8 days: Addis Ababa, Bahar Dar, Lake Tana, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum

Tour overview:
With a culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years, Ethiopia is a land of religious fervor, a glorious history, vibrant celebrations and endless festivals. Add to that a range of natural beauty that includes Afro-Alpine highlands, soaring to around 14,000 feet, the Great Rift Valley, white-water rivers and a Savannah teeming with game.

Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where you are met and escorted to your hotel. (D)

Day 2 – Addis Ababa / Bahar Dar – Lake Tana

Fly to Bahar Dar. Drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the 13th-century monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, as well as Kibran Gabriel, where only men are allowed to enter. (BD)

Day 3 – Bahar Dar / Gondar

Enjoy the drive to Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Visit the castles and churches, built by King Fassiladas and his descendants. (BD)

Day 4 – Gondar / Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela. Visit the 11 medieval, monolithic cave churches and the first group of rock-hewn churches, which were built between AD 800 to 1200. (BD)

Day 5 – Lalibela

Tour the second group of rock-hewn churches. Later, visit Na’akuto La’ab, a church built in a cave, where King Na’akuto La’ab led a hermit’s life after abdicating his throne. (BD)

Day 6 – Lalibela / Axum

Fly to Axum to see the remarkable stelae or obelisks, St. Mary’s Church, the Sanctuary Chapel, the Coronation Yard, Axum Museum, Queen Sheba’s Palace, and King Kaleb’s Tomb. (BD)

Day 7 – Axum / Addis Ababa – City Sightseeing

Fly to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the 3.6 million-year-old skeleton of “Lucy.” Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Also visit St. George Cathedral and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. (BD)

Day 8 – Depart Addis Ababa

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)