7-Day Ancient Ethiopian Adventure
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Overview
Experience sightseeing in Ethiopia, the only country in sub-Saharan Africa with tangible historical remnants stretching back to the ancient trading civilisations.
The trip features Northern Ethiopia historical circuit specifically to the ancient Axumite Kingdom, the rock churches of Lalibela, the medieval Gonder civilisations and to the beautiful town Bahirdar situated by the shore of Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile.
The trip features Northern Ethiopia historical circuit specifically to the ancient Axumite Kingdom, the rock churches of Lalibela, the medieval Gonder civilisations and to the beautiful town Bahirdar situated by the shore of Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Addis Ababa and Full-Day City Tour
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Be welcomed at Bole International Airport then transferred to your hotel. Addis is a colourful and vibrant city regarded by many as 'the African diplomatic capital'. After check-in, you will begin the city tour that includes the national and the ethnographic museums, Merkato, the largest open-air market, St George and Trinity cathedrals. Enjoy delicious Ethiopian cuisine and the great coffee that the country is known for.
Accommodation
Capital Hotel and Spa★5 star
Activities
Lion of Judah Statue
Ethnological Museum
National Museum of Ethiopia
Holy Trinity Cathedral
St. George Cathedral
Merkato Africa's Largest Outdoor Market
African Union Commission
Restaurants
Lucy Gazebo and Restaurant
Transportations
Private Driver from Addis Ababa Airport to Capital Hotel and Spa
Minivan from Capital Hotel and Spa to Mekude Bentylrgu Street
Meals
Lunch and dinner
Destinations
Addis Ababa
Day 2
Lake Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile Falls
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Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana and view a great variety of bird species and monasteries along the banks. In the afternoon, you will head towards the Blue Nile Falls, walking along a path to the falls and along the way pass through a village and see the locals going about their daily activities. The Blue Nile Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in East Africa.
Accommodation
Abay Minch Lodge★3 star
Activities
Lake Tana
Blue Nile Falls
Transportations
Plane from Addis Ababa Airport to Dechu mara
Off-Road from Bahir Dar to Blue Nile Falls
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Addis Ababa
Amhara
Bahir Dar
Day 3
Drive to Gondar and the Medieval Ethiopian Capital
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Gondar is an Ethiopian medieval capital that boasts a large royal enclosure containing grand castles, palaces, houses and outbuildings. King Fasiladas's palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of them. Gondar is known for a little church with its interiors completely covered in murals and on the ceiling looking down at you are over 130 curious painted faces.
Accommodation
Goha Hotel★3 star
Activities
Fasil Ghebbi
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Transportations
Private Driver from Bahir Dar to Gondar
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Bahir Dar
North Gondar
Gondar
Day 4
Explore Aksum - the Ethiopia's Oldest Capital
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The Aksumite kingdom numbered among the greatest civilisations of the ancient world who traded with distant lands such as Egypt, Arabia, Persia, India and Ceylon. You will be extremely impressed by the sheer number of ancient monuments, the accuracy of their forms and their incredible majesty. Tour Aksum's most famous locations and learn about one of the first written languages ever formed.
Accommodation
Sabean International Hotel★3 star
Activities
Obelisk of Axum
Archaeological Museum
Queen of Sheba's Palace
St. Mary of Zion Church
Transportations
Private Driver from Goha Hotel to Gondar Atse Tewodros Airport
Plane from Gondar Atse Tewodros Airport to Aksum Airport
Private Driver from Aksum Airport to Aksum
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
North Gondar
Central Tigray
Day 5
Lalibela - the Eighth Wonder of the World
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Continue sightseeing in Ethiopia with a visit to Lalibela, where you will get an impression of an ancient kingdom and some of the first Christian churches in the country. You will explore the 13th-century eleven monolithic churches, serving their religious purposes until today. The churches are intricately designed and sunk deep into the ground. This is one of the most spectacular sites in Ethiopia.
Accommodation
Lalibela Lodge
Activities
Bete Medhane Alem
Bete Maryam
Bete Giyorgis
Bete Amanuel
Bete Abba Libanos
Bete Gabriel-Rufael
Transportations
Plane from Aksum to Lalibela
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Central Tigray
Lalibela
North Wello
Day 6
Excursion to Yimrehanna Kirstos Church
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Today brings a full-day excursion to the very impressive church of Saint Yimrehane Kristos which is tied to the ancient kingdom of Aksum. Enjoy the two-hour journey passing local Ethiopian villages and experiencing traditional culture along the way. You'll return to your lodge and relax for the remainder of the day.
Accommodation
Lalibela Lodge
Activities
Yemrehana Krestos Church
Restaurants
Ben Abeba
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
North Wello
Amhara
Day 7
Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Farewell Dinner
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On your way to the airport, you will visit a church located in a cave a few hours drive from the town of Lalibela. Arrive around 2 pm in Addis Ababa where you will visit some of the city spots that you missed on your first day. Enjoy a farewell dinner before your departure.
Activities
Na'akueto La'ab Monastery
Restaurants
Habesha 2000 Restaurant
Transportations
Private Driver from Lalibela Airport to Lalibela
Plane from Lalibela to Addis Ababa
Private Driver from Airport to Addis Ababa
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
North Wello
Amhara
Addis Ababa
Included in Price
- 6 nights accommodation
- 23 activities
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
Not Included in Price
- Alcohol beverages
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
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Low season price starting fromAU$5,365
per traveller sharing Terms and Conditions
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Book this trip today with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before departure.
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