Day 1:

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 2:

In the morning, 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 Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and 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 at hotel.

Included: boat trip on Lake Tana, entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 3:

Depart north from Bahir Dar to Gondar. The three-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture.
Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 4:

Today is an early morning departure to Sankober in the Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to the 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 at hotel.

Included: armed scout(s), local guide service, National Park entrance fees, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 5:

After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the mountains. 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 the Covenant.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 6:

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 enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to visit the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Time permitting, you may also visit the Church of Arbuta Ensessa.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 7:

Depart from Axum to Hawzein. First stop is to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, make an optional visit to the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 8:

In the morning, before the heat of the day rises, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches require a challenging 1-2 hour hike to reach. The reward is commanding views of the surrounding areas and visiting some of the most remote churches in the world in the most unsuspecting of places.
Depart to Mekele. On the way you will visit the easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Wukro Chirkos.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 9:

Early in the morning, embark on 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 the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 10:

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 11:

Depart from Lalbela, driving to Kombolcha. 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 bird life.

Overnight at hotel.

Included: accommodation including breakfast, vehicle and driver

Day 12:

Depart driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. 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.

Included: entrance fees, local guide service, vehicle and driver