12 Days Ethiopia: An Ancient Dynasty Tour Package

Duration: 12 Days/ 11 Nights
Priced From: $3,565 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Sep - Nov, Jan, Mar, Sep - Nov
 

Land of the Queen of Sheba, the 13th-century cave churches of Lalibela and the source of the Blue Nile, Ethiopia offers unspoiled scenery and an eventful past. Experience elaborate and colorful traditional religious festivals and a special ancient coffee ceremony in this comprehensive itinerary.

DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa ("New Flower"), lies in the central highlands at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet, making it the third highest capital in the world. The capital is rich in impressive monuments and colonial architecture scattered among stretches of sun-bleached shacks. Transfer and settle in your hotel after your long flight.

Sheraton Addis Ababa D

DAY 3: Addis Ababa

There is time to relax before exploring the National Archaeological Museum and meeting its famous guest, Lucy, whose 3.4 million-year- old bones may be viewed in replica. Continue on to the Ethnographic Museum, an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a special welcome dinner.
Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D

DAY 4: Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar

Board a short flight to Bahir Dar where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Then travel overland to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tissiat, meaning "Smoking Water." The falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges 150 feet, giving rise to picturesque stream clouds and rainbows. After taking a break for lunch, you embark on a cruise of Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia, to visit monasteries dating back to the 14th century AD.
Tana Hotel B L D

DAY 5: Bahir Dar/Gondar

Famous for its medieval castles and churches, Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiladas as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and is also known as "the Camelot of Africa". Explore Fasiladas Palace, the Quskuam Church, and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its walls and ceiling are decorated with scenes of biblical lore and medieval history.
Goha Hotel B L D

DAY 6: Gondar

The Simien Mountains are a geographical marvel. Pinnacles that rise from moon-like landscape are solidified lava, the last remnant of ancient volcanoes. This is also the site of the highest point in Ethiopia and fourth-highest in Africa, Ras Dashan. Here you explore the escarpments of Sankaber and enjoy the breathtaking view of the other side of the Simien Mountains. Some of the resident species include the walia ibex, the gelada, Ethiopian wolves and more than 50 species of birds, including the lammergeyer, a large bird of prey. The lush scenery immediately dispels any preconceived notions of a barren, dry land. You also have the opportunity to visit a former Beta Israel village where you meet with some of the remaining Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture.
Goha Hotel B L D

DAY 7: Gondar/Lalibela

Journey to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and a center of pilgrimage for most of the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the "New Jerusalem " because of its monolithic churches and rock-cut architecture.
Roha Hotel B L D

DAY 8: Lalibela

After breakfast, travel to the Monastery of Nakutoleab. Located on the outskirts of the city, this monastery was hewn out of a rock cave. Alternatively, you may choose to embark on a mule trek up Mount Ashetone to pay a visit to the Ashetone Mariam Monastery. After lunch, explore more of the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giorgis.
Roha Hotel B L D

DAY 9: Lalibela/Axum

Explore what was once the Queen of Sheba's Palace. This massive structure with finely mortared stone walls has its own impressive drainage system. Continue on to the church of Saint Mary of Zion which, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, houses the biblical Ark of the Covenant.
Remhai Hotel B L D

DAY 10: Axum/Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa and back to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Relax, see the sights on your own or do a little last minute shopping. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner, a perfect opportunity to toast your journey, swap stories and share experiences.
Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D

DAY 11: Addis Ababa/USA or Canada

This morning, visit the Cathedral of St. George (Giorgis Cathedral). Designed in the traditional octagonal shape, this cathedral was built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa. The Cathedral houses the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist responsible for the stained glass windows of the Africa Hall. It also houses a small museum in the compound.

Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, containing the thrones and tombs of the emperors and members of the royal family.

At the conclusion of your sightseeing, return to your hotel where a dayroom is provided for your comfort and convenience. This evening you will be transferred to the airport where your departure flight awaits.
Sheraton Addis Ababa (dayroom) B L D

DAY 12: USA or Canada

Connect with your homebound flight.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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