Arrival And City Tour

Addis Ababa - ARRIVAL AND CITY TOUR IN ADDIS ABABA Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Enat Ethiopia Tours Representatives will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world, situated at an elevation of approximately 2438m. The city enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with an average temperature of 25°C. Begin your sightseeing at the National Museum, home to some of Ethiopia’s historic treasures, including the 3.5 million-year-old remains of ‘Lucy’, the oldest hominid ever discovered. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ethiopia’s main cathedral, which houses the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Overnight: Addis Ababa

Fly to Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar - FLY TO BAHIR DAR Today, fly north to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Bahir Dar is one of the most well-planned cities in the country. This morning, enjoy a boat trip on the lake to uncover the secrets of the monasteries and churches on the islands. Visit the Ura Kidane Mihret church on the Zeghie peninsula, where vibrant religious paintings and illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, the precursor to Amharic, can be found. In the afternoon, visit Tisissat Falls, meaning ‘water that smokes’ in Amharic, located about 32km south of Bahir Dar. Due to a nearby hydroelectric power scheme, the waterfalls may not always be at full force. Overnight: Bahir Dar

Drive to Gondar

Gonder - DRIVE TO GONDAR (UNESCO – WORLD HERITAGE SITE) This morning, embark on a 3-3.5 hour (185km) drive north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Gondar is now one of Ethiopia’s largest and most impressive cities, featuring the walled Royal Enclosure. Gondar’s most renowned monuments are its remarkably well-preserved 17th-century castles, the largest and most impressive being that of King Fasiledas. This stone-built structure boasts round turrets and wooden balconies. The king also constructed a notable bath, known as the ‘Pavilion of Delight’, located a mile or so outside of town. The Bathhouse of Fasil is where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate the Timkat festival every January. This complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything else in Africa. This afternoon, visit the Debre Birhan Selassie church (Light of Trinity) with its stunning angelic ceiling and murals. Overnight: Gondar

Drive and Hike to Simien Mountain

Simien Mountains National Park - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS (UNESCO – WORLD HERITAGE SITE) After breakfast, drive to Debark on the edge of the Simien Mountains. In the late morning, ascend into the mountains for breathtaking views of this unique ecosystem. Take an optional 1.5-hour walk, mostly flat or downhill, and look out for endemic Gelada baboons, Klipspringers, Lammergeyer vultures, and bushbuck. The scenery is truly awe-inspiring, and there will be time for a walk around the Sankaber region of the National Park. The maximum altitude reached is 3250m. Overnight: Simien Camping

Simien Mountain to Axum Drive

Simien Mountains National Park - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS TO AXUM After breakfast, continue on the rugged road for a full day’s drive to the ancient city of Axum via the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and Tekeze River gorge. Although this is a long drive, the spectacular views make the time pass quickly. This full-day drive offers excellent photo opportunities of the dramatic landscape. In the late afternoon, after checking into the hotel, there will be time to relax in this town that was once the capital of a large empire. Overnight: Axum

Axum City Tour

Axum - AXUM (UNESCO – WORLD HERITAGE SITE) Axum was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Axum, once one of the most powerful in the ancient world. Situated at the crossroads of trade routes between the Mediterranean and India, and the great port of Adulis on the Red Sea, it was economically, politically, and technically advanced, at times controlling both sides of the Red Sea. Axum is also the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and is believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old church of St Mary of Zion, the first church built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330AD, has ruins visible in the church compound. Visit the famous monolithic stelae of Axum, with the tallest still standing at over 21 meters, and the greatest one, once 34 meters high, now toppled but still the largest monolith ever erected by man. Explore the subterranean tombs and stone inscriptions. Overnight: Axum

Drive to Tigray Churches

Tigray Churches

Abuna Yemata Guh church - VISIT TIGRAY CHURCHES; CONTINUE TO MEKELE Today, explore this rarely visited corner of Ethiopia and discover the remarkable Rock-cut Churches in this region. These architectural marvels were created before the 16th century and remained unknown to the outside world until the 1960s. Approximately 150 are now known to exist, with all but a few still actively used by the Orthodox Christian community. Explore two clusters, including Abreha We Atsbeha and Degum Selassie at Gheralta, and the sandstone church of Chirkos at Wukro, featuring cruciform pillars and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. In the afternoon, enjoy the serene Tigray landscapes and proceed to the town of Mekele. Overnight: Mekele

Drive Mekelle to Lalibela

Lalibela - DRIVE TO LALIBELA Enjoy a full day drive through stunning countryside, heading south between the mountains to the west and the stark landscape of the Danakil Depression to the east, arriving at the remarkable archaeological site of Lalibela. Overnight: Lalibela

Lalibela City Tour

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - VISITING LALIBELA (UNESCO – WORLD HERITAGE SITE) This morning, begin visiting the first cluster of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela, the ‘New Jerusalem’, is believed to have been constructed around 800 years ago by King Lalibela. While rock-carved churches exist elsewhere, those in Ethiopia are particularly fascinating. Typically, they were excavated on all sides of a rectangle, leaving a large block of granite isolated in the center. This rock was then shaped and formed both inside and out, showcasing extremely skillful workmanship, and they have been classified as one of the wonders of the world. Each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. There are 11 rock-cut churches, with the most impressive being Bet Giorgis, carved in the form of a Greek cross and exceptionally well-preserved. Overnight: Lalibela

Day Trip Around Lalibela

Fly Back To Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa - FLY BACK TO ADDIS ABABA – SIGHTSEEING – DEPARTURE This morning, fly back to Addis Ababa. Begin your city tour with a view of Addis Ababa from Entoto Mountain, the former capital of Ethiopia before Addis Ababa. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and fresh air from the eucalyptus forests. After the visit, proceed down to Addis Ababa via Shiro Meda, the city’s largest market for traditional clothes. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s traditional restaurants, featuring cultural songs, dances, and traditional food and drinks. You will then be transferred to Bole International Airport.

End of the Tours

ENAT ETHIOPIA TOURS will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request and additional programs.

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Professional Tour Guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Accommodation with breakfast, Lunch
• All Domestic Flight

• Dinner, Personal needs
• Gratitude

Ethiopia is a country of contrasts, where ancient history blends with vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. From the lively streets of Addis Ababa to the tranquil shores of Lake Tana, and the majestic mountains to the sacred churches of Lalibela, each location provides a unique insight into the essence of this extraordinary nation. As travelers explore this enchanting land, they will create lasting memories, immersing themselves in the beauty and heritage of Ethiopia. An adventure awaits—come and uncover the treasures of this remarkable land!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.