12 Days North Including the Simien Mountain

Duration: 10 Nights / 12 Days

Day 1: Addis Ababa- Bahir Dar

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos.  On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia.  Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge.  The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.  Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 2: Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile Falls

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.  Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 3: Gondar

You will be driven to Gondar (185 Km) through country side .Then you will check into a hotel and after a brief break, you will visit to the Royal Castles & the Bath of Emperor Fasiledes (the bath is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year. You will continue your visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity at the Mount of Light), the Castle of Empress Mintewab, and Kuskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Early in the evening, you will visit ‘Azmari Bet’ at Traditional Music Houses after which you will have dinner at the hotel .Overnight stay on Reserved Hotel.

Day 4: Excursion in Simien Mountain

Early departure first to Debark and then to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountain National park, a UNESCO World heritage site, in the afternoon trek between Sanakbar and the large waterfall jinbar , the trail proceeds along the vast escarpment ,first slightly uphill before starting a descent to the waterfall jinbar. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 5:  Simien Mountain – Axum

After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains.  After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country.  Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 6: Axum City Tour

Morning after breakfast  start visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.  You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.  Men only are allowed to enter the old church.  Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 7: Axum- Gheralta

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum.  Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry!  No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter.  Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 8: Excursion to Gheralta

In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor.  Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area.  After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos.  Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 9: Mekele-Lalibela

Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela.  Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people.  Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 10: Lalibela ‘’the 8th Wonders of the World’’

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).  After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.  Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 11:  Lalibela -Woldia

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff.  After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia.  On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight stay on reserved hotel

Day 12: Addis Ababa

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan.  On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons.  If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market. Evening we will have fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurant for cultural dances from the different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home.

• Note: The above program can be adjusted according to your time, Budget and interest.