8 Days Addis Ababa, Bahar Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa today, where you are welcomed and transferred to the HILTON ADDIS ABABA HOTEL or SHERATON ADDIS. (D)
Day 2: Addis Ababa / Bahar Dar
Fly to the well-known lakeshore town of Bahar Dar. Drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the 13th-century monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, which is still in use today, as well as Kibran Gabriel, where only men are allowed to enter. TANA HOTEL (BD)
Day 3: Bahar Dar / Gondar
Take a scenic drive to the city of Gondar, Fly to the city of Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Visit the castles and churches of Gondar, which were built by King Fassiladas and his descendants. GOHA HOTEL (BD)
Day 4: Gondar / Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, where 11 medieval, monolithic cave churches have made this 13th-century “New Jerusalem” well known. Visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, which were built between AD 800 and 1200 and which are still active worship places. ROHA HOTEL (BD)
Day 5: Lalibela
Tour the second group of rock-hewn churches. It is estimated that it took 25 years to construct the churches. Later, visit Na’akuto La’ab, a veritable jewel of a church built in a cave, where King Na’akuto La’ab led a hermit’s life when abdicating his throne in AD 1276. (BD)
Day 6: Lalibela / Axum
Fly to Axum to see the remarkable stelae, or obelisks, which are a few of the largest single pieces of standing stone anywhere in the world. See St. Mary’s Church, the Sanctuary Chapel, the Coronation Yard, Axum Museum, Queen Sheba’s Palace, and King Kaleb’s Tomb.YEHA HOTEL. (BD)
Day 7: Axum / Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa and take a city tour. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the 3.6 million-year-old skeleton of “Lucy.” Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Also visit St. George Cathedral and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. HILTON ADDIS ABABA HOTEL or SHERATON ADDIS (BD)
Day 8: Depart Addis Ababa
Depart Ethiopia on your flight home, or continue your journey with an extension to the Omo Valley. (B)
