Ethiopia is located in the ‘Horn of Africa’ along the northeast region of the continent and contains more than 70% of Africa’s mountains. Ethiopia, also known as the Cradle of Mankind, is home to the oldest humanoid on earth, the ancient Aksumite Empire, Ark of the Covenant, and countless historical museums and churches including Debre Birhan Selassie I Church.
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa, which means ‘New Flower’, is often referred to as the ‘Political Capital of Africa’ as it is the headquarters for the African Union. The flourishing capital of Ethiopia offers a variety of authentic restaurants, theaters and the burial grounds of Emperor Selassie I.
On this tour, you will travel throughout Northern Ethiopia celebrating the colourful festival of Epiphany, while exploring cultural, historical, and ecological sites in the areas of Bahir Dar, Debark, Gondar and ending in Lalibela before returning to Addis Ababa.
Domestic Transportation to Bahir Dar, Debark, Gondar and ending in Lalibela before returning to Addis Ababa
All Accommodations Included
Breakfast Included & select dinners
100% Full Time Away to Africa Guide
Paid Entry to ALL excursions included
All Domestic Transportation Included
https://www.squaremouth.com/22736
You are responsible for your own personal libations and entertainment
Are NOT included
Lunch & Some Dinners are your responsibility
After landing at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia, your private Away to Africa driver will transport you to your lodging.
Today you will have a relaxed day with a traditional Ethiopian meal and tea, so that you can rest yourself for tomorrow's activities.
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel
Today morning you will visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, and Merkato, which used to be the largest open-air market in Africa.
In the afternoon, you will visit Unity Park; located in the premises of the Grand Palace, composed of various historical, natural and cultural sites.
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel
Early morning flight to Bahir Dar, the city known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colourful flowers.
Upon arrival, take a boat ride on Lake Tana to access the 14th century monasteries where you will have a forest walk at Zeghe Peninsula and an hour biking to Bezawit Hill.
In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Niles Falls.
Accommodation: Avanti Blue Nile Resort
In the morning, take a 5 hour drive to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage- Simien.
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Spend the day discovering the park, which is an exotic place with unique wildlife, breathtaking views and a captivating combination of endemic species, superb scenery and traditional village life.
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
Take the morning drive to Gondar, a medieval city which was once the Ethiopian capital between the 17th and 19th centuries.
After lunch, visit the Royal Enclosure of Fasiledes, Fasil Bath and Debre Birhan Selassie Church, one of the finest in Ethiopia, with walls and ceilings covered in stunning ancient murals.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
Today you will celebrate the festival of Epiphany, which is celebrated and attended by crowds of people carrying lighted oil lamps. There is frenetic activity, including the ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and the burning of incense.
At dawn, the priest uses a ceremonial cross to extinguish a candle burning on a pole in a nearby river and inevitably, some of the congregations leap into the river.
This festival is very special in Gondar because King Fasiledas, the founder of Gondar, used his bath to rebaptize the people who changed their religion to Catholic during the reign of his father Susanyes, who had accepted the religion for the first time.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
This day is dedicated to the drive to Lalibela, along with stopovers in villages, viewpoints and local markets.
The small city of Lalibela is one of the most important pilgrimage places of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It is famed for its 11 Medieval churches, all of which are hewn into the rock.
Accommodation: Maribela Hotel
Today you will visit the northern group of Lalibela churches; one of the three groups where Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bete Denagl, Bete Debre Sina and Micheal are found.
Accommodation: Maribela Hotel
Early morning excursion to the top of Asheton Mariam Monastery.
Visit the rest of Lalibela Churches in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Maribela Hotel
Today you will make your return flight back to Addis Ababa.
Depending on the time of arrival, you will have free time to explore more sites in Addis before the cultural show dinner at one of the restaurants.
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel
Reflect on your amazing experience throughout Ethiopia before departing back home.