historical sites in Lalibela.
• Midday: Lunch in Lalibela: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Afternoon: Free Time: Explore Lalibela at your leisure or visit local markets.
• Evening: Dinner at the Hotel: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Lalibela.

Day 9: Lalibela to Addis Ababa

• Morning: Flight to Addis Ababa: Take a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.
• Midday: Lunch in Addis Ababa: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Addis Ababa.
• Afternoon: National Museum of Ethiopia: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see ancient artifacts, including the famous Lucy fossil.
• Evening: Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and dance performances.

Day 10: Departure

• Morning: Transfer to Airport: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Bole International Airport for departure.