Travel to Ethiopia: Ethiopia: Travel Through a Land of Legends

DAYS: 12

GRADE: II, Basic Hotel Accommodations, Hiking, Extreme Weathe define

PRICE: From $2795 per person
* Internal Air Supplement $665 *

HIGHLIGHTS:
Island Monasteries of Lake Tana
Castles of Gondar
Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela
Stelae of Axum
Markets and Museums in Addis Ababa.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hotels/Lodges

MEALS: As noted
[B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,
D-Dinner]

SEASON: Year-round

Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services

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Tour Ethiopia on an enriching adventure that begins in Addis Ababa and traverses the Northern Historic Route including Lake Tana, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum--exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Setting the stage for a journey through a land where legend and history are deeply entwined, visit Lake Tana with its sacred island monasteries. In Gondar, explore the Royal Enclosure and enjoy a private coffee ceremony. A special two-night stay at an eco-lodge in the Simien Mountains provides opportunities for wildlife hikes and spectacular vistas. Rise early in Lalibela to explore the subterranean churches, glowing in the morning light and wander among towering stelae in Axum. Equipped with expert guides and the best vehicles, we immerse ourselves in this captivating country. Visit Ethiopia to experience the Timkat festival or simply relish the serenity of the sites. Travel Ethiopia in comfort with welcoming service, en suite accommodations and a variety of local and international cuisine.

DAY 1 : ADDIS ABABA
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, we meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel for the night. Addis Ababa is one of Africa's largest cities with a population of 5 million people, but it has retained a small-town ambiance with its lively markets, traditional coffee shops and donkey carts that traverse the streets. Overnight at the Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa. [Meals on own]

We take a short flight to Bahir Dar, where glistening lake views, tankwa (traditional papyrus boats) and wide avenues lined with palm trees and flowering jacardana await us. Transfer to the Tana Hotel, and enjoy a cup of Ethiopia's signature coffee with your breakfast. Cross Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its ancient, well-preserved monasteries by private boat, keeping an eye out for a variety of bird species en route.

After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, arrive at the Ura Kidane Meret monastery, home to a vast collection of crosses and crowns that date to the 16th century. Venture on to the Azwa Mariam where a humorous, young priest guides us through the monastery, gardens and manuscript libraries. In the afternoon, take an optional excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, wander Bahir Dar's colorful open-air market, relax and enjoy the lake views or bird-watch in the hotel gardens. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Tana Hotel or similar. [BLD]

Optional excursion: The Blue Nile Falls has historically been one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. However, the river was recently dammed upstream and the water flow is now controlled. The falls are still a fascinating natural site with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds present.

DAY 3 : GONDAR AND THE AFRICAN CASTLES
Our day begins with a three-hour scenic drive through rural villages and mountainous passes to Gondar, Ethiopia's capital in the 1600s. Known as Africa's Camelot for its wealth and beauty, Gondar boasts the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches and resplendent bathing pools. Stroll through the banquet halls, gaze from the balconies of the palaces and imagine the intrigue and pageantry of a time when Gondar was home to emperors and warlords, courtiers and kings. Admire the bath of King Fasiledes (where modern-day Timkat, or Epiphany, ceremonies are performed) and the Debre Birhan Silasse church--its ceiling adorned with 80 Ethiopian cherubs.

We arrive back at the Goha Hotel in time to watch the sunset from the patio. Perched on one of the region's highest hills, the hotel offers a panoramic view of the city. Overnight at Goha Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 4 : SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Early departure for a four-hour drive to the dramatic Simien Mountain range, and its Ras Dashen (13,120 ft.), the fourth-highest peak in Africa. The Simien Mountains are the result of massive seismic activity in the area about 40 million years ago. Molten lava poured out of the Earth's core, and subsequent erosion over the millennia has left behind the gorges, chasms and precipices that make up the jagged landscape. Several endemic species call the Simien home, including the walia ibex, gelada baboon, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Check in at the Simien Eco-Lodge and set out for an afternoon hike. Overnight at the Simien Eco-Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 5 : HIKING IN THE SIMIENS
A day hike, complete with picnic lunch, is on our agenda today. Our destination is Chenek (11,808 ft.), where we enjoy a panoramic mountain view, including the summits of Imet Gogo and Buhit. The endemic walia ibex and other mammals can be sighted around the area. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. [BLD]

DAY 6 : SIMIEN MOUNTAINS - GONDAR
Take a short, optional hike or spend a relaxing morning at the lodge before returning to Gondar. Enjoy the late afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, a traditional Ethiopian dinner awaits you. Overnight at Goha Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 7 : LALIBELA
Depart early for a flight to the monastic settlement of Lalibela (8,500 ft), situated high in the Lasta Mountains. Ethiopia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, doing so in the 4th century, and Lalibela is its holiest site. Many of its historic buildings take their name and design from buildings in Jerusalem, and this small town is among the most important religious locations in the Christian world.

"A shaft of warm light shines through the cross-shaped window and casts an ethereal glow on the priest's face. Layers of rugs, clouds of Frankincense and candlelight fill the church..."

Lalibela has been a destination for travelers and pilgrims since the 16th century, but it remains remarkably undeveloped only recently receiving power. Check into the hotel before heading out to explore the first group of rock-hewn churches, believed to have been constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries. Overnight at Roha Hotel. [BLD] Note: Daily water shortages may occur; be prepared to experience water rationing. Please help to conserve this precious commodity.

Trek to the cave churches of Nakutolaab or travel by mule to Asheten Mariam. This 13th century, rock-hewn monastery is located on a mountain above the town, and its expansive view of the surrounding countryside makes it easy to see why the priests here here believe they are "closest to God."

UNESCO registered this site as the "8th Wonder of the World." Return to Lalibela in the afternoon and visit the second and third groups of rock-hewn churches, including the famous Bet Giyorgis. Overnight at Roha Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 9 : AXUM
Early morning transfer for the flight to Axum, an ancient city where history is tightly intertwined with legend. Axum was the capital of the far-reaching Axumite kingdom at the time of Christ, and dominated the vital crossroads of Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. Many believe the mighty Queen of Sheba resided here, and that it is home to the holy Ark of the Covenant, a vessel that holds the Ten Commandments. We begin exploration of the city and its relics with an afternoon tour that includes the Archeological Museum, Stelae Park, and Ezana's inscriptions. Dinner and overnight at the Yeha Hotel. [BLD]

Today we explore the St. Mary of Zion complex. The original buildings of this church were constructed in the 4th century, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Explore the halls where Ethiopian Emperors came to be crowned, and view the Guarded Chapel, home to what is believed to be the Ark of the Covenant. Browse the on-site museum located under the church, where many of Ethiopia's priceless relics can be found.

In the afternoon, visit the Queen of Sheba palace ruins, and explore the 10th century Axumite temples of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, which house the earliest known Christian symbols in Africa. Dinner and overnight at the Yeha Hotel. [BLD]

Return flight to Addis. Transfer to Ghion Hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure: explore the beautiful gardens, bird watch, or enjoy an afternoon espresso. Dinner and overnight at the Ghion Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 12 : ADDIS ABABA AND DEPARTURE
Embark on a full-day exploration of Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum to view an extensive collection of Ethiopian antiquities, and the hominid skeleton, Lucy or Dinknesh (Amharic for wonderful). Explore the Ethnographic Museum's relics that represent over 80 ethnic groups. Wander the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Voluntourism opportunities at a local orphanage can be arranged upon request. A hotel room is available until evening airport transfer. [BLD] Note: Lucy is often on tour around the world and unavailable for viewing.