- 9 Days
- Addis Ababa | Bahir Dar | Gondar | At'egeba | Lalibela
“Experience Ethiopia through its diverse landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and sacred sites on an unforgettable journey“
Tour Highlights
Entoto Mountains
Boat Trip on Lake Tana
Royal Enclosure of Gondar
Gelada Baboons
Rock-Hewn Churches
Lalibela Hudad Mountains
Cooking Class
about this tour
about this tour
Discover Ethiopia on a remarkable journey, beginning in the vibrant capital city of Addis Ababa. Explore the city’s culture, historic landmarks, and museums, and gain insight into Ethiopia’s unique traditions and heritage. From there, travel to Bahir Dar, where the deep blue waters of Lake Tana and the impressive Blue Nile Falls create a stunning natural setting. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, each with its own history, religious significance, and architectural features, offering perspective on Ethiopia’s early Christian tradition. In Gondar, explore medieval castles, royal palaces, and historic churches that reflect the country’s long and fascinating heritage, showcasing centuries of cultural, religious, and architectural achievement. The journey continues to the Simien Mountains, where dramatic landscapes stretch across cliffs, deep valleys, and high plateaus, providing opportunities to observe Ethiopia’s unique endemic wildlife, including gelada baboons and a variety of mountain birds. Conclude your journey in Lalibela, a spiritual destination celebrated for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches carved directly into volcanic rock, each demonstrating remarkable religious, architectural, and historical significance. Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, cultural landmarks, historic churches, and natural scenery combine to create a travel experience that is both memorable and deeply enriching, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.
A visit to Dorze village gives a fascinating look at everyday life in the Ethiopian highlands. You’ll be warmly welcomed with a handwoven cotton scarf and can watch locals spin, dye, and weave textiles using traditional, time-honored techniques. Step inside their tall, beehive-shaped homes, carefully built to withstand the changing seasons and harsh weather, and explore objects like hunting tools and animal skins that reveal local customs, values, and ways of life, creating a truly hands-on cultural experience.
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Arrival in EthiopiaUpon arrival in Addis, our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you’ll discover the country's ancient history and learn about Lucy, the earliest known human ancestor. Next, head to the Ethnological Museum, housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the scenic gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University. Even if museums aren’t typically your thing, this one is worth a visit—it’s widely regarded as one of the best in Africa. Before lunch, stop by the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known for its distinct architectural style. After a leisurely lunch, drive up to the Entoto Mountains, offering the best panoramic views of the city. This historical site was once home to Menelik II, who built his palace here. It is also home to several important churches, including Saint Mary’s Church. On the way back, pass through Piazza and visit St. George’s Church before returning to your hotel.
overnight
Upon arrival in Addis, our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the National Museum…2
Lake Tana Boat TripYou’ll take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, where you’ll check into your hotel before heading to your boat for a scenic tour of Lake Tana. The lake is home to 37 islands, 32 of which contain churches and monasteries with significant historical and cultural value. One of the highlights is the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, the most famous on the lake. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of religious icons dating from the 13th to 19th centuries.
overnight
You’ll take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, where you’ll check into your hotel before heading to your boat for a scenic tour of Lake Tana. The lake is home…3
Explore GondarAfter a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, you'll drive to the historic city of Gondar, the first capital under Emperor Fasilides. Gondar is home to a series of castles built by various emperors over 236 years, giving the city a distinctive European feel rather than an African one. In the afternoon, visit Fasilidas Palace, the oldest and perhaps the most impressive of the castles in the area. Next, head to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity), known for its stunning frescoes, cherubs, and paintings. The church is also linked to the Ark of the Covenant, as it was once considered a potential resting place for the sacred relic. In the evening, enjoy some downtime at the spa or relax by the pool, taking in the panoramic views of this beautiful location.
overnight
After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, you'll drive to the historic city of Gondar, the first capital under Emperor Fasilides. Gondar is home to a series of castles built…4
Simien Mountain National ParkBefore heading to the Simien Mountain National Park for the day, you'll stop in Debark, a small market town situated at 2,700 meters above sea level, near the park’s boundary. The town features rows of corrugated iron-roofed buildings surrounding lively, colorful market areas. From there, continue on to Simien Mountain National Park, the largest in Ethiopia. This stunning park offers incredible views and the chance to see a range of wildlife, including the rare Simien fox (Ethiopian wolf), various birds of prey, Klippspringers, and bushbucks.
overnight
Before heading to the Simien Mountain National Park for the day, you'll stop in Debark, a small market town situated at 2,700 meters above sea level, near the park’s boundary.…5
Simien Mountain National Park Day TwoGet an early start to visit Simien Mountain National Park once more, as there’s still much to discover in this expansive area. Today, you'll head to Sankaber, which offers some of the best views in the park. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside, with carefully tended fields, pastures dotted with grazing horses, clusters of trees, and distant rocky peaks. At the highest point of the road, take in sweeping views of the unique, eroded foothills. The day will be dedicated to photographing Gelada Baboons in their natural habitat.
overnight
Get an early start to visit Simien Mountain National Park once more, as there’s still much to discover in this expansive area. Today, you'll head to Sankaber, which offers some…6
Transfer to GondarEnjoy one last morning in the awe-inspiring Simien Mountains before setting off for Gondar around midday. Take in the dramatic scenery along the way before reaching this storied city.
overnight
Enjoy one last morning in the awe-inspiring Simien Mountains before setting off for Gondar around midday. Take in the dramatic scenery along the way before reaching this storied city.7
Explore Lalibela & Cooking ClassAfter breakfast, you will head straight to the airport for your morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most renowned historical site. This small town in the Lasta Mountains is known worldwide for its remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the soft red tuff rock. Named after King Lalibela, who commissioned many of these religious structures, the town is home to 11 monolithic churches dating back to the 12th century. Some feature intricate paintings, while others are connected by passageways with small chambers once used by hermits. Your visit will include Bete Medhane Alem and the most well-known of them all—Bet Giyorgis, built in honor of Ethiopia’s patron saint, Saint George. In the early evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Ethiopian dishes, including an introduction to the art of Ethiopian coffee-making, guided by local experts.
overnight
After breakfast, you will head straight to the airport for your morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most renowned historical site. This small town in the Lasta Mountains is known worldwide…8
Lalibela HudadIn the morning, a mule and muleteer will take you up to Lalibela Hudad, where you can take in sweeping views and spot Gelada Baboons. Perched on a vast, green plateau, this secluded retreat offers striking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich array of bird and plant life. Managed by the local community, the lodge is a model of sustainable and ecological tourism. Overlooking the ancient town of Lalibela, this highland sanctuary provides a protected habitat for various species.
overnight
In the morning, a mule and muleteer will take you up to Lalibela Hudad, where you can take in sweeping views and spot Gelada Baboons. Perched on a vast, green…9
Departure DayAfter an early breakfast, you will ride a mule back to Lalibela, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. From there, you will continue with your departure.
overnight
After an early breakfast, you will ride a mule back to Lalibela, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.…
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