Gondar, Axum & Lalibela, Explore Africa, Tour program - Ethiopia

Itinerary

Program: Gondar, Axum & Lalibela

Tour Code: North 08

Duration: 5 Nights (6 Days)

Transportation: Air

Tour starts: Addis Ababa

Tour Ends: Addis Ababa

Day 1: Arrive to Addis Ababa

Morning, arrive to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport & meet with us and transfer and check-in hotel. Then City tour of Addis Ababa: driving to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto and drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological findings (including Lucy’s replica Skeleton). After lunch, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. Overnight –Hotel– Addis

Day 2: The Castles of Gondar

After breakfast; fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar & visit the Castles of emperor Fassiladas, his swimming pool, the empress Minitab’s Palace, the Banquet Room of Emperor Bakaffa… the 17 century church of Debre Birhan Sillassie (Light of Trinity). Overnight – at Goha Hotel or similar– Gondar

Day 3: The birth Place of Ethiopian History

Morning; fly from Gondar to Axum and explore the city of Axum. Axum is core point of the ancient Ethiopian history. The attractions of Axum include: the archaeological museum, monolithic steles, the tombs of King Kaleb, and the legendary Bath and the ruins of ancient palace of the Queen of Sheba, St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Ark of the Covenant. Almost all Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and some scholars believe firmly that the Ark of the covenant, the original Ark - made by God & given to prophet Moses then to Israelites is to be rested for centuries here in Axum, at the chapel in the middle of St Mary of Zion and Emperor Fassiladas’ Castle of Axum. There is a special festival on every 21 November (Ethiopian Calendar) or on about 30 November in European Calendar to glorify its present. The festival is known as Hidar Tsion/ Zion. Overnight – hotel – Axum

Day 4: Lalibela Churches

Morning, fly from Axum to Lalibela and visit the first group of six churches: 1.Bet Golgotha, 2.Bet Mikael, 3.Bet Mariam, 4.Bet Meskel, 5.Bet Danaghel and 6.Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem is the largest monolithic rock hewn church in the world, built like a Greek temple! In a corner there are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight – Hotel - Lalibela

Day 5: Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches

Early morning, Climb Asheten Mariam (optional) for a panoramic view of the region and a mountain Church named Asheten. After breathing on the top (more than 3000 m), descend down to Lalibela (at 2630m above sea level), one of the most fascinating historical sites of Ethiopia. After lunch and a short siesta, continue exploring the fascinating churches (Second group): 7.Bete Amanuel, 8.Bete Marqorewos, 9.Bete Abba Libanos, 10.Bete Gabriel -Rufael and 11. Bet Giyorgis is the most elegant of all Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the town on a sloping rock terrace. Also visit Nakuto Làabe Cave Church (5km from Lalibela). Overnight – at Roha or similar (3*) - Lalibela

Day6: Lalibela – Addis – Departure

Fly back to Addis Ababa. Dinner at best national restaurant with live multi tribal dances (Habesha Restaurant or Yod Abyssinia restaurant) & transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (end of the trip)

Notice: This itinerary can be amended up on request