Historical Route by surface, 12
days
If
you are the type of person who would enjoy exploring Ethiopia by surface, then
this tour is for you. This tour takes you to all the important historical sites
of northern Ethiopia without flying. You will enjoy the extraordinary natural
beauty and meet the fascinating people of the country.
Day 1 Addis Ababa
Our
guides will meet you and you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. We
will spend the first day in Addis Ababa. Depending on your time of arrival we
will take you on a half day or full day city tour to visit some sites; like the
Ethnographic Museum, National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, Mercato (the largest
market in Africa) and the Entoto Hills just outside Addis Ababa.
Day 2 Addis Ababa
- Bahir Dar
We
will have an early breakfast in Addis Ababa before heading for a long drive to
the north. This journey leads us through the rolling hills of the Ethiopian
Highlands where a lot of agricultural activity is carried out. We will enjoy
the natural beauty of the Blue Nile Gorge on the way before reaching Bahir Dar.
Day 3 Bahir Dar
After
an early breakfast we will drive for about an hour to reach the small village
of Tiss Isat. We will cross the Nile by the 17th century Portuguese Bridge and
walk to the falls, meeting local villagers and admiring the Blue Nile Fall
along the way. We will then cross the Nile back by a small boat. We will then head
back to Bahir Dar for lunch and in the afternoon go on a boat trip on Lake Tana
to explore some of the beautiful churches.
It takes about an hour by boat to reach Zeghe
Peninsula. Once there we will visit the famous church of Uhre Kidane Mehret. We
will then enjoy a walk on the forested peninsula to the other churches and
might even meet monkeys and exotic birds on the way. On the other side of
peninsula, a boat will take us to Kibran Gabriel Island (unfortunately women
are not allowed). Before going back to Bahir Dar the boat will take us to the
source of the Blue Nile where you can see water birds hippos and the beautiful
sunset.
Day 4 Bahir Dar -
Gondar,
We
will head to Gondar today. We will spend the afternoon visiting the best sites;
the Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas Bath and Debre Berhan Selassie - the church with
the angel faces painted on the ceiling.
Day 5 Gondar -
Simien Mountains
The
Simien Mountains is our next stop. After lunch we will spend the afternoon enjoying
the natural beauty of the Simien Mountains. We can explore the park on foot or
by car. It is almost guaranteed that you will see the gelada baboon at least
once.
Day 6 Simien
Mountains - Axum,
A
long but spectacular drive takes us to Axum. Just outside Debark we will start
our journey down the Italian-built Lima Limo road until we finally cross the
Tekeze River gorge. The scenery there is just spectacular.
Day 7 Axum
In Axum, we will take you in the
footsteps of the famous Queen of Sheba and Ezana, the emperor who converted to
Christianity. You will see the spectacular stelae of Axum and visit the Maryam
of Tsion churches which unfortunately is not open to woman. Many more sites are
available or you can experience the rest of the day visiting other sites or
have a leisure time.
Day 8 Axum -
Mekele,
Today
we continue our journey through the breathtaking scenery of Tigray. We will visit the Yeha Temple
- the oldest structure found in Ethiopia on the way. A small detour then leads
us to the Abreha Atsheba church - one of the best examples of the rock-hewn
churches of Tigray. It is also possible to visit Debre Damo, the monastery on
the top of a cliff only accessible by a 15 meter long rope and unfortunately open
for men only.
Day 9 Mekele -
Lalibela,
A
long but mesmerizing drive takes us to the best part of your visit to Ethiopia
- Lalibela. If the day goes as planned we
might have time to visit Yemrehane Kristos church en route.
Day 10 Lalibela
The
12th century rock-hewn churches are the legacy of King Lalibela. History says
that it’s his visit to Jerusalem that inspired him to build the 11 churches. Therefore
to take it all in, we need a full day to get a good impression of these truly
amazing places of worship. It is also possible to add additional days to
explore more of Lalibela, excellent hiking opportunities are available.
Day 11 Lalibela -
Kombolcha,
We
take a full day today to drive to Kombolcha today. If arrival day is Sunday, we
suggest to add one more day to the tour so that you can visit the Bati Market
on Monday.
Day 12 Kombolcha -
Addis Ababa,
Our
last day brings us back to Addis Ababa. A hotel room for day-use is available. We
will then say goodbye to you by taking you out to a cultural restaurant to
enjoy Ethiopian food, traditional music and dance from all over the country.
After diner we will take you to the airport for your flight back home.