5 Days North – Historical Route by Air

Bahir Dar – Gondar – Axum – Lalibela

Days

Time

City              (Departure)

Transportation

Activities

Meal

Boarding

1

05:00

07:00

Addis Abeba

Flight

Check in for a flight to Bahir Dar

Early in the morning, depart on a flight for Bahir Dar (07:00).  After arrival, 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 island monastery of Debre Maryam near 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. 

Lunch on your own

Overnight in Bahir Dar at

a)     Kuriftu Resort & Spa

b)    Abay Minch Lodge

c)     Summerland Hotel

d)    EthioStar Hotel.

2

08:30

Bahir Dar

Drive

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar.  The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture.  After briefly settling in your hotel, 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. 

Breakfast

Overnight in Gondar at

a)    Taye Hotel

b)    Fasil Lodge

c)     Queen Taitu Pension.

3

05:45

07:45

Gondar

Flight

Check in time for flight to Axum

Early morning flight to Axum (07:45).  Upon arrival to Axum, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.  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 can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.  Men only are allowed to enter the old church.  Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. 

Breakfast

Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel

4

06:00

Axum

Flight

Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela (08:00), the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites.  After arrival, 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). In the afternoon, visit 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 in Lalibela at

a)     Maribela Hotel

b)    Lal Hotel

c)     Alief Paradise Hotel.

5

09:50

Lalibela

Flight

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff.  After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa (11:50).

End of Tour.