| Tour Code | : | ETE 014 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | : | 7 nights (8 days) |
| Transportation | : | Land |
| Tour starts / ends | : | Addis Ababa |
This cultural tour focuses on the ancient history and culture of Ethiopia as well as the people and nature on the classic Historic Route of Ethiopia. Among other things, on this tour, you will visit Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As you travel by road on the classic Historic Route of Ethiopia, you will be able to explore more of the country’s less-visited sites, beautiful nature, culture, and history as all these unfold in front of you each and every mile
Highlights
- Visit Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Visit the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, “the Roof of Africa”.
- Be amazed by a visit to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of “the living wonders of the world”.
- Discover the fairytale castles of Gondar.
- Discover the ancient island monasteries of Lake Tana.
- Visit the source of the mighty Blue Nile River and Blue Nile Falls.
- Explore the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.
- Meet your ancestor Lucy at the National Museum.
- Visit different lesser-visited sites and meet with the local people.
- Try varied Ethiopian food.
- Attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
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Day 01
Addis Ababa- Bahirdar - Lake Tana
In the morning you will take a flight to the lake side city of Bahir Dar. Upon arrival you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th century island monasteries of Lake Tana. The 37 islands of Lake Tana shelter 20 monasteries — surviving remnants of an old, contemplative tradition. Enjoy the sunset on the lake while heading back to Bahir Dar and if lucky see some Hipos
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Day 02
Blue Nile Blue Nile Falls
Today you will We will visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. It is a very enjoyable drive as the daily life unfolds to you all along the way. You have plenty time to stop and contact the local community and learn about their activities. Enjoy the walk to visit Tissisat to marvel at the Blue Nile Falls - or “Smoke of Fire”. The Falls are 400 metres wide when in flood and fall over a sheer chasm more than 45m high
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Day 03
Bahirdar: Gonder
After breakfast, the drive to Gondar will take you through the beautiful countryside scenery of Fogera where you will arrive around lunch time. Founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635, Gondar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its many medieval castles, often called "Camelot" of Ethiopia. Visit to the Gemp, the old imperial palace district, the baths of King Fasilidas and the many small palaces. Debre Berhan Selassie Church represents a masterpiece of the unique Ethiopian school of traditional art. look up at the beautiful, frescoed ceiling with dozens of angelic eyes looking down at you.
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Day 04
Gonder- Simien Mountains
After an early breakfast, we will drive from Gondar up to Simien Mountains National Park along pretty country site with carefully tended field, open pasture with grazing horses, stands of trees and distant rocky peaks to the Simien Mountains National Park. We will have a stop at Debark a small market town at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level close to the boundary of the Simien Mountains National Park. Corrugated – iron – roofed buildings surround its colourful and busy market area. Before entering the park, we must register at the park headquarters just outside town. Then we drive to Sankober in the National Park for the best view. Upon arrival you will trek for about 2 hours among troops of endemic Gelada Baboons to explore the surrounding area with spectacular views across the weirdly eroded foothills of the Simien Mountain range of Sankaber. Stay at the highest lodge od Afrika
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Day 05
Simien- Gonder- Lalibela
Today we drive to Gondar and continue flying to Lalibela, the “Jerusalem of Ethiopia”, not unjustly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Nowhere else can one find the form of rock churches so typical of Ethiopia in this concentration and quality. A wonderful play of light and shadow, colours, and shapes.
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Day 06
Lalibela
Visit the site of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, often referred to by many as one of “the living wonders of the world”. These churches are, and they have been for at least 800 years, an active Christian shrine — the spiritual centre of the country’s religious life. The monolithic churches were carved out of a 2,600-square-meter natural rock terrace in the 12th century AD by King Lalibela. The maze of underground churches, fascinating and incredible architecture and history will amaze you!
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Day 07
Asheten Mariam, Lalibela
In the morning, take a mule ride /or drive or walk to the top of the Lasta mountains to the Asheten Mariam Monastery. This is very famous for its 12th-century monastery church and its beautiful view at 3200 meters above sea level over the mountains and valleys around Lalibela After having lunch and resting at the hotel, you will visit one of the local school or the colourful market. (depending the day) You will be having the chance to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony prepared in a local home.
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Day 08
Lalibela- Addis Ababa- End of the tour.
Today you will be drop off at the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival you will have a free time to buy souvenirs. In the evening, there will be farewell dinner party with a traditional special buffet and local drinks. There will also be a cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country — the perfect end to our tour. At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back home. End of tour.
