After an early flight to Bahir Dar, we’ll take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a
selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.
We’ll see the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura
Kidane Mehret , as well as the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet
of the Blue Nile River .
In the afternoon, we’ll drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area
and finish our day with the breathtaking sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (resort or hotel).
After breakfast, we continue north to Gondar . The four-hour drive will take you
through rural villages , offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture . After
briefly settling in our hotel, we’ll explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to
the Royal Enclosure . We’ll visit Fasilidas’ Pool , still used for Timket celebrations
today, the Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church , with
the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
Overnight in Gondar (hotel).
We’ll catch an early morning flight to Axum where you’ll be met by your guide and
transferred to your hotel. Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum,
including the famous obelisks (including one that was recently erected after
being returned from Italy), the archeological museum , The Queen of Sheba’s
Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s inscription , 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. Although
unfortunately, only men are permitted to enter the old church, and no one
(except one specially chosen guardian monk ) is allowed to enter the chapel where
The Ark is kept.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela , the most famous of all of the Ethiopian
historical sites. After lunch, 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 and Bet Golgotha.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
In the morning, we’ll visit the church of Yemrehanna Kristos , the most popular of
the churches outside of Lalibela, built with layers of wood and granite and set in
the entrance to a large cavern. After the visit, we’ll return to Lalibela for lunch
and, in the afternoon, visit 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, Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab , set on the side of a cliff, before
proceeding to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa .
Summary:
Explore our rich past as you visit the main historical sites in the north of Ethiopia:
Bahir Dar , Gondar, Axum and Lalibela in 6 days using domestic flights.
