Summary:

In this historical route tours you will visit the historical routes of northern Ethiopia encompasses a history that stretches back to the time of prehistoric man; to the 3,000 year old history of Axum; the famous 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the Medieval castles of Gondar, which is Known as Africa’s Camelot. The more modern city of Bahir Dar lies on Lake Tana at the outlet of the Blue Nile, within daytrip distance of the spectacular Blue Nile Falls and more than a dozen of medieval period’s historic island monasteries.

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Information

• Tour Duration: September 25 – October 1, every year
• Group Size: 2- 20 People
• Destination: Historical Routes of Northern Ethiopia
• Attractions: Historical place, religious site & Meskel festival
• Season: September, every year
• Tour Customizable: Yes
• Rate: Up on request

Program Details

Day 1 (September 25): Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet you Elmi Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.

Day 2 (September 26): City tour in Addis Ababa and attend Ketera (the eve of Meskel)
Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world on an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate and a background of green with eucalyptus trees covered mountains. The city is founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu.Visit Entoto Mountains, with very nice view over the capital, the National/Ethnographic museum, St George church and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa.

Late in the afternoon attend ketera (the eve of Meskel) at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, here bonfires are built topped by a cross, to which flowers (Meskel daisy) are tied. After the bonfires are blessed, which takes place during a long ceremony, they are set on fire and dancing and singing begins around them. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.

Day 3 (September 27): Fly to Bahir dar
Make a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the medieval period island monasteries such as; Kibran Gabriel (only for men), Entos and on the Zegien peninsula visit Ura Kidan Mehiret, Azuwa Mariam, Mahal Giorgis.

In the afternoon drive to Tis Isat (smoking of Fire); Since a dam has been built upstream, the waterfall is reduced a little. Also the walk to the waterfall is nice and you can enjoy nature and watch birds. Overnight stay in the Homeland Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Day 4 (September 28): City tour in Gondar
After having breakfast drive to Gondar, 180km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape and Visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the 17th century palaces of King Fassiladas, King Iyasu and Queen Mentewab and different other buildings. Visit also Fasiladas’ Bath, (that is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year)

Having a lunch in afternoon visit the rectangular Debre Brehan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) has a ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels. Depending on the time you can visit also Kweskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Inside the palace look out the figures of crosses and Ethiopian characters and animals, such as St Samuel riding his lion. Overnight stay in the Florida Hotel

Day 5 (September 29): Flight to Axum
Axum is a town with monuments that testify of the rich and glorious past of the mighty Kingdom of Axum (1-700 A.D.). And the town also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival check in hotel then start to make a visit to the famous Axumi’s stelae, St. Mary of Zion church (which supposed to house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruins palace of Queen Sheba so called Dungur & palace.

Outside Axum you can visit also the tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel dating to 6th century. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.

Day 6 (September 30): Flight to Lalibela
Lalibela and its rock-hewn church are thought, to date the 12th and 13th century during King Lalibela reign. The churches are remarkable since they are entirely freed from the rock, refined and concentrated in small land.
Start to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are clustered in to three different places separated by River Jordan. Today visit the first and the third groups of churches. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 7 (October 1): Flight back to Addis Ababa and continue to make city tour
Today you have enough time left for shopping in Merkato or in the numerous souvenir shops near Churchill road, to visit art galleries. Late in afternoon have a fare-well dinner then check in for flight back home.

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