8 Days & 7 Nights
Duration
7/10
Physicality
Addis Ababa, Gondar, Amhara
Location

This classic Timket ( Epiphany ) festival tour combine a tour of the famous historical sites with the exuberant festivities – takes you to experience one of the greatest and most colorful festivals, celebrated with great devotion, chanting, dancing, and singing around the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Additional information

DestinationGondar
Jan. 10

January 10: Addis Ababa

Meet at Bole International airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is exploring the town of Addis Ababa; we begin with the National Museum to view the 3.6 million year old remains of Lucy, whose skeletal remains were discovered in 1974, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and time permitting Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis and Mercato the open market.
Optional tour to Fistula Hospital is a remarkable place to visit, and is considered the best-run charity in the country
Overnight: Jupiter Hotel-Addis Ababa.

Jan. 13

January 13: Addis Ababa- Bahir Dar

At a morning fly to Bahir Dar and upon arrival drive to the Tis Isat Village and visit the Blue Nile Falls. This misty deluge produces rainbows that shimmer across the gorge as well as a small perennial rainforest of lush green vegetation, to the delight of the many monkeys and multi-coloured birds that inhabit the region.
In the afternoon take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and visit ancient island monasteries over the islands such as Ura Kidanemihret and Azoa Mariam
Overnight Tana Hotel.

Jan. 14

January 14: Bahir Dar - Gondar

8:00 Am. Meet at the lobby and drive to Gondar 175km/ 120 miles takes about 4 hours with photo stops.
After noon exploring the town of Gondar that includes the buildings that make up the Royal Enclosure and the baths of Fassilides , a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, perhaps the country’s most famous Church famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels and end the visit with Welleka village (Ethiopian Jew Village) Overnight Goha Hotel

In the morning, drive to Bahir dar through the Great Blue Nile Gorge with a stop over at different small towns like Dejen, Chancho and Goha Tsion.
Overnight: Tana Hotel-Bahir Dar.

Jan. 15

January 15: Gondar-Simien Mountains National Park

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Simien Mountains National park. En-route we will be visiting the “Felasha” or the Black Jewish village. Driving from Gondar up to Simien Mountains National Park, nothing prepares you for the spectacular scenery that awaits at the top of the massif. The rest of the day, trek around the park to explore the stunning view and wildlife of the park including Sankaber.
Overnight: Simien Lodge-Sankaber.

Jan. 16

January 16: Simien Mountains National Park-Axum

After breakfast start driving to Axum through the beautiful sceneries of Simien Mountains, Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel-Axum.

Jan. 17

January 17: Axum

After breakfast, we will start to visit the ancient city of Axum. Your visit in Axum include: the Stele Square, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel-Axum.
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Jan. 18

January 18: Axum-Lalibela -Timket Eve at Lalibela

At a morning fly to Lalibela, after check in to Roha Hotel start to explore the remarkable rock hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
In the afternoon, we will attend the Timket eve ceremony called, Ketera. During Ketera, the priests take out the Tabots- replicas of the original Ark of the Covenant, from each church and bless the water of the pool where the next day’ celebration will take place. In the evening, we will return to the ‘Taboat Maderia’ to attend the night celebrations.
Overnight Roha Hotel.
Jan. 19

January 19: Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela-Timket Festival at Lalibela

Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops on the way at rift valley Lakes. Evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from different ethnic groups. Then transfer to The Airport for your flight back home.
 
Jan. 20

January 20: Lalibela-Addis Ababa-Departure

Fly back to Addis. The rest of the day city tour of Addis Ababa which include: Ethnographic Museum and St. George Cathedral. In the evening, there will be Footprint Ethiopia complimentary farewell dinner party with traditional special buffet and local drinks. At the end of the Farwell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour!
 

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