Ethiopian Christmas 9 Days

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

Today, the short internal flight takes you over the rugged Ethiopian plateau to the historic town of Gondar, one of Ethiopia’s historical sites and famous for its 17th and 18th-century castles. Upon arrival at Gondar airport, you will meet your Local Guide and driver and transfer to your Accommodation. Gondar was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. After a lunch break, start exploring the sites of Gondar. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. Overnight in Gondar.

After breakfast, travel by road to the famous Simen Mountains via Debark town, the gateway to Simen Mountains National Park. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most dramatic scenery and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian Wildlife. This afternoon you will have easy walks (2-3 hours) and your guide take you to some awe-inspiring viewpoints. You will mostly walk on Afro-Alpine moorland which is the favored habitat of endemic Gelada Baboons. These friendly Baboons are known for their golden manes, bright pink breasts, and comical facial expressions. Finally, return back to Gondar and transfer to your Accommodation.

Depart to the famous lakeside city of Bahir Dar, located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is famous for its Blue Nile Fall and ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your reserved Hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a short excursion to the Blue Nile Falls or ‘Tis Isat’ in the local language Amharic, considered one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. Tis Isat, meaning ‘Water that smokes’, is an amazing sight, kicking up a thunderous wall of spray as it crashes over a 45-meter high cliff before being channeled into a frothing gorge. From the small village of Tis Abay, an impressive series of full-frontal viewpoints can be reached along a 1.5km footpath across the 17th century Alata Bridge. Finally, return back to Bahir Dar and transfer to your Accommodation.

In the morning, a boat sail on Lake Tana to visit Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Lake Tana is famous to be the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the famous Blue Nile River. You will visit, after a short walk, the monasteries of Ura Kidane Miheret and Azwa Maryam which are located on the Zege Peninsula and are famous for their beautiful mural paintings and ancient religious manuscripts. You will also visit, on the way back to Bahir Dar, the outlet of the Blue Nile River, Hippos, and some aquatic birds. After lunch and a short break, you will visit the colorful Bahir Dar Market, where you can see locals selling and buying products. End the day with a beautiful sunset view from Bezawit Palace.

Start a full-day scenic journey from Bahir Dar to Lalibela – the home of Ethiopia’s top sight and one of the world’s greatest historical and religious sites. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery, the countryside and meet the local people. On the way, stop at Awramba Community Village and learn their way of life. This is a self-sufficient community and follows four principles: respecting equality of women, respecting children’s rights, caring for the elderly, and avoiding bad deeds. They also add “Accepting all humans as brothers and sisters” on their list of principles. Arrive at Lalibela, home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination, late in the afternoon and transfer to your Accommodation.

Today, in the morning & afternoon, you will visit King Lalibela’s 11 rock-hewn churches referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’. The churches of Lalibela, built during the 12th century, are grouped into two parts. In the morning you will discover the first group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. In the afternoon, visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches, Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rafael. Finally discover Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church. After a short break at your accommodation, in the evening around 10pm, you will attend to the Ethiopian Christmas Eve ceremony with the pilgrims at Bete Mariam Rock Church. The ceremony starts at the night and continue into the early AM hours. The Ethiopian Orthodox priest and deacons chant throughout the night and the faithful clap to the drumbeat. During midnight, there will be a candle lighting ceremony to commemorate the birth of our lord Jesus Christ. Then priests form a line start dancing to show King David’s dance. Enjoy the ceremony until the end through the night or return back to your accommodation.

Another full day in Lalibela. Today’s visit takes you to the churches located outside of Lalibela town. After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrhane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Aksumite Kingdom architectural techniques are visible. It is similar to the 7th-century monastery at Debre Damo in Tigray, with alternating levels of wood and stone. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. Afterward, short drive or hike up to the rock church of Asheten Mariam, a monastery that houses ancient parchments and crosses. It sits on the 3,150-metre-high Abune Yosef Mountain that overlooks the town of Lalibela. You will pass through small villages on the way up and there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the mountain where the church is located. Return to the town and you will have dinner with a beautiful sunset.

Transfer to Lalibela Airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. Lunch and time for shopping in Addis Ababa. Then you will be transferred to the hotel to prepare your luggage and get ready for your return flight back home. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant. Finally, your driver will take you to Bole International Airport and take your flight back home. Your Ethiopian Adventure ends here.