Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Morning:

• Arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.
• Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon: Addis Ababa City Tour

• Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil “Lucy” and other artifacts.
• Explore the Ethnological Museum to learn about Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups and cultural traditions.
• Visit Trinity Cathedral, known for its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.

Evening:

• Dinner at a traditional restaurant such as Yod Abyssinia or 2000 Habesha with live cultural music and dance.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)

Morning:

• Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar (1 hour). Alternatively, drive for about 6–7 hours.

Afternoon: Lake Tana Boat Tour

• Take a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake.
• Visit the Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery and other island monasteries with their vibrant frescoes, murals, and manuscripts.
• See local fishermen paddling traditional tankwa boats made of papyrus.
• Enjoy hippo and bird watching at the mouth of the Blue Nile River.

Evening:

• Relax lakeside and enjoy the sunset views.
• Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3: Blue Nile Falls and Drive to Gondar

Morning:

• Drive (45 minutes) to visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), also called the “Water that Smokes.”
• Hike to viewpoints and take a boat trip to see the falls from below.

Afternoon: Drive to Gondar (3 hours)

• Enjoy scenic countryside views on the way to Gondar.
• Check in at your hotel upon arrival.

Evening:

• Dinner and overnight in Gondar.

Day 4: Gondar – Castles and Churches

Morning: Gondar City Tour

• Explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 17th-century castles and palaces.
• Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling adorned with angelic faces.
• Stop by Fasilides Bath, an important site during the Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations.

Afternoon:

• Stroll through Gondar’s local markets or relax at your hotel.

Evening:

• Overnight in Gondar.

Day 5: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park (2–3 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon: Simien Mountains Hike

• Enjoy a guided hike with spectacular views of the dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and unique wildlife.
• Spot endemic animals such as the Gelada baboons (bleeding-heart monkeys), Ethiopian wolves, and Walia Ibex.

Evening:

• Overnight at a lodge in the Simien Mountains or return to Gondar.

Day 6: Gondar to Lalibela

Morning:

• Take a morning flight to Lalibela (40 minutes) or drive for 6–7 hours.

Afternoon: Visit Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches

• Explore the first group of the 11 Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, carved in the 12th century.
  • Highlights include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church).
• Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of these remarkable structures.

Evening:

• Traditional dinner and overnight in Lalibela.

Day 7: Lalibela – Yemrehanna Kristos & Cultural Experience

Morning: Visit Yemrehanna Kristos Church

• Drive to visit Yemrehanna Kristos, a stunning 11th-century church built inside a cave with intricate wood and stone architecture.

Afternoon: Local Cultural Experience

• Visit a local family for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and cooking demonstration.
• Learn how to prepare Ethiopian dishes like injera and doro wat.

Evening:

• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8: Lalibela to Axum

Morning:

• Take a flight to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital and home to the Aksumite Empire.

Afternoon: Axum City Tour

• Visit the Stelae Field, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring giant obelisks (stelae).
• Explore St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• See the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and the King Ezana’s Inscription.

Evening:

• Overnight in Axum.

Day 9: Axum to Addis Ababa – Explore Local Markets

Morning:

• Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa.

Afternoon: Shopping and Cultural Exploration

• Explore local markets:
  • Shiro Meda Market for traditional Ethiopian clothing.
  • Merkato for spices, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Visit Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding hills.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with live Ethiopian music and dance.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 10: Departure

Morning:

• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.