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Ethiopia. Ethiopia: Land of Legends

Day 1: Arrival In Addis Ababa

Meet your local guide on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital in the world and one of the largest cities in Africa, with a population well over 5 million. Despite its size, Addis retains a small-town feel with lively markets, donkey carts hurrying down main streets and traditional coffee shops.

The Hilton Hotel
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Day 2: Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and The Island Monasteries

Transfer to the airport for the short early morning flight to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar rests on the shores of Lake Tana and is one of Ethiopia’s prettiest cities with its wide avenues, palms, jacaranda trees, and stunning lake views. For centuries Bahir Dar has been a trading center for the region; the tankwa, the traditional papyrus boats, still transport goods across the lake adding a sense of timelessness to city.  Whilst on board your private boat onto Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its famous island monasteries. After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, you reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret. Home to an important collection of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas, colorful and well-preserved, tell the stories of Ethiopian saints. The second monastery visit, Azwa Maryam, is a smaller construction set amidst pleasant gardens. This afternoon there is an optional excursion available to the Blue Nile Falls. Alternatively, you can choose to explore Bahir Dar’s market, enjoy a cold beverage overlooking the lake or bird watch in the lush gardens at the hotel.

Kuriftu Resort and Spa

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3: Gondar & The African Castles

Depart this morning for the three hour drive to Gondar, passing rural villages over mountain passes with stunning vistas to get your first glimpse of the impressive castles of Gondar. Often called Africa’s Camelot, King Fasiledes named Gondar capital in 1636 ACE and by his death in 1667 ACE Gondar’s population had reached 65,000, its wealth and beauty well known throughout the land. Walking amongst the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches adorned with Ethiopian cherubs, and royal baths. It’s easy to imagine Gondar in its glory days as capital of Ethiopia. Return to watch the sunset from your hotel.

Goha Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Simien Mountains

Depart Gondar to drive up into Africa's most beautiful highlands, the Simien Mountains. The drive takes about 4 hours on packed gravel roads amidst stunning scenery. The Simien Mountains not only offer amazing vistas and panoramic views, but the area is also a critical habitat of several of Ethiopia’s endemic species: the walia ibex, gelada baboon, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Other resident mammals include rock hyraxes, jackals, bushbuck and klipspringers. Ras Dashen, the fourth highest peak in Africa, rises to 4,000 meters amongst several other impressive peaks. Check in to the Simien Ecolodge then take off for an afternoon hike. The Simien Ecolodge is situated on the edge of a high escarpment designed to represent a typical Simien Village built from local materials.

Simien EcoLodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5: Hiking In The Simien Mountains

Set out with the local expert guide on a day hike with a picnic lunch. Depart the lodge for Chenek where it is possible to spot the endemic walia ibex. Hike along the escarpment at around 10,000' elevation and marvel at the spectacular landscape with panoramic vistas overlooking waterfalls and the deep gorges below.

Simien EcoLodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Return To Gondar

After a short hike or relaxed morning enjoying the mountains return to Gondar. The afternoon is free to walk around the town, catch up on your travel journal, and relax at the hotel with a refreshing drink in the lounge. Tonight a typical Ethiopian feast awaits you!

Goha Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7: Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches

The short flight to Lalibela transects amazing rust colored canyons and high jagged peaks. At over 8,500 feet the small town of Lalibela is situated high in the Lasta Mountains. Even though Lalibela has been a destination for travelers and pilgrims since the 16th century, the town is remarkably undeveloped. The day is spent exploring the ancient city and its many rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in Africa, and certainly in the entire Christian world. Although it is not widely known in the west, Ethiopia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion.  The Lalibela churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign in the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Legend has it that King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia to build a New Jerusalem. Thanks to UNESCO, the main road to Lalibela has been paved, and in recent years Lalibela finally received electricity. (Water shortages are an almost daily occurrence and the hotels ration water.)

Maribela Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8: Asheten Maryam & The Rock-Hewn Churches

Rise early and enjoy an excursion out of town by mule up the mountain slopes to the dramatic church site of Asheten Maryam. The mountain views are impressive and it’s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the “closest to God.” We return to Lalibela in the afternoon to visit the second and third groups of rock hewn churches, including the famous Bet Giyorgis.


Maribela Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Fly To Axum, Tour The City

After breakfast head back through the rugged landscape to the airport and your flight to Axum. This simple frontier town is in fact a city of great importance; once the ancient capital of Ethiopia. According to local legend, Axum was home to the Queen of Sheba and is today the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. As one explores Axum and its ancient relics, your sense of adventure and imagination will guide you through this mysterious historic place. On arrival, get your first glimpse of the long history of the area with a city tour that includes the Archeological Museum, Stelae Park and Ezana’s inscriptions. The North Stelae Park contains over 120 stelae, some are upright, some are buried and others have been removed. The Rome Stelae, the tallest at 25m high, was shipped to Italy in 1937 under orders from Mussolini, but has since been returned and is being re-erected at this time. Return in time for a sundowner and dinner at the hotel.

Sabean Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10: St. Mary Of Zion Complex & The Ruined Palace Of The Queen Of Sheba.

Explore the St. Mary of Zion complex—an unexpected blend of ancient and modern. The original church was built by Emperor Fasiladas, founder of Gonder, in 1665. It’s thought that this church was constructed on the original foundations of a temple built by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the museum of ancient relics under the modern cathedral of St. Mary’s of Zion built by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1960's. The ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba and the 10th century B.C. Axumite temples of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel are also impressive sites overlooking the Adwa Mountains and Eritrea.

Sabean Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Return To Addis Ababa

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Addis. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the beautiful gardens, bird watch, and to enjoy an espresso--a specialty drink in Ethiopia.

The Hilton Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 12: Full Day Tour Of Addis & Departure

A full-day guided exploration of Addis Ababa includes the National Museum to view an extensive collection of Ethiopian antiquities, plus the hominid skeleton, Lucy or Dinknesh (Amharic for ‘wonderful’). The Ethnographic Museum represents over 80 ethnic groups of the region. Then wander the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Volunteerism opportunities at a local orphanage can be arranged upon request. A day room is available until the evening airport transfer.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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