Day 1 - Arrival Addis Ababa
The name of the capital city of Ethiopia in Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia) means “New flower”. Addis, which was founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of Entoto mountain chain (3,000 meters above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25şC. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with side avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the Merkato. It also has a good number of restaurants, hotels and discotheques. On arrival, guests are welcomed and transferred to the Ghion Hotel for overnight.

Day 2 - Addis Ababa –Lalibela
In the morning, transfer to the airport to leave for Lalibela, previously called Roha until the end of 12th century. Lalibela is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. Today the little town of Lalibela has embraced the eleven remarkably excavated 12th century rock hewn churches that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. After checking into the hotel with a short rest, begin by visiting the NB. While entering each church, visitors are kindly requested to take off shoes and dress modestly. This behavoir should be applied to all the churches in Ethiopia.first group (consisting of 6 churches) that symbolizes the New Jerusalem and the city itself.

NB. While entering to each church, you are kindly requested to take off shoes and dress modestly. This behavoir should be applied to all the churches in Ethiopia.

Day 3 - Lalibela
After breakfast, proceed on foot or riding on mules to visit some rock-churches outside the city (about a 3-hours walk). The afternoon consists of a visit to the second group of churches (consisting of 5 churches). Each church has a unique architectural style, all are superbly carved and most are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel. In the evening guests may attend a show featuring traditional dancing.

Day 4 - Lalibela - Axum
In the early morning, guests have the option of attending the daily mass that takes place from 06:00 to 07:00 in every church. From here return to the hotel for breakfast before transferring to the airport for the flight to Axum. While in Axum, guests visit the Archeological museum; the Zion Cathedral where the original Arc of the Covenant is still found; the Stele Park, home of towering single blocks of stone erected since the 3rd century; the Bath of the Queen of Sheba, the mother of King Menelik I of 950 BC, and tombs of early Ethiopian kings. Overnight in Yeha hotel

Day 5 - Axum - Gondar
Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. The city contains a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African, and the historical Islamic influence is also noticeable. In the afternoon, guests visit the palaces, residences and baths of Fasilidas; followed by the church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity), which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos. Dinner and overnight stay are in a hotel with a splendid panoramic garden, Goha Hotel.

Day 6 - Bahir Dar
In the morning transfer to Gondar Airport to fly to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara National Regional State. Upon arrival transfer to Tana hotel, situated in center of the city near the town market. Drive to the waterfalls of the Blue Nile: 100m wide, the water plunges for 45 meters, giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. Those who wish may descend to the base of the falls, climb back up the other side and cross the Nile in a papyrus boat (traditionally known as a “Tankwas”) in order to return to the point of departure (about an hour’s walk).

Day 7 - Bahir Dar
There are 37 islands in the lake and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. The morning is set for a boat trip on the lake to explore some of the islands and a walk is organized on one of them to see mural paintings, crowns, crosses etc. On the way back to Bahir Dar guests are able to see the place where the Blue Nile River and Lake Tana join. In the afternoon we visit the market and the palace of former Emperor Haile Selassie Overnight Tana Hotel.

Day 8 - Bahir Dar – Addis
After relaxing in the morning, transfer out to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Depending on the time of arrival, guests have the option of a short city tour of Addis Ababa or shopping in the Merkato. Transfer to the airport after a farewell dinner party in a traditional restaurant & folklore house.