14-days
historical tour
magnificent history.rich heritage
Summary: Historical tour of Ethiopia
Duration: 14 days
Fabulous scenery and rich heritage: Africa’s most fascinating and varied country. Mysterious, deeply traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Ethiopia is unlike any other country in Africa. Its location at the confluence of civilisations and important trade routes means it developed a rich history and heritage still strongly felt today. This ancient culture is framed within the rugged beauty of some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. Discover monasteries, castles, mountains and rock-hewn churches on this short yet comprehensive trip. This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement. Walk to the top of Tississat Falls, the Water that Smokes.
Axum – Obelisks, temples and palaces in the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant.
Visit Gondar’s castles and Axum’s stelae
Discover Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches
Admire the splendour of the Simien Mountains
Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival Addis Ababa 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
Day 2
Morning drive back to Ankober via Debre Birhan, another former imperial capital to visit Menelik the II Palace and walk to explore the Bird &wild life watching from marvelous views over the escarpment of Anokober Overnight hotel
Day 3
Morning drive back to Debre Birhan and continue to Dessie, on the way you pass the Mezezo escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market. Overnight hotel
Day 4
Make a day excursion to the fascinating Gishen Mariam church. The views are unique, with the church situated in a valley with the shape of a cross. Legend says a piece of the True Cross is deposited here. The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which, by a Christian tradition are believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to post-Nicene historians such as Socrates Scholastics, the Empress Helena, Mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, travelled to the Holy Land in 326-28, founding churches and establishing relief agencies for the poor. Historians Gelasius of Caesarea and Rufinus claimed that she discovered the hiding place of three crosses that were believed to be used at the crucifixion of Jesus and of two thieves, St.Dismas and Gestasexcutedith him and that a miracle revealed which of the three was the True Cross. Overnight Dessie hotel ps: You need 6-7 hrs walking.
Day 5
After breakfast drive to Lalibela through the Ethiopian dramatic landscap. Enroute visit the 13th century of Hayk to visit the 13th century Monastery of Hayk Istifanos, Overnight hotel
Day 6
Full day to discover the treasures of Lalibela; 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: BeteMedhanialem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskel, BeteDenagl and Bete Golgotha Michal, the second group of LalibelaChurches that includes: BeteGebral, BeteMerquros, BeteEmanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos and the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church. Overnight hotel
Day 7
In the morning, proceed driving to Bahir Dar, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight hotel
Day 8
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 UraKidaneMehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to the Blue Nile falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight hotel
Day 9
This day after breakfast visit to the city classified as a World Heritage site. Gondar was the capital of the kingdom of Abyssinia under the reign of Emperor Fasil (Fasiledes) who built castles, churches and medieval style bathrooms in the 17th c. For 200 years it was the imperial residence and met both the relative greatness of the early emperors as the decline of their past. In the mid-nineteenth century the emperor Teodoros burned the city in retaliation for its people could not forgive that did not have royal blood. You will never again be the capital. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, Ethiopia’s most famous and painted ceiling with cherubs. Overnight hotel
Day 10
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 … Overnight hotel
Day 11
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 12
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’senscription, 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. After visit continue to Wukro. Overnight hotel
Day 13
Morning drive through the historical town of Adwa, to the small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Wikro & visit Wikro Cherkos church, Overnight Hotel
Day 14
Full day visit of the very interesting Tigray region churches. Visit Micael Imba, Debre Selam Atsbi and Micael Barka churches or similar churches. Afterwards proceed to Mekele than transfer to the airport flight back Addid and connect your international flight
Please note: The above program can be adjusted according to your time, Budget and interest.
For a detailed tour
View All Destinations
Address
Gondar,Kebele 02
Chewua Sefere, Gondar Town
Ethiopia
Phone
+251 95 346 8979
ethiopianhighlandtours@gmail.com