Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains(25 of which are 12,000 feet high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The most famous volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Its small southerly crater is the only permanent lave lake on the planet.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian Church headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic Church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974. About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north.
Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
Early flight to Bahirdar. It takes 1hour and 30min, then transfer to your hotel. After briefly settling in your hotel direct drive 32kms South East of Bahirdar and walk up some distance and then proceed to visit the thundering “Tiss-Issat” fall which means Smoking Water in Amharic.
Drive back to your hotel for lunch. Afternoon, boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit
Ura Kidane Mihret and Zege Peninsula the most beautiful church anywhere in the Tana region. Set within bleak stone walls, the monastery was founded in the 14th century by a saint called Betre Maryam.
Kibran Gabriel : is founded in the 13th century by a hermit called Abuna Yohannis.
Dinner at your hotel. After dinner going to Cultural Night Club (Maskinko Bet) and overnight in Bahirdar.
DAY 2 : Baher Dar - Gonder
After breakfast, drive to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with its most famous ceiling picture in Ethiopia. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 3 : Gonder - Lalibela
In the morning, driving to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 4 : Lalibela
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – St.George. Lunch, dinner and overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 5 : Lalibela - Axum
Early in the morning, embark on a full day of drive to Axum. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 6 : Axum
Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 7 : Axum - Addis
Early in the morning, proceed to the air port for a return flight to Addis Ababa. Half day city tour of Addis. Dinner will be in traditional restaurant with cultural live music. Overnight in hotel or depart to your country.
