Day 3: Addis Ababa
There is time to relax before exploring the National Archaeological Museum and its famous guest, Lucy, whose fully preserved 3.4 million-year-old skeleton is on display. Then discover the Ethnographic Museum, the palace of former emperor Haile Selassie. Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D

Day 4: Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar
After a short flight to Bahir Dar, drive to the Blue Nile Falls. Later, cruise on Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia. Visit monasteries dating to the 14th century, including the Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam. Tana Hotel B L D

Day 5: Bahir Dar/Gondar
Your scenic drive today takes you around Lake Tana to Gondar, founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiladas as the royal capital of Ethiopia. Explore Fasilidas' Palace, Quskuam Church and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its walls and ceilings decorated with scenes of biblical lore and medieval history. Goha Hotel B L D

Day 6: Gondar
Explore Sankaber, a segment of the Simien Mountains, in search of gelada baboon and the elusive giant lammergeyer, a bird of prey. Stop at a Falasha (Jewish) village where you meet with Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture. Goha Hotel B L D

Day 7: Gondar/Lalibela
Early this morning, fly to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view some of the 11 medieval, monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century "New Jerusalem." Roha Hotel B L D

Day 8: Lalibela
Journey to the Monastery of Nakutoleab, or take an optional mule trek to Ashetone Mount and the Ashetone Mariam monastery, excavated by King Naqto Lab in the 13th century. Later, see more of the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giorgis. Roha Hotel B L D

Day 9: Lalibela/Axum
Fly to Axum, the land of the Queen of Sheba and capital of the kingdom in the 10th century. Explore the major sights, including Stelae Park, the Queen of Sheba's palace, the Axum Museum and the church of Saint Mary of Zion, which legend says is the sanctuary of the Ark of the Covenant. Remhai Hotel B L D

Day 10: Axum/Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa and gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner this evening. Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D

Day 11: Addis Ababa/USA or Canada
This morning visit the Cathedral of St. George. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, containing the thrones and tombs of the emperors and members of the royal family. This evening board your international flight. Sheraton Addis Ababa (dayroom) B L D

Day 12: USA or Canada
Connect with your homebound flight.