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Our Destinations
$1,300/
Per PersonOverview
Northern Ethiopia is renowned for its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Key destinations include:
⦁ Lalibela – Famous for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem,” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ Axum (Aksum) – The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, home to towering obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, and believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
⦁ Gondar – Known for its 17th-century castles in the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), churches, and historic bath of Emperor Fasilides.
⦁ Simien Mountains National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning highland scenery and wildlife such as the gelada baboon and Walia ibex.
⦁ Bahirdar & Lake Tana – Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile and features ancient island monasteries; nearby, the Blue Nile Falls is a major natural attraction.
⦁ Mekele – Capital of the Tigray region and gateway to the Danakil Depression.
⦁ Danakil Depression – One of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth, known for its colorful sulfur springs, salt flats, and the Erta Ale lava lake.
These destinations form Ethiopia’s Historic Route, offering a unique blend of adventure, spirituality, and archaeology.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour & Fly to Bahir Dar
Morning (Arrival & City Tour): Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. After clearing customs, meet your guide and embark on a condensed city tour. Highlights typically include:
National Museum of Ethiopia: See “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil.
Holy Trinity Cathedral: A significant Ethiopian Orthodox church and burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Mount Entoto: A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city.
Afternoon: Transfer back to the airport for your domestic flight to Bahir Dar (BJR), a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Tana.
Evening: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 2: Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
Morning: Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of the ancient island monasteries. You’ll typically visit Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zege Peninsula, famous for its intricate murals. You’ll also spot pelicans and other birds on the lake.
Afternoon: Drive (approx. 1 hour each way) to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay). Note: The water volume can vary significantly depending on the season and upstream dam operations. Enjoy a short hike to a viewpoint of the falls.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Bahir Dar to Gondar (Road Travel)
Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar (approximately 3-4 hours).
Afternoon: Upon arrival and check-in, begin your exploration of Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the impressive castles, palaces, and banquet halls built by Emperor Fasiladas and his successors in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: Gondar Exploration & Drive to Simien Mountains (Sankaber)
Morning: Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its exquisite ceiling adorned with angels’ faces. Afterward, explore Fasiladas’ Bath, a large bathing pool used for the Timkat (Epiphany) festival.
Late Morning: Drive to Debark (approximately 2 hours), the headquarters town for the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, you’ll pick up your park permits, scout, and local guide.
Afternoon: Continue your drive into the park to Sankaber (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Take a short, acclimatizing walk around the Sankaber area, enjoying the stunning views of the dramatic escarpment and spotting your first Gelada baboons.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Simien Mountains (e.g., at Simien Lodge or a basic lodge near Sankaber).
Day 5: Simien Mountains – Flight to Lalibela (Very Long Day)
Morning: Enjoy a final, short walk around Sankaber to maximize your time with the views and Gelada baboons. This will be a very abbreviated Simien Mountains experience due to time constraints.
Late Morning: Drive back from Sankaber to Gondar Airport (GDQ) (approx. 3-4 hours drive including park exit procedures).
Afternoon: Take a domestic flight from Gondar (GDQ) to Lalibela (LLI). This flight may involve a connection in Addis Ababa, making it a long travel day.
Evening: Arrive in Lalibela, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Lalibela.
Day 6: Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches
Full Day: Dedicate the entire day to exploring the magnificent Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly one of the world’s architectural wonders.
Morning: Explore the Northern Group of churches (e.g., Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Meskel).
Afternoon: Explore the Eastern Group (e.g., Bet Amanuel, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Gabriel-Rufael). Conclude your visit with the iconic, cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), carved in a deep pit.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Lalibela.
Day 7: Lalibela – Fly to Addis Ababa & Departure
Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a final, brief visit to a specific church in Lalibela, or a visit to a nearby monastery like Asheten Mariam (requires a drive and mule trek, so only if you have ample time).
Late Morning/Mid-day: Transfer to Lalibela Airport (LLI) for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa (ADD).
Afternoon/Evening: Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, connect to your international departure flight, or transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay if your flight is the next day
Total Cost: $1300 pp
Inclusions
The tour price of $1300 per person generally includes:
✈️ Domestic Flights
⦁ Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar
⦁ Gondar → Lalibela (via Addis Ababa, if required)
⦁ Lalibela → Addis Ababa
🚐 Ground Transportation
⦁ Airport transfers in all cities
⦁ Private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver for overland travel:
⦁ Bahir Dar → Gondar
⦁ Gondar → Simien Mountains
⦁ Simien Mountains → Gondar Airport
🧭 Tour Guide Services
⦁ English-speaking professional local guides in each destination
⦁ Scout and local guide in Simien Mountains National Park
⦁ All entrance and park fees:
⦁ Lake Tana monasteries
⦁ Blue Nile Falls
⦁ Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure)
⦁ Debre Berhan Selassie Church
⦁ Fasilidas’ Bath
⦁ Simien Mountains National Park
⦁ Lalibela rock-hewn churches
🏨 Accommodation
⦁ 6 nights in comfort-class hotels/lodges with private bath:
⦁ 2 nights in Bahir Dar
⦁ 1 night in Gondar
⦁ 1 night in Simien Mountains (e.g., Simien Lodge or equivalent)
⦁ 2 nights in Lalibela
⦁ All hotel taxes and service charges are included
🍽️ Meals
⦁ Daily breakfasts throughout the tour
⦁ Full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in the Simien Mountains due to limited food service
⦁ Bottled water during excursions
🧾 Permits & Logistics
⦁ Park and community access fees
⦁ All government taxes and tourism levies
⦁ Coordination and logistics support throughout the tour
❌ Exclusions
The following are not included in the $1300 tour price:
🛫 International Travel
⦁ International flights to/from Addis Ababa
⦁ Ethiopian tourist visa fees (available on arrival or e-visa)
🧳 Personal Items
⦁ Travel insurance (required)
⦁ Sleeping bags (only needed if optional trekking overnight is extended in the Simien Mountains)
⦁ Snacks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks
💵 Tips & Gratuities
⦁ Tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff (customary but not compulsory)
🛍️ Optional Activities & Extras
⦁ Mule rental for Asheten Mariam Monastery visit in Lalibela (if time allows)
⦁ Photography or video camera fees (where applicable)
⦁ Optional hotel upgrades or single room supplements
⦁ Additional activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary
🏨 Addis Ababa Overnight (if needed)
⦁ Accommodation in Addis Ababa on the last day, if your international flight is the following day
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