Ethiopian Historical & Cultural Tour

A 12 day historical and cultural tour of Ethiopia. The tour will allow you to experience the amazingly rich culture, and fascinating history of Ethiopia which will give you a far more in-depth understanding of this amazing country. You tour along the historical route starts in Addis Ababa and travels through Kombolcha, Lalibela, Mekele, Yeha, Axum, Gondar, bahir Dar and then back down to Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia was never colonized and as a result of this its culture is unique, ancient, and amazing, with drink, food, music and religious ceremonies seen nowhere else on the planet.

Ethiopia is still relatively unexplored and unspoilt. The result been a country that is unaffected by mass tourism. Your 12 day tour will leave you with a better understanding of the role of culture and history and its affect on all of us wherever we may be.

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your overnight hotel.

Day 02: Addis - Kombolcha

We depart Addis and drive to the tarmaber pass (tunnel), which was constructed during the Italian invasion and proceed on to Kombolcha. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Komblocha - Lalibela

After breakfast we drive to Lalibela where we will visit the Nakuto Le'ab Monastery. the history of the Monasterry is facinating, King Nakuto Le'Abe of the Zagwe dynasty of Lalibela abdicated his throne in 1270 AD and went into a cave to lead a hermit's life. This cave was turned into the Nakuto Le'ab monastery. The Monastery houses one of the most interesting collections of ancient crosses, illustrated manuscripts and other icons some of which are dated back to its founder Nakuto Le'abe. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 04: Sightseeing Lalibela

Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the home of the spectacular churches, and the scene of  major religious ceremonies. Also known, as 'Africa's petra', Lalibela and its rock-hewn Churches are arguably one of Ethiopia's top attractions. We will visit the rock-hewn Churches of the area.  These Churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. In the afternoon we visit of the rest of  Churches of Lalibela i.e. Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rufael.  Overnight at a hotel.

Day 05: Lalibela - Mekele

After an early breakfast we continue our journey to the town of Mekele via Sekota which has some beautiful landscapes on offer. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 06: Mekele - Yeha  -  Axum

After breakfast we travel onwards to Axum visiting the Yeha 5th century temple with its incredible stonework. The temple is the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia. Proceed to Axum. Overnight accommodation at a hotel.

Day 07: Sightseeing Axum

Once the center of a great empire, and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge'ez language and literature, Axum is the prime historical site in the North of Ethiopia. Our visit includes the Stelae Park, St. Mary's Church the Sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of the Covenant', the Coronation Yard, Queen of Sheba's palace ruins, Axum Museum and the quarry where the stelaes used to be made. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 08: Axum - Gondar

After an early breakfast, drive to Gondar where we will see sections of the Semien Mountains along the way. The Semien Mountains are regarded as the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian Landscapes and is often referred to as the 'The roof of Africa'. We arrive in Gondar at dusk. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 09: Sightseeing Gondar

Today we do a City tour of Gondar. Gondar is a town founded in 1636 by the great Emperor Fassiladas. Set in a landscape of incomparable beauty, it was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. We visit the Castles and Churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants.  Later we will proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church (termed by UNESCO as one of the World's heritages). The church walls and ceilings are decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Overnight accommodation at a hotel.

Day 10: Gondar - Bahir Dar

After breakfast we continue our journey to Bahir Dar partaking is sightseeing en route. Check-in the Tana Hotel upon arrival. Later on we take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 13th century monastery Ura Kidane Mihret. This monasery is the mostfamous of the Zege Peninsula monasteries. It has a a very beautiful painted Maqdas and priceless collection of crosses and crowns. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11: Bahir Dar - Addis

Today we drive back to Addis. On your arrival you will be transferred to a hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 12: Addis Sight seeing - Departure

This morning we head out to do a city tour of Addis which includes a drive north to Mount Entoto. The panoramic views on offer from the peak are breathtaking. From here we descend back to Addis where we will proceed to the Archeological Museum. The Museum is home to the 3.4 million-year old fossil of ‘Lucy' (perhaps our earliest ancestor) amongst other interesting archeological findings. later on we visit Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all the churches in Addis which was built in 1941.
 
After lunch we visit the Ethnographic Museum with its two main sections covering local crafts information on the regions and people of Ethiopia.This museum will give you a good understanding of Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. The museum has an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassies's bedroom and bathroom. We proceed onwards to Merkato, which is located in western Addis Ababa and is the largest open-air market in Africa. The market offers an array of colors, aromas, costumes, produce and jewelry. We end the day back at the hotel.
 
In the evening you will attend a folklore dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dancers from the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also conducted during the evenings entertainment. Later on you will be transferred to the Bole International Airport for your departure. ( Extra nights accommodation can be arranged on request ).

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