The classic North Historic Tours - 10 days

The classic North Historic Tours - 10 days

The major objective of this package is to introduce Ethiopia's magnificent natural landscape and create awareness of this ancient historical and cultural states. Spending one night in Addis Ababa before drive to Bahir Dar, the base for exploring the monasteries of Lake Tana and visiting the Blue Nile Falls. Proceed driving to Gondar enjoying winds through a dramatic volcanic landscape en route to the traditional heartland of the Amhara people, where imposing castles once welcomed ambassadors of the Mogul and Ottoman Empires. Visit Gondar's church to inspect the stunning painted angels that illustrate the ceiling. This package also includes the Magnificent Semien (north) Mountain trekking with breathtaking views and endemic animals in addition there is the famous rock hewn churches of Labella and the breathtaking historical ancient monasteries and concluded the tour in Addis Ababa .

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa city tour

Stop At: Addis Ababa Museum, Meskel Square, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Depending on your arrival we take time to explore the city. By Starting visiting the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous hominid fossil, "Lucy") and the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa University (housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie) in addition we will visit the red terror martyrs museum we will also witness the bustle of the “Mercato” (market). This colorful market has an array of fascinating goods and curios and it is also considered the biggest open market In Africa, providing a great place for exploration and people watching. in the afternoon we continue to lookout the holy trinity and St. George Cathedral and wind up our city tour by enjoying the fresh air in Entoto Mountain. The roof top of Addis Ababa.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sapphire Addis Hotel

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar

Stop At: Debre Libanos Monastery, North West of Addis Ababa Seimien Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Debre Libanos 1000 Ethiopia
Drive to Bahir Dar, through the beautiful scenery and meet the Amhara people & their villages and, on the way visit Zengena Crater Lake. The city of debre markos via Dejen (the famous are for growing Teff), On the way visit the 13th century monastery of Debre Libanos, and driving via The Blue Nile Gorge which is compared to Grand Canyon Overnight Hotel
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile Hotel

Day 3: Bahir Dar

Stop At: Lake Tana, Ground floor from Blue Nile Hotel, Bahir Dar 1000 Ethiopia
On this morning, we will visit bahir dar and take a trip on Lake Tana - Ethiopia's largest lake, covering 3673 square kms and the source of the famous Blue Nile River. Many of the small islands scattered across this lake shelter monastic churches, some founded as early as the 14th Century. The walls of several of these churches are ornately decorated with stunning mural paintings. We will visit the most beautiful of these, the monastery of Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zeghie peninsula. In the afternoon drive some 35 km to visit the Blue Nile falls locally known as Tis Isat ‘the water that smokes’. The falls throws up a continuous spry of water droplets which drench on lookers. One of Africa's most spectacular waterfalls (Please note, the sequence of events today may be reversed, depending on availability of time.) Overnight hotel.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile Hotel

Day 4: Drive to Gondar

Stop At: Fasil Ghebbi, Gonder Ethiopia
Another early start for the 185 km drives (approx. 3 hours) to Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Gondar is still one of Ethiopia's most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Palace Enclosure (listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage monument). This enclosure lies at Gondar's center and contains several well preserved castles and other buildings. We take time this afternoon to tour these castles and churches, including the Royal Palace Enclosure, Emperor Fasilidas' Bath and the beautiful church of Debre Birhan Selassie, immersing ourselves in the history of this old capital.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Goha hotel

Day 5: Semien Mountains

Stop At: Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Excursion to Semien Mountains National Park (World Heritage Site by UNESCO) to visit its exceptional natural beauty which includes superb scenery, endemic fauna and flora. Among other endemics it is here that the Gelada Baboon (bleeding heart Baboon) is found with short trekking involved with travelling by mule and additional adventure. Late in the afternoon drive back to Gondar. Overnight Hotel.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Goha hotel

Day 6: Gonder - Lalibela

Stop At: Asheton Maryam Monastery, Lalibela 0116 Ethiopia
Gonder - Lalibela
Eight hours drive to Lalibela through the beautiful mountain scenery and meet the Amhara people and their village. Overnight Hotel.

Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tukul Village

Day 7: Lalibela

Stop At: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Lalibela 1260 Ethiopia
Lalibela, located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the local pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. Most of them are decorated with fascinating and well-preserved paintings. On arrival in Lalibela we will have some time to relax. During the afternoon opening session we will spend time admiring and exploring the rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel. (Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
Duration: 8 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tukul Village

Day 8: Lalibela

Stop At: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Lalibela 1260 Ethiopia
Today is dedicated to visiting a hill-top monastery and the city itself. Lalibela is situated amongst a series of flat-topped mountains; there is a difference in altitude of 1500m between the lower lying airport and the city. This morning there is an excursion to the Church of Asheton Maryam, about 7km outside the city. After driving a short distance, the monastery itself (3150m) is reached on foot by means of a 3-hour return walk (some steep sections) or by riding on a mule (done at own risk and own expense).also visits the yemrahanakirstos monastery which believed 5000 human skulls are found .if time allow us we will visit the market place, where a colorful mix of people from the surrounding region gathers. In the evening, an optional visit to a traditional music house can be arranged
Duration: 8 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tukul Village

Day 9: Lalibela - Kombolcha

Stop At: Lake Hayq, Dessie Ethiopia
Drive to Kombolcha through fantastic scenery and mountain ranges all along the way. Visit the 13th century Haik Istifanos Monastery. Overnight Hotel.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sunnyside Hotel

Day 10: Kombolcha - Addis Ababa Departure

Stop At: Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Early in the morning drive to Addis Ababa through the magnificent landscape of northern shewa passing through the Tarma Ber tunnel. After arrival in Addis Ababa evening we will have a coffee ceremony and farewell dinner at one of the traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances then finally depart to home.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.