Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Flight to Mekelle (Tigray)

Morning:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
• Take a morning flight to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region (approximately 1 hour flight).
• Check in to your hotel in Mekelle and relax after your journey.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, explore Mekelle’s historical sites, including the Mekelle Museum, which showcases the region’s history, culture, and art.
• Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray, some of the most remote and breathtaking monolithic churches carved into the cliffs of Tigray.
• Visit the Aksumite ruins, including the Queen of Sheba’s palace and Obelisks of Aksum (if time allows).

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like injera, doro wat, and t’ej (honey wine).
• Overnight in Mekelle.

Day 2: Ashenda Festival in Mekelle

Morning:

• Start the day by visiting the local market in Mekelle. The Ashenda festival brings a special atmosphere to the market, where people prepare for the festivities by buying new clothes and making special dishes.
• Attend a special Ashenda mass at a local church in Mekelle, where the community gathers for prayers and celebrations.

Afternoon:

• Participate in the Ashenda procession. Young women, dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, carry colorful wreaths and sing joyful songs that celebrate the end of the fasting period.
• Watch the Ashenda dances, known for their energetic and vibrant performances. The dances are performed by women and are often accompanied by lively drumming and chanting.

Evening:

• Join the Ashenda celebration in Mekelle’s main square or in a local community gathering, where festivities continue into the night.
• Enjoy traditional Tigrayan music, including krar (a stringed instrument) and drums, while savoring local delicacies.
• Overnight in Mekelle.

Day 3: Travel from Mekelle to Lalibela (Amhara Region)

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a morning flight from Mekelle to Lalibela (approximately 1.5 hours flight).
• Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon:

• Start your Lalibela exploration by visiting the iconic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. These 12th-century monolithic churches are carved from solid rock and are one of the most remarkable architectural feats in the world.
  • Visit Bete Medhane Alem (Church of the Savior of the World), the largest of the churches.
  • Explore Bete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), one of the most famous churches in Lalibela, shaped like a cross.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with dishes like doro wat and injera.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 4: Ashenda Festival Celebrations in Lalibela

Morning:

• On the morning of Ashenda, attend a special mass at Bete Medhane Alem or Bete Giyorgis. The religious services for Ashenda are filled with hymns, chants, and prayers, giving you insight into the spiritual significance of the festival.
• Watch the Ashenda procession where the locals, especially young women, dressed in colorful traditional attire, sing, dance, and celebrate together in the streets.

Afternoon:

• Participate in Ashenda dances. The women perform these dances as part of the celebration, and the atmosphere is filled with joy, energy, and communal participation.
• Visit the local market in Lalibela to see the preparations for the festival, including the sale of new clothes, spices, and traditional crafts.
• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch, experiencing some of the dishes specific to the Ashenda festival, such as kitfo (minced beef) or shiro (chickpea stew).

Evening:

• Join the evening Ashenda celebration, where locals continue the festivities with traditional songs, dances, and feasts.
• The celebration continues late into the night, with music and community involvement.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5: Return to Addis Ababa

Morning:

• After breakfast, take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
• Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, take some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see artifacts from Ethiopia’s rich history, including the famous Lucy (the oldest hominid skeleton found).

Afternoon:

• If time allows, visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important churches, or enjoy a scenic view from Mount Entoto, where you can see the entire city of Addis Ababa.
• If you have time before your flight, explore Bole International Airport shopping area for souvenirs.
• Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure flight.