Northern Ethiopia (13 days) |

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Northern Ethiopia - 13 Days

Visit the beauty of Ethiopia with Us!!!

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Lonely Ethiopia tours will meet all clients arriving at the airport. Then transfer to your hotel for check in. The first day we spent in the fascinating capital of the country; Addis Ababa. Depending on your timeof arrival, we take you on a half day or full day city tour visiting some sites on your choice like the Ethnographic museum, national museum, Trinity Cathedral, Merkato (the largest open air market in Africa), or Entoto hills just outside Addis.

Overnight: Addis Ababa (Hotel)

Day 02: Drive Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar ( 552 km )

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The Gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depth up to 1500m.

Overnight: Bahir Dar (Hotel)

Day 03: Bahir Dar

In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as on the Zege Peninsula (Azwa Mariam and Ura kidane Mihret) and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of 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: Bahir Dar (Hotel)

Day 04: Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar (180km)

After breakfast, continue North to Gondar through rural villages, offering wonderful insight in to the Amhara culture. After check in to your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar including a visit to the royal enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally visit the Fasiledes pool, still used for Timkat celebrations today, and the Debre Birehan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.

Overnight: Gondar (Hotel)

Day 05: Gondar – Simien Mountain National Park (102km)

Today is an early morning departure to sankaber in thr Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River Plunges into the Abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic Gelada Baboon, also known as the “bleeding heart baboon” due to the red patch of skin on its chest.

Overnight: Siemien Mountains Lodge

Day 06: Drive SMNP – Axum (260km)

After breakfast, depart north to Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of covenant.

Overnight: Axum (Hotel)

Day 07: Axum

Today will be a full day 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’s encryption, 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 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.

Overnight: Axum (Hotel)

Day 08: Axum – Hawzein (189km)

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8^th to 5^th century BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (no women allowed) must climb up a 15m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping re-route for a visit to the rock hewn churches of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.

Overnight: Hawzein (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 09: Drive Hawzein – Mekele (103km)

In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh OR Mariam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit the more easily accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Kirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele.

Overnight: Mekele (Hotel)

Day 10: Drive Mekele – Lalibela (320km)

Early in the morning, Embark a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for a stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination-Lalibela.

Overnight: Lalibela (Hotel)

Day 11: Rock hewn churches of Lalibela

In the morning, start your tour of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the northwestern cluster of churches- Bet Medhne Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danagel, Bet Michael and Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the southeastern cluster of churches- Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Markos, Bet Amanuel, Bet Abba Libanos. Finally you will visit the most famous of the churches; Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint Ethiopia- Saint George.

Overnight: Lalibela (Hotel)

Day 12: Drive Lalibela – Kombolcha (334km)

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife.

Overnight: Kombolcha (Hotel)

Day 13: Drive Kombolcha – Addis Ababa – Departure (380km)

Return driving to Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic Gelada Baboons. If today is Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market. We have farewell dinner at one of the best cultural restaurants in Addis, enjoying the great Ethiopian food together with traditional music and dance from all over this fascinating country. After dinner we take you to the airport for your flight back to home.

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