Ethiopian Historical Route by Aeroplane

This Safari is the perfect week long getaway that will allow you to experience the amazingly rich culture of Ethiopia without the long travel distances between towns and cities. The historical route is a loop that starts in Addis Ababa travels through Bahir Dar, Gonder, Axum and Lalibela before returning to Addis.

Ethiopia has never been 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 relativly unexplored and unspoilt, get a taste of this amazing country while it's still untouched.

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa

You will be met on arrival in Addis Ababa and transferred to the Ghion Hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 02: Addis - Bahir Dar

The following morning you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Bahir Dar.  You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to the Tana Hotel.  Later, we take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 13th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries with a very beautiful painted maqdas and priceless collection of crosses as well as crowns and the Azwa Mariam Monastery.  Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Bahir Dar - Gondar

Early morning, optional tour to the Blue Nile Falls. Later in the day, we drive to Gondar through the spectacular route around Lake Tana. 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.  Visit the Castles and Churches built by the Emperor and his descendants.  Later proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church (termed by UNESCO as one of the World's heritages) its walls and ceilings decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history.  Overnight in a hotel.

 Day 04: Gondar - Axum

You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to 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. Take a city tour of Axum that 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 05: Axum - Lalibela

You will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is the home of the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Visit of the magnificent rock hewn Churches of Lalibela which were hewn out of solid rock between 800 - 1200 AD and are still active worship places.  These Churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis.  Overnight at a hotel.

Day 06: Excursion Nakuto Le'abe

Visit of the rest of the rock hewn Churches of Lalibela i.e. Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rufael.  In the afternoon you will do an excursion to the Nakuto Le'Abe monastery, King Nakuto Le'Abe abdicated his throne in 1270 AD and went to a cave to lead a hermit's life.  This cave has ever since became a monastery and has dramatic settings. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 07: Lalibela - Addis

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa, where upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, we will go for a special "farewell dinner" where group will have the chance to taste various national dishes, and watch dances of various ethnic groups of Ethiopia; the traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Overnight at a hotel.

 Day 08: Sightseeing/Departure

In the Morning you will do a city tour of Addis with a drive up to Mount Entoto. The panorama from the peak is breathtaking. Then descending to Addis, proceed to the Archeological Museum that houses interesting archeological findings. Later visit Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all the churches, which was built in 1941. After lunch, visit the Ethnographic Museum, with its two main sections covering local crafts and on regions and people, is an ideal place to start learning about 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. Later proceed to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

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