Historic North

Day 1
ADDIS ABABA
Guests arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and are met by a representative and are transferred to their hotel. After a short break, guests embark on a tour of Addis Ababa. The tour includes Entoto Hills; panoramic views of the city and the historic churches; the old Menelik Palace, which still has real artefacts; the National Museum of Ethiopia which houses important archaeological relics, and finally, to the vibrant Mercato, the largest open market in East Africa.
Overnight at The Magnolia Hotel or similar – Breakfast.

Day 2
BAHIR DAR
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Bahir Darr. After hotel check-in, depart to Tissisat Falls, source of the Blue Nile. Lunch at the hotel then an afternoon tour of the city followed by a visit to the village Woito, known for the production of Tankwa reed boats.

Then tour the old palace of Emperor Haile Selassie in Bezawit, then tour some of the local markets.
Overnight at the Abay Minch Lodge or similar – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

Day 3
GORGORA & GONDAR
After breakfast, the day begins with a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit monasteries of the 13th and 14th centuries. Built around the lake and on islands, they include Ura Kidane Mehret and Mariam Azewa churches at the Zeghe Peninsula, the church of Dek Stefanos, the church of Kibran Gabriel (closed to women) and, finally, the church of Narga Selassie. Picnic lunch on the boat, then onto Gorgora town, to visit the Debreseina Mariam church. Transfer is by road from Gorgora to Gondar city, 60km away.
Overnight at the Hotel Taye Belay or similar – Dinner and breakfast.

Day 4
GONDAR
After breakfast, depart the hotel for a full-day tour of Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasiladas. Visits to Fasil Gibbi (the Royal Enclosure), castles built by various emperors, the baths of King Fasilidas and the Debre Berhane Selassie Church whose walls and ceiling are completely covered in murals.

Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, guests will visit the ruined palace of Queen Mentowab and the Qusquam Mariam Church on a hill just outside the village.
Overnight at the Hotel Taye Belay or similar – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

Day 5
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, the tour goes to Simien Mountains National Park, a trip of 3-4 hours. Picnic type lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Sankaber region of the park. Here, the walia ibex, the endangered Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada baboon are endemic. Check in at Simien Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa, at 3 260m above sea level.
Overnight at the Simien Lodge – Dinner and breakfast.

Day 6
AKSUM
After breakfast, the tour departs early for Axum, crossing the Tekeze River canyon while staying in sight of the Simiem mountains. There is a picnic lunch on the way to Axum. Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the Consolar Hotel – Dinner and breakfast.

Day 7
AKSUM
After breakfast, guests tour the city of Axum. The tour will include visits to the church of Santa Maria de Sion, the granite monoliths of Axum, the tombs of the Kaleb emperors, and the Mai Shum also known as the Queen of Sheba baths.
Overnight at the Consolar Hotel – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

Day 8
LALIBELA
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport to catch a flight to the historic town of Lalibela. The series of churches carved into the rock are still in use and Lalibela is recognized as one of the greatest wonders in the world. After check-in at the hotel, guests will visit the churches of Beth Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Beth Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Denagel and Bet Medhane Alem. In the afternoon, they visit the Church of St George which can only be accessed by a tunnel. The rest of the day guests are free to explore the city.
Overnight at the Roha Hotel – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

Day 9
LALIBELA
After breakfast, an early morning drive to visit the 12th century church of Yemrehene Christos, built inside a cave with alternating levels of wood and stone. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Lalibela churches located south of the Jordan River.
Overnight at the Roha Hotel – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.

Day 10
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport for flight back to Addis Ababa. Arrival and transfer to the hotel for day-room use until 8pm. A farewell dinner is at one of the best traditional restaurants in the city, before being transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Inclusions

Accommodation: As specified
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Activities: As specified
Transfers: Arrival and departure airport transfers
Entrance fees: Park fees, churches and historic sites
Guide: Qualified English speaking driver-guide

Exclusions

All international / domestic flights and taxes
Visas
Travel and personal accident insurance
Personal expenses
Excursions / activities not specified
Gratuities