Day 1: On arrival Addis Ababa GLT representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral (The church is constructed in 1955 for the 25 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years) .In the afternoon after lunch you will visit Ethnological museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie then proceed to Mountain Entoto for panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel or similar
Day 2: Through turbulent landscapes and a succession of high plateaux, long journey towards the north of the country to reach the city of Bahar Dar. On the way, visit of the Orthodox monastery of DebreLibanos, one of the most prestigious of Ethiopia, founded in the thirteenth century. Then pass by the impressive gorges of the Blue Nile. In the late afternoon, arrive at Bahar Dar, a pleasant town on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, in the north-west of the country. Overnight hotel
Day 3: Morning after breakfast take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to the Blue Nill falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight hotel
Day 3: You will be driven to Gondar through country side .Then you will check into a hotel and after a brief break, you will have lunch. Then, you will visit to the Royal Castles & the Bath of Emperor Fasiledes (the bath is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year. You will continue your visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity at the Mount of Light), the Castle of Empress Mintewab, and Kuskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Overnight hotel
Day 5: After breakfast departure early to join the Simien National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain massifs of Africa, beautiful walk between Sankaber (3250 m) and the great waterfall of Jinbar. The path progresses along the immense escarpment, first in a slight climb before starting a descent down to the waterfall. Along the way, a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. Among the animal species endemic to these high plateaus, we can easily observe some colonies of geladas baboons … After a last journey by the track. Overnight hotel
Day 6: Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire, today modest town yet with great history and memory. On the road you would enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes in the country. Frequent stops to appreciate viewpoints of Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge, arrive in Axum late in the afternoon. Overnight hotel
Day 7: Morning after breakfast start visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, 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 hotel
Day 8: After breakfast, depart on a morning flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, you will be met by our tour guides, drive to a hotel where you will check and rest for few minutes. Your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela, The first group of Lalibela Churches includes: Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagl and Bete Golgotha Michal, the second group of Lalibela Churches that includes: Bete Gebral, Bete Merquros, Bete Emanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos and the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church. Overnight hotel
Day 9: Morning, drive to visit Yimrehane Kristos, 11th century Monastery, which is located on the hillside of Abune Yosef, which is 42 km by road ( 1 hour drive and trek 20 minutes to the church . It is a built up a cave church under a natural cave and it is internally and externally decorated with wood carving and paintings on its ceiling. There is a separate building that is situated in front of the main church building, which is believed to be the palace of King Yimrehane Kristos. Back to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon free time. Overnight hotel
Day 10: In the morning transfer to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa, visit Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets and enjoy shopping in the city. Evening we will have fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurant for cultural dances from the different ethnic groups.
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