Day 1. Flight to Bahirdar
We will go to the airport and take a flight to Bahirdar. When we arrive, we will check into the lodge and then take a boat cruise on Lake Tana. This cruise will take us to the medieval monasteries of Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam.
After that, we will return and visit the Blue Nile, which is part of the Nile River, the longest river in the world. Then we will have lunch and go back to the lodge to relax in the evening.
Day 2. Drive to Gondar (Camelot of Africa)
Today, we will drive about 185 kilometers to the town of Gondar. The drive will take us through the Amhara region, where we can enjoy the local landscape. This area is also the gateway to the Simien Mountains.
We will visit the old castle where the emperors lived. We will also see Fasilides’ Pool, where the Timkat celebrations take place.
Day 3. Day Trip to Simien Mountains National Park
We will drive to one of Ethiopia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Simien Mountains. The road from Gondar to Debark offers nice views of the mountains. The park is home to many animals found only here.
Some animals you may see are the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and wild goats. Birds you might spot include the Thick-billed Raven and Wattled Ibis. We will return to Gondar in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Drive to Lalibela (Eight Wonders of the World)
After breakfast, we will travel to another UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Ethiopia. Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches and is known as the New Jerusalem.
The way these churches were carved out of rock is amazing. We will also visit the southeastern cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkarios, Bet Amanuel, and Bet Abba Libanos.
Day 5. Visit Lalibela Churches Then Flight to Addis
Today, we will visit the northwestern cluster of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. We will also see the monument of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After the visits, we will go to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa.
End of the tour.
