Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Highlights:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
• Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to explore the country’s ancient history, including the famous Lucy fossil.
• Explore Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most significant religious landmarks, and attend an evening service if time permits.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes like injera, doro wat (chicken stew), and kitfo (minced raw beef).
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Fasika Festival in Addis Ababa

Morning:

• Attend a Fasika Festival mass at Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is the focal point of Easter celebrations in Addis Ababa. The service will include prayers, hymns, and the chanting of liturgies in Ge’ez, the ancient Ethiopian church language.
• Witness the Easter Sunday Procession as thousands of faithful gather at the church, carrying candles, crosses, and icons, and participate in the special Easter prayers.

Afternoon:

• Visit Meskel Square, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere as families and communities celebrate together with dancing, traditional music, and meals.
• Explore St. George Cathedral, another important site for religious celebrations during Fasika. You may also want to visit the Ethnological Museum for a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s diverse culture.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian feast with family-style meals shared in the community. Dishes like doro wat, kicha, and gored gored (raw beef) are common during Fasika.
• Participate in the evening celebrations, which include folk dances and music.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Fasika Festival in Lalibela

Morning:

• Take an early morning flight to Lalibela (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which are integral to the Fasika celebrations. These 11 churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century, are the most iconic religious sites in Ethiopia.
• Attend the Fasika mass at Bete Medhane Alem (Church of the Savior of the World) or Bete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), experiencing the vibrant liturgies and deep spiritual atmosphere. The mass is accompanied by traditional Ethiopian music, chanting, and incense.

Afternoon:

• After the morning mass, enjoy a local feast with the community in Lalibela. This is an opportunity to sample traditional dishes like injera, doro wat, and t’ej (honey wine) in a festive atmosphere.
• Explore the local markets where you can interact with villagers, purchase handmade crafts, and learn about local traditions.

Evening:

• Participate in the Easter evening prayers and take in the tranquil surroundings of the rock-hewn churches during the spiritual rituals.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 4: Fasika Festival in Gondar

Morning:

• Take a morning flight to Gondar (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit Fasiladas’ Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site where a large and spectacular Easter bonfire is often lit during the Fasika Festival. The royal enclosure and its bathing pools make for an impressive location to celebrate Fasika.
• Attend the Easter mass at Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its stunning frescoes. The church is a central location for Fasika celebrations in Gondar.

Afternoon:

• Take a stroll around Gondar’s old imperial palace complex and learn about the city’s rich royal history.
• Afterward, enjoy traditional Fasika dishes at a local restaurant or in the community. Doro wat, injera, and wot (stews) are typical during Fasika celebrations.

Evening:

• Witness the Easter evening celebrations, which often include traditional Ethiopian dances, folk music, and family gatherings. The streets of Gondar come alive with festivity and joy during Fasika.
• Overnight in Gondar.

Day 5: Departure from Addis Ababa

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a flight back to Addis Ababa (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit Mount Entoto for panoramic views of Addis Ababa, or relax in the Addis Ababa Museum, reflecting on your experience of Ethiopia’s rich culture and history.

Afternoon:

• If time allows, take a final visit to the Merkato market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, where you can buy souvenirs and traditional Ethiopian goods.
• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.