"Ethiopia: A Timeless Journey Through Heritage, Highlands & Meskel Fire"

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  your birthday and the festival of Meskel, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine theGreat, in 326 AD. Thousands of Orthodox Christians gather in the square, singing hymns and encircling a towering bonfire that symbolizes the historic revelation.
Meskel is not only a profound spiritual observance, it's global significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which inscribed Meskel as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

After landing at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia, your private Away to Africa driver will transport you to your lodging for some rest and relaxation.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

 Today you shall go on a city tour of Addis Ababa that includes:-

• Merkato: It is the largest open-air market in Africa

• National Museum: It comprises of many archaeological and historical findings

• Mount Entoto: It is the highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meters, which was the site for the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa

• Weaving: This is the making cultural clothes with different designs in a traditional way

Afterwards you shall go for a welcome dinner hosted by Away To Africa.

Breakfast and Welcome Dinner Included

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to the lake side city of Bahir Dar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Then we head out on Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its famous monasteries. After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, we reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret, home to an important collections of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century.

In the afternoon, make excursion to the Blue Nile Falls. The Blue Nile Falls is considered by many as one of the most spectacular falls in Africa.

In the evening, after unwinding from the day’ s activities, celebrate your

birthday with refined elegance at your resort’s exclusive lakeside terrace,

just steps from the tranquil shore. Immerse yourself in the open-air ambiance,

savor the gentle breeze drifting off the water, and admire the brilliance of

the starlit sky — all perfectly complemented by a glass of fine wine for a

truly unforgettable experience.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort & Spa Lake Tana 

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.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Goha Hotel

Drive to Simien Mountain National Park admiring the amazing landscape which makes Ethiopia to be called the roof of Africa and some wildlife like Gelada Baboon, bleeding heart baboon, clip springer, bush buck and birds.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Simien Lodge

After breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, enjoying the spectacular view of the landscape and trying to spot some of the endemic wild animals like Red Jackal and Walia Ibex. 

Afterwards we shall drive back to Gondar.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Goha Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Lalibela. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the first group of churches which represent the earthly Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem (Saviour church), Bete Miriam, Bete Denagel, Bete Meskal, Debra Sina, and Bete Golgotha.

Standing 38 feet tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, but it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Maribela Hotel

In the morning, you will visit Yemirehana Kiristos. The church is one of Ethiopia's best preserved late Axumite churches, and is named after a twelfth-century Zagwe priest-king and saint.

In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. These are Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. 

End your day with a visit to Bete Giorgis (St. George), a cross-shaped church which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s ark.

All meals Included

Accommodation: Maribela Hotel

Today you will make your return flight back to Addis Ababa.

After refreshing at your hotel, proceed to Meskel Square to witness one of

Ethiopia’s most revered religious and cultural events—the Meskel festival.

Celebrated annually on the eve of Meskel, the festival commemorates the

discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the

Great, in 326 AD. Thousands of Orthodox Christians gather in the square,

singing hymns and encircling a towering bonfire that symbolizes the historic

revelation.

Meskel is not only a profound spiritual observance, it's global significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which inscribed Meskel as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa 

Reflect on your amazing experience throughout Ethiopia before departing back home.

Breakfast Included