|
Ethiopian Holiday (A): The Historic North and Omo Valley;
14 Days / 13 Nights
14 Days / 13 Nights
Tour SummaryThis tour covers many of Ethiopia's most famous cultural and historical sites. We offer variations of this tour that are a bit shorter or longer. Let us know if you would like to see these options.
|
|
|
Arrival Bole International Airport Awaze Tours meets all guests arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time. For morning flight arrivals you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For afternoon or evening arrivals, you may begin your tour the following day. |
|
Tour Itinerary CO13a
Ethiopia's National Museum in Addis Ababa.
|
Day 01 Addis Ababa Visit Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Make a short drive to Entoto Hills for a view of the city and visit Maryam Church. En-route, stop at Sheromeda traditional cloth market. Visit the Mercato or the Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets. Overnight Hotel - (B, L, D) |
A traditional papyrus boat or "tankwa" on Lake Tana.
|
Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula. We will visit two of the following monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Bete Maryam. End the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River. Overnight Hotel Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
The Blue Nile Falls or "Tis Abey"
|
Day 03 Bahar Dar - Gondar
Morning excursion to "Tis Abey" the Blue Nile Falls. After lunch, drive to Gondar, north of Lake Tana. Overnight Hotel Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Royal Enclosure in Gondar.
|
Day 04 Gondar Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) |
|
Day 05 Gondar - Lalibela Following breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands to Lalibela. En route stop at the unique village of Awra Amba. Arrive in Lalibela to enjoy the sunset from your hotel terrace. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) |
|
Day 06 Lalibela Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic churches were carved directly into the stone mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process for baking injera (a staple food for much of Ethiopia.) Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) |
|
Day 07 Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Lake Langano Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 08 Lake Langano - Arba Minch Drive to Arba Minch (“Forty Springs”) located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. En route, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 09 Arba Minch - Jinka Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 10 Mago National Park Excursion Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 11 Jinka - Turmi Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 12 Omorate Excursion Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 13 Turmi - Konso Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
|
Day 14 Konso - Arba Minch - Addis Ababa
Drive from Konso to Arba Minch for flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed. (B, L, D) |
End of Tour
(Awaze Tours will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request.)
(Awaze Tours will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request.)
|
Inclusions
|
Exclusions
|
Terms
Payment Terms
Refund Terms
|
Request Information: |
|
Other Discover Ethiopia Tours
|
