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Ethiopia's Historic Route; 12 Days / 11 Nights
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View from inside one of Tigray's many rock-hewn churches.
Visitors must scale a cliff to see the ancient monastery of Debre Damo.
Tomb of King Kaleb in Axum.
Bedroom of Emperor Haile Selassie in the Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa.
Selling cloth at the Saturday market in Lalibela.
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Tour Itinerary HN11
Arrival Bole International Airport
Awaze Tours will meet all clients 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. 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 - (B, L, D) 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) 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 African 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 04 Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some light hiking in the afternoon in the park and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboon. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) Day 05 Simien Mountains - Axum
Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frequent stops at viewpoints along the way. Arrive in Axum late afternoon. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) Day 06 Axum
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 - Hawzein
Drive to the Ghiralta Lodge passing the Adwa battlefield, site of Emperor Menelik II's 1895 victory over the invading Italians. Visit the 2,500 year old ruins of Yeha, an ancient moon temple. Continue past Adigrat and visit Aba Gerima and Petros Paulos, two of the Tigray region's oldest and finest rock churches. * On this day, we will pass the 6th century monastery of Debre Damos which is perched atop a remote plateau. The monastery is only accessible using a rope and the monks will help pull visitors up the 20 - 25 meter cliff. However, we only recommend this for physically fit individuals. Women are not allowed on the grounds of the monastery, and therefore, it is not part of our regular tour itinerary. However, we can stop here for those on a custom or private tour. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) Day 08 Hawzein - Mekele
Visit more of Tigray's remote and ancient rock-hewn churches: Abraha Atsbeha, dating from the 10th century; the beautiful Wukro Chirkos; and Medhane Alem Kesho. Drive to Mekele.. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) Day 09 Mekele - Lalibela
Drive on a scenic road to Lalibela. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the terrace. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) Day 10 Lalibela
Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi- monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the 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) Day 11 Lalibela
For the morning we have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also 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) Day 12 Lalibela - 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:
Orthodox Church service in Addis Ababa.
The Royal Enclosure in Gondar is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Carved ceiling of Adi Kesho church in Tigray.
Entrance to underground passageway in Lalibela.
Deacons at a church school in Gondar.
Ancient hand-illustrated bible in a church in Lalibela.
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