Ancient Civilizations, Breathtaking Landscapes, and Spiritual Wonders
Tour Summary
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Route: Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar → Gondar → Simien Mountains → Axum → Lalibela → Addis Ababa
- Tour Type: Culture & History, Private or Small Group
- Best Time to Travel: October – March
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
- Meet and greet at Bole International Airport
- City tour including the National Museum, home of Lucy
- Panoramic views from Mount Entoto
- Welcome dinner with cultural music show
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight or Drive)
- Morning flight or scenic drive to Bahir Dar
- Boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit 14th-century island monasteries
- Sunset at the viewpoint of Bezawit Hill
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Blue Nile Falls – Gondar
- Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) – short hike and photo opportunity
- Drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s former royal capital
- Explore the royal enclosure and Fasil Ghebbi Castles (UNESCO)
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
- Drive to Simien Mountains
- Half-day trek or scenic drive in the park
- Spot Gelada baboons, Walia ibex (rare), and dramatic cliff views
Overnight: Lodge or eco-camp in Debark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Simien Mountains – Axum
- Scenic drive to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital
- Stop for photos along dramatic mountain passes
- Optional evening rest or cultural walk
Overnight: Hotel in Axum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full Day in Axum
- Visit the legendary Axum Obelisks and royal tombs
- Explore Queen of Sheba's palace ruins
- See the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant
Overnight: Hotel in Axum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Axum – Lalibela (Flight or Drive)
- Flight to Lalibela or full-day scenic drive (based on package)
- Relax and enjoy views of the Lasta mountains
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Full day exploring the world-famous 11 rock-hewn churches (UNESCO)
- Visit Bet Giyorgis (St. George), the most iconic church
- Optional traditional coffee ceremony or local music show
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Optional Hike to Asheton Maryam or Yemrehanna Kristos
- Choose between a hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery or a visit to Yemrehanna Kristos cave church
- Afternoon at leisure or visit a local family
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Departure
- Morning flight back to Addis Ababa
- Free time for shopping or visiting local galleries
- Farewell dinner before airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour Includes
- All accommodations in handpicked hotels/lodges
- Domestic flights (where applicable)
- 4x4 or minibus ground transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to all sites and parks
- Daily meals as listed
- Bottled water throughout the trip
Tour Excludes
- International airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
Customize This Tour
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