Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Highlights:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
• Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to learn about the country’s rich history and the famous fossil of Lucy.
• Explore the Ethnological Museum to discover Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and their unique traditions.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant with live music and dance performances.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Gena Festival Celebrations in Addis Ababa

Morning:

• Participate in the Gena Festival celebrations at the Holy Trinity Cathedral or Church of St. George.
• Join the morning church service, where traditional liturgy is held, and witness the Timket processions. This is a time for deep prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
• Watch the special Gena mass, which is performed in a traditional way with chants, hymns, and incense.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Bole Medhane Alem Church to see how the festival is celebrated in different churches around the capital.
• Explore the religious rituals as the day progresses, including the gathering of the faithful at local churches for communal prayers and offerings.

Evening:

• Celebrate with the local community, participating in the evening meal, often including injera, doro wat (chicken stew), kitfo (minced meat), and traditional t’ej (honey wine).
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Gena Festival in Lalibela (Rock-Hewn Churches)

Morning:

• Take a flight to Lalibela (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit the famous Rock-Hewn Churches, carved out of solid rock, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Attend the Gena Festival mass at Bete Medhane Alem or Bete Giyorgis Church, where the religious ceremonies are observed in an ancient and traditional manner.

Afternoon:

• Watch the Gena Game, a traditional Ethiopian game similar to field hockey, often played in the streets or in front of the churches during the festival.
• Participate in the traditional Gena feast, which includes Ethiopian specialties like doro wat, injera, and t’ej.
• Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and culturally significant cities.

Evening:

• Explore the evening celebrations with local communities. Experience the joy of the festival with traditional music and dance performances in Lalibela’s town square.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 4: Gena Festival in Gondar

Morning:

• Take a flight to Gondar (about 1 hour).
• Start the day with the Gena Festival mass at Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its beautiful murals and frescoes.
• Witness the religious rituals, prayers, and hymns that celebrate the birth of Christ. Gondar is famous for its royal history and its religious celebrations are a blend of local and imperial traditions.

Afternoon:

• Visit Fasil Ghebbi (the royal enclosure) where you can explore the former royal palaces and churches.
• Enjoy the local Gena celebrations, including communal prayers, processions, and music. Local traditional dances are performed around the city, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Evening:

• Experience the Gena meal with locals, where you’ll enjoy traditional dishes, including doro wat, injera, and kitfo, often shared among families and communities.
• Overnight in Gondar.

Day 5: Gena Festival in Axum and Departure

Morning:

• Take a flight to Axum (approximately 1 hour).
• Visit the St. Mary of Zion Church, one of the most sacred churches in Ethiopia, and participate in the Gena Festival mass. This church is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, making it an important site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
• Watch the special liturgical services and witness the processions in the city.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Stelae Field, home to ancient obelisks, which offer a unique historical backdrop to the religious celebrations.
• Experience the local Gena festivities, including cultural performances and community gatherings.

Evening:

• Return to Addis Ababa in the evening for your departure or to enjoy a farewell dinner.
• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.