Ancient Ethiopia and rock-hewn churches

Overview

Embark on our classic, signature 12-day tour into the heart of Amhara Ethiopia. This magical journey features mysterious castles, ancient monasteries, warm culture, and culminates in the Eighth Wonder of the World: the unbelievable 12th-century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

0

Evening Flight to Addis Ababa

Depart from Heathrow on an evening flight to the Ethiopian capital.

1

National Museum and Welcome

After arrival, coffee, and check-in to our comfortable hotel, we'll visit the National Museum for a relaxed introduction to Ethiopian history, followed by a traditional coffee ceremony and dinner.

2

St George's and Entoto Park

Explore the central Piassa area, including a guided tour of the magnificent St George's Cathedral. Lunch at the historic Taitu Hotel is followed by a drive up to the beautiful Entoto Park amid the eucalyptus forest.

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3

Monasteries of Lake Tana

An early start for a flight to Bahir Dar. We immediately take a private boat to visit the painted monastery on the Zege promontory, walking through ancient coffee plantations. Enjoy lunch on the lake banks, followed by a stroll along the Millennium Walk.

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4

Blue Nile Falls (Tississat)

Travel into the countryside to the village of Tis Abay for a two-hour guided hike to the Tississat Falls (Blue Nile Falls), offering picturesque views and a chance to meet local children along the way.

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5

Travel and Castle Compound

A scenic morning road trip delivers us to the historic capital of Gondar. After check-in and lunch, a local guide will introduce us to the 17th-century Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring fine historic castles.

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6

Simien Mountains Wildlife

A spectacular two-and-a-half-hour drive brings us to the breathtaking Simien Mountains. We'll search for the endemic Gelada Baboons, hoping for close, unthreatening encounters, and enjoy a picnic lunch in this memorable setting.

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7

Rural Life and Debre Birhan Selassie

Experience rural Ethiopian life with a village visit, a traditional coffee ceremony, and a tour of a rural school. In the afternoon, we visit the iconic, world-famous Debre Birhan Selassie church, known for its magnificent painted ceiling.

8

Flight to Axum and Stelae

A short flight takes us to Axum, the ancient centre of the powerful Axumite Empire. Our local guide will begin our exploration with the remarkable stone stelae at the heart of the ancient city.

9

St Mary Zion and Yeha Temple

Visit the impressive Cathedral of St Mary Zion and its museum. After lunch, we journey into the scenic countryside to the lofty pre-Christian Temple of Yeha, the most ancient religious site in Ethiopia.

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10

Arrival and First Cluster

A mid-morning flight delivers us to the astounding rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the fine climax of our tour. After lunch, we begin exploring the North-Western cluster of churches with a specialist guide.

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11

St George's and Country Market

Our focus is the Southern cluster of churches, culminating in the greatest of all: the cruciform St George's. We then visit the large Saturday country market. A relaxing afternoon precedes an unforgettable, specially-planned dinner venue.

12

Flight Home

A relaxed start to the day and a mid-morning flight back to the capital city, allowing one last look back at extraordinary Lalibela, before catching the onward flight home.