Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Morning: Arrival & Orientation

• Meet and greet at Bole International Airport.
• Check-in at your hotel.
• Tour orientation and introduction to Ethiopia’s culture and history.

Afternoon: Addis Ababa City Tour

• National Museum of Ethiopia: See the famous fossil “Lucy” and artifacts representing Ethiopia’s rich history.
• Ethnological Museum: Explore Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups and cultural traditions.
• Trinity Cathedral: Visit this beautiful cathedral, home to stunning stained-glass windows and Haile Selassie’s tomb.
• Merkato: Experience Africa’s largest open-air market with spices, textiles, and local crafts.

Evening:

• Traditional Ethiopian dinner at a cultural restaurant like Yod Abyssinia, featuring live music and dances.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls

Morning: Drive or Fly to Bahir Dar

• Fly (1 hour) or drive (6–7 hours) to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana.

Afternoon: Lake Tana Boat Tour

• Visit the historic Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery on the Zege Peninsula, known for its colorful murals and ancient manuscripts.
• Explore other monasteries like Azwa Maryam or see the hippos and birdlife around the lake.

Late Afternoon: Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat)

• Drive to Blue Nile Falls (45 minutes).
• Hike to viewpoints for panoramic views of the stunning cascades.

Evening:

• Overnight in Bahir Dar. Enjoy lakeside views and fresh fish dishes.

Day 3: Bahir Dar to Gondar – Castles and Cultural Wonders

Morning: Drive to Gondar

• A scenic 3-hour drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s former royal capital.

Afternoon: Gondar City Tour

• Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved castles from the 17th century.
• Debre Berhan Selassie Church: Admire the famous ceiling painted with angelic faces.
• Fasilides Bath: Learn about its use during Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations.

Evening:

• Relax at your hotel or take an optional stroll through the city.
• Overnight in Gondar.

Day 4: Gondar to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

Morning: Drive or Fly to Lalibela

• Fly (40 minutes) or drive (6–7 hours) to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia.

Afternoon: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches

• Explore the famous 11 Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
  • Visit the northern cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem (largest monolithic church) and Bete Maryam.
  • Discover the stunning Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), carved in the shape of a cross.
• Learn about King Lalibela’s vision of creating a “New Jerusalem.”

Evening:

• Attend an evening coffee ceremony with locals.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5: Lalibela – Cultural Experiences and Return to Addis Ababa

Morning: Yemrehanna Kristos Church

• Drive to visit the Yemrehanna Kristos Church, a beautiful 11th-century church built inside a cave with unique architecture.

Late Morning: Lalibela Cultural Experience

• Visit a local family’s home for a traditional cooking demonstration of Ethiopian dishes like injera and doro wat.
• Participate in a coffee ceremony, Ethiopia’s most beloved cultural tradition.

Afternoon: Fly Back to Addis Ababa

• Fly to Addis Ababa (1 hour).
• Optional: Last-minute shopping at Shiro Meda (traditional clothing) or Entoto Street for souvenirs.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• Enjoy a final dinner with Ethiopian cultural dances and music before departure.

Transfer to Airport for your international flight.