10 days / 9 nights

• A rarely visited destination
• Monasteries and ancient castles
• Simien Mountain trekking
• The oldest city in Ethiopia, legendary home to the Ark of the Covenant and the Queen of Sheba
• Private home coffee ceremony
• Ancient rock-hewn churches

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Addis Ababa

A warm welcome to the capital of Ethiopia. Private transfer to your hotel (D).
Sheraton Addis

Day 02 Addis Ababa

Exploration of the city – visit the National Museum, home to the fossilised hominid ‘Lucy’, St. George and Holy Trinity Cathedrals and for those keen to see a ‘real’ African market take a walk through the largest mercato in Africa (B,L,D).
Sheraton Addis

Day 03 Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

A short flight with your guide takes you to the shores of Lake Tana, at Bahir Dar. Life revolves around the lake, where you find the local fisherman fishing in traditional papyrus reed boats. An afternoon hike takes you to the beautiful ‘Tis Isat Falls’, also known as the Blue Nile Falls (B,L,D).
Tana Hotel

Day 04 Bahir Dar – Lake Tana – Gondar

A full day of exploration as you cruise from south to north on Lake Tana. Visit a selection of the remote island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret with its beautiful frescoes and the stunning island setting where time has stood still at Narga Selassie monastery. Once on the northern lake shores visit the Church of Debre Sina and drive through wheat fields into the old mountain capital of Gondar (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel

Day 05 Gondar

Gondar has a rich history, with its beautiful and strategic mountain setting. Once the crossroad of several major caravan routes, the 17th century capital was also occupied by the Italians during World War II. Today the Art Deco buildings left behind surround the Royal Enclosure with its medieval castles and churches. This afternoon explore the castles and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its angel painted ceiling. Make sure you are back at your hotel in time to watch the sunset from the terrace! (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel

Day 06 Simien Mountains National Park

An amazing day as you travel to the Simien Mountains National Park. Incredible mountain scenery which will literally take your breath away at an altitude of 3,300m above sea level. Hike along the mountain trails to take in the endless vistas as your guide explains the unique flora of this mountain region. If you are lucky you may also cross paths with a troop of the Gelada Baboon, a unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains (B,L,D).
Goha Hotel

Day 07 Gondar-Axum

A flight further north takes you to the oldest city in Ethiopia and legendary Queen of Sheba’s ancient kingdom, Axum. This afternoon explore the city. Visit the museum, the impressive Stelae fields and also the grounds of the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant (B,L,D).
Remhai Hotel / Yeha Hotel

Day 08 Axum-Lalibela

Fly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela – the Jerusalem of Ethiopia and Africa’s own ‘Petra’. A fitting finale to your Ethiopian adventure, explore the monolithic, red-coloured churches, incredibly carved into the rock. Your guide will lead you through the network of crevices and tunnels linking each of the churches. The churches are still in use today, step inside and you will see the priest in his holy robe who will display his splendid Ethiopian crosses (B,L,D).
Roha Hotel

Day 09 Lalibela

Today your guide takes you to the eastern group of rock churches, smaller in size, these are by no means any less impressive with intricate carvings and many dark tunnels to explore! Travel outside town to the Nakutelab rock hewn Church, built into the side of a hill in a natural cave. Finish your afternoon with a visit to a private home to participate in an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (B,L,D).
Roha Hotel

Day 10 Lalibela-Addis Ababa

Fly back to Addis Ababa with your guide where your Ethiopian journey ends (B,L).

Optional Extensions

Explore the accommodation options outlined in this itinerary or combine your journey with A&K’s fantastic Africa extensions below.

African Extensions
Sanctuary Lodges & Camps

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: Daily