Ethiopia's Historic Route:
7 Days / 6 Nights

Tour Itinerary HN06

Arrival Bole International Airport

If you are arriving the day before your tour, Awaze Tours will meet you at the airport regardless of arrival time. We can book this hotel night for you upon request. If you arrive in the morning on the first day of the tour, you may begin after checking into your hotel.

Religious paintings at the Ethnographic Museum in Addis Ababa.

Day 01 Addis Ababa

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - ( Lunch, Dinner included)

The Bahar Dar Market.

Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D included)

The ceiling of Debre Birhan Selassie.

Day 03 Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to 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)

Orthodox priest in Lalibela.

Day 04 Gondar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines. 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.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Mt. Asheton, Lalibela.

Day 05 Lalibela

For the morning we have two options: Take a morning hike with mules to the 13th century rock-hewn monastery of Mount Asheton. The walk provides wonderful views of Lalibela and the surrounding countryside. - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Axum's Saturday basket market.

Day 06 Lalibela - Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 07 Axum - Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the National Museum, home of the 3.18 million year old skeleton "Lucy." Optional souvenir shopping in the afternoon. 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.)

For information and pricing: HN06