Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Addis
Arrival at Bole International Airport or picked up from your hotel and visit the National Museum of Ethiopia for a comprehensive overview of the country’s natural, political and art histories. Then visit Merkato which used to be the largest open-air market in Africa. In the afternoon you visit the Unity Park which is located in the premises of the Grand Palace and it is composed of various historical, natural and cultural sites. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Addis – Bahir Dar
Early in the morning fly to Bahir Dar, the city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. And up on arrival take a boat on Lake Tana to access the 14th century monasteries. In the afternoon, after lunch, at Bahir Dar drive to Blue Nile Falls. Overnight – Hotel o Info – One day extra gives you a chance to make forest walk at Zeghe Peninsula where you visit the monasteries and an hour biking to Bezawit Hill which gives you the view on Lake Tana, Bahir Dar and Blue Nile. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Bahir Dar – Awra
The Awra Amba community is found south of Gondar, a 2 kms distance right of a turnoff which is located 68 kms on Bahir Dar – Lalibela main road. The society was established in 1972 by few individuals; however, now the number of the members has reached more than 400. The unbelievably marvelous life philosophy, the beautiful and well- trodden social life of this society has amazed anyone. The society has its own lifestyle which is different from the rest of the Amhara people. These people have special respect for unity, working culture, love and equality. It is on the basis of a structured system they formulated that these people began to perform and control the principles underlying their lifestyles.
Since there is a strong belief among the Awra Amba people that hard work is the sole means of getting out of poverty, responsibilities are divided based not on gender differences but merit. They also have a strong belief that human beings have descended from the same root and hence there will not be differences between relatives and non- relatives, blacks and whites etc. and all will be given due respect and love while they are on earth. In their religious faith the Awra Amba people differ from both Christian and Muslim followers. They accept that there is one strong power. They believe that distancing oneself from evil acts, positive thinking, respect to others and putting all these in to practice are realizations of religion. Overnight Community house.
Day 04: Awra Amba – Gondar
Awra Amba drive to Gondar (185 Km) right after breakfast. Then you will check into a hotel and after a brief break, you will have lunch. Then, you will visit the Royal Castles & the Bath of Emperor Fasiledes (the bath is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year). You will continue your visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity at the Mount of Light), the Castle of Empress Mintewab, and Kuskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Early in the evening, you will visit ‘AzmariBet’ at Traditional Music Houses after which you will have dinner at the hotel and stay there for the night. Overnight stay 3 star hotel
Day 05: Gonder – Lalibela
This morning is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. and on the way back if time allows we will have a stop in the souvenir shops and around the city center.
Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and best preserved. overnight 3 star hotel
Day 06: Lalibela
Early in the morning an excursion to Asheton Mariam Monastery or yimirhane kiristos which predates Lalibela Churches. This excursion gives a spectacular view from the top, beside its rock church which is named by St. Mary. (This can be done using mules). And in the afternoon visit the rest of Lalibela Churches. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Lalibela – Addis
Fly back to Addis and depending on the time of arrival you will have free time to explore more sites in Addis before the cultural show dinner at one of the restaurants. End the trip and return home.
Rates
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible. Lodges, hotels, and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.- 2-49 person $1700/person
- 50+ person $1500/person
- Supplemental fee of single person $160
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on Lake Chamo
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
