Day 01: Arrival at Bole International airport

Up on arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be met by Lonely Ethiopia Tours representative and be taken you to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we have various sightseeing options.

• National museum which among other exhibits the 3.5 million year old bone of Lucy.
• Trinity Cathedral this is a burial place of members of the imperial family and noted patriots; the cathedral is the most magnificent to its kind in the country, ornamented with carvings, mosaics and other artistic works.
• George cathedral where paintings by the famous Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle and other ecclesiastical wealth and cultural heritages of the past are displayed.
• Mount Entoto with the best views over the capital  
• Merkato the largest open-air market in Africa.

Overnight: Monarch Hotel or similar

Day 02: Fly Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

In the morning, we will fly to Bahir Dar and check in to your hotel. We then undertake a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the nearby monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam on the Zege Peninsula. Its architectural styles with mud plastered round wall and a conical thatched roof are typical examples of ancient Ethiopian Orthtodox churches. Ura is especially well known for its fine frescoes, manuscripts, ecclesial objects, such as the crown of various emperors dating from the 14^th Century, gold and silver processional crosses, silver drums and royal vestments. On the lake we will also have a chance to see hippos and more wildlife. After lunch, we will drive for about 35kms to visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls. In the late afternoon, drive back to Bahir Dar and discover the market, where you may purchase handicrafts like jewellery, woven and embroidered garments, ox horn cups or glass baskets (agelgil), for which Bahir Dar is well known, or simply watch the indegeneous  culture of the local community.

Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel or similar

Day 03: Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar (180km)

In the morning, continue north to Gondar, a 17^th Century royal city of Ethiopia, affluent in the imperial structure of a castle compound and the spectacularly painted Debre Birehan Selassie church, which is completely covered in murals, with the angels’ faces on the wooden ceiling that have become a trademark of Ethiopian art and design.

Overnight: Goha hotel or similar

Day 04: Fly  Gondar – Lalibela

After breakfast, we will fly to Lalibela to visit the eleven renowned rock hewn churches of Lalibela, also known as “the 8^th wonder of the world”. The rock hewn churches are physically carved from the rock on which they stand. These towering edifices seen to be aa super human creation in scale, workmanship and concept. Some are sculptured  out of a solid volcanic rock, others are  connected by long underground tunnel and mases. Some are quarried enlargements of caves. The first group of six churches lies in rock cradles, one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Michael, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Denagel and Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Medhane Alem is the largest rock hewn church in the world is built like a Greek temple. After lunch, we will take an excursion trip to the Asheton Mariam Monastery (3200m above sea level) from where you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the beautiful surroundings.

Overnight: Lal Hotel or similar

Day 05: Lalibela

Morning, we will visit the second group of churches located on the south of the river Jordan. The second group comprises Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches. Bet Giyorgis lies somewhat isolated to the south-western part of the village on a slopping rock terrace and can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four churches, south of Jordan river, comprises Bet Amanuel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Gabriel-Rufael. Bet Amanuel’s elaborated exterior has been much praised by international art historians. Afternoon, we will visit the fascinating cave church of Yimrehanne Kiristos dating from the 11^th Century. Driving through the local villages located in scenic landscape.

Overnight: Lal Hotel or similar

Day 06: Fly Lalibela – Axum

After breakfast, you will fly to Axum. The city of Axum includes; Stelae Obelicks, the largest single piece of stone erected by human beings anywhere in the world. Castles of former monarchs, Mariam Tsion Church which is built on the site of Ethiopia’s first church, the palace of Queen of Sheba, the inscriptions king Ezana’s and the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.

Overnight: Yared Zema International hotel or similar

Day 07: Fly Axum – Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, you have the option to visit the temples of Yeha. The way passes through Adwa, where the famous battle between Ethiopians and Italians took place. Yeha was a pre-axumite settlement and is famous for its well preserved stone temple with 12m high walls estimated to be 2500 years old. Afternoon, you will fly back to Addis Ababa. As per your interest, there are various sightseeing and shopping opportunities. In the evening you will be invited to a memorable farewell dinner in one od Addis Ababa’s traditional restaurants with cultural songs, dances and traditional food and drinks. You will then be transferred to airport for your flight back to home.

Duration: North 7 days /6 Nights

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore the highlights of northern Ethiopia’s historic route in short time. It can be done perfectly in the rainy season (from mid-June to mid-September) when notoriously dry seasons, such as Lalibela or Axum become particularly attractive. 

Many information is you will be Getting around Ethiopia 

The major roads leading out from Addis Ababa are tar-sealed, all-weather roads along all (or most of) their routes. Many minor roads are paved and traversing them can be comfortable.

 By car: -A good way to tour Ethiopia is by car. They can take you off the beaten track so you can see the beauty and attractions of Ethiopia.

Vehicles /Transport:  During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. 

Travel documents (Passport and Visa requirements)

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after having left Ethiopia. Also keep in mind that your passport needs at least 2 consecutive blank pages. A photocopy of your passport is a great idea (keep it somewhere separate in your luggage).

Accommodation: Currently, Ethiopia is known for its fine  and luxurious hotels and Lodges . Reliable hot showers are generally speaking still a luxury and places with genuine charm are available. All accommodation throughout this tour is 2 -4 star  (comfortable hotels with en-suite facilities)

Food:  – Hotel meals are generally good and full of  variety. Local dishes tend to be very good if you like hot, spicy food although milder versions can be requested.

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