Welcome to the beauty of Ethiopia’s Historic Route! The magnificent cultures and landscapes are indicative of an extraordinary past. It has left a mark on the land, the people, and their monuments. In this fascinating land, the past comes alive in the form of strange and beautiful monuments and ruins, built centuries ago in what used to be one of the greatest kingdoms of the world. Moreover, it is a past that began as the cradle of mankind.
This tour provides a look at the 3,000 years of Ethiopia's history including the stelaes of Axum, the temple of Yeha, the Palace of the Queen of Sheba, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar, the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, the Great Blue Nile Falls, the Simien Mountains, and last but not least, the charming and friendly people of Ethiopia. Moreover, it is a past which began as the cradle of mankind and is truly a trip of a lifetime!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and transfer to hotel. If you arrive in the morning, you can arrange an optional city tour of Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa, Axum
In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for your flight to Axum. For the rest of the day, tour of the ancient city of Axum.
Your day’s visit in Axum includes the Stelae Field, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th-centaury Christian inscription of King Ezana, the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, the Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church, where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.
Day 3: Axum, Yeha, Debre Damo
After breakfast, you will visit the pre-Christian temple of Yeha.
Day 4: Axum, Lalibela
After breakfast, transfer to Axum airport for the flight to Lalibela. In the morning, fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, from 1200 AD.
Day 5: Lalibela, Asheten Mariam
In the morning, take a mule ride and trek to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery. In the afternoon, visit the second group of rock-hewn churches.
Day 6: Lalibela, Gondar
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Gondar. In the afternoon, you will take a tour of Gondar.
Your tour includes the Royal Enclosure, the pool of King Fasilidas, and the famous Debre Berhan Selassie church.
Day 7: Excursion to Simien Mountains, Gondar
Full-day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park.
Day 8: Gondar, Bahirdar
In the morning, drive to Bahirdar and take an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries.
Day 9: Blue Nile Falls, Bahirdar
After breakfast, drive 35 km to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. In the afternoon, walk around the town and visit the colorful local market.
Day 10: Bahirdar, Addis Ababa, Departure
In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Addis. Optional city tour depending on your departure time.
In the evening, there will be Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours complimentary farewell dinner party (flight schedule permitting) — the perfect end to your tour. At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.
