6 DAYS - NOTHERN ETHIOPIA - LALIBELA, GONDER, BAHIRDAR AND ADDIS ABABA

Day 01: 

Addis Ababa City Tour A city tour of Addis Ababa, Capital city of Ethiopia. We will begin with a visit to the Entoto Mountain to enjoy the scenic beauty of the city and the surrounding countryside. Then, drive to National Museum that houses great collection of paleontological finds including the famous Lucy and historical artefacts and paintings. We will conclude our city tour by paying a visit to the Trinity Cathedral- the second highest ranking church in Ethiopia and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Day 2:

 Fly Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival at Bahir Dar an attractive city situated on the shores of Lake Tana, transfer to your lodge then boat trip to Lake Tana monasteries, Zeghie Peninsula to visit the famous monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret for its spectacular murals and priceless literary works and ecclesiastical objects. On the return ride, visit briefly the outlet of the Blue Nile River from Lake Tana with a great chance of spotting aquatic birds and possibly Hippos along the ridges followed by a deserved lunch on the shore of the lake. Late afternoon, a short drive to Bezawit Hill for a panoramic view the city, Lake Tana monasteries and the Blue Nile River right after its outlet from Lake Tana as well as stunning sunset. Overnight: Overnight: Avanti Blue Nile Resort or Similar

Day 3: 

Drive Bahirdar- Gondar After an early breakfast leave Bahir Dar for Gondar (about 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival visit the most sought after Debre Birhan Selassie church- the ceilings after lunch break and refreshment time, check in to hotel time, continue visiting, the walls of the church are beautifully painted with the famous Gondarine Style of paintings, continue sightseeing tour of Gondar including the Royal Enclosure and Fasiledes bath. Founded by Emperor Fasledes in 136, Gondar served as a Capital city of Ethiopia for over 250 years. As a true evidence of an architectural beauty deeply marked by the country’s ancient civilization, the Royal enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) built by successive Gondarine kings including the Fasiledes bath castle was registered by UNESCO as s World Heritage Site in 1979. In its heydays Gondar was the center of commerce, painting and church education.

Overnight: Gondar Hill Resort or similar

Day 04: 

Fly Gondar-Lalibela After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Lalibela. After a scenic 30 minutes’ drive check in to your lodge followed by lunch. Lalibela, “African Jerusalem” as it’s called is the museum of rock-hewn churches and center of pilgrimage. We will visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela starting with the First Cluster and the small museum that houses invaluable relics including parchments and crosses. And, conclude the tour with a visit to the monolithic and Cruciform Bete Giyorgis, the most elegant of the rock-hewn churches. Overnight: Mezena Lodge or Similar

Day 05: 

Lalibela Morning continue visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Afternoon, visit the nearby builtup cave monastery of Nakuto Le’Ab with its priceless ecclesiastical objects and great natural cavern. Overnight: Mezena Lodge or Similar 

Day 5: 

Fly Lalibela -Addis Abeba Transfer to the airport to fly back to Addis Ababa. We can spend the rest of the day in Addis abeba, souvenir shopping, AU headquarter visit and Use of day room at your hotel. You will have farewell cultural dinner with traditional music before heading onto the airport for final departure