15 Days Northern Historical Route by surface: Journey through the heart of Ethiopia’s Past
Duration: 14 Nights/15 Days
Tour Code: EAET 911 A
Ethiopia has a proud and long history extending all the way to the known beginnings of human kind. The historic route overland tour takes visitors from the current capital Addis Ababa to the former capitals Gonderite and Axumite empires, as well as to the sacred city of Lalibela and the Rock Churches of Tigray.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel
Day 2: Drive north to Bahir Dar: visit Debre Libanos monastery and pass through the Blue Nile Gorge on the way. Overnight Hotel
Day 3: Full day in Bahir Dar: visit the Blue Nile Falls, afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to various Islands and 14th century monasteries. Overnight Hotel
Day 4: Drive to Gonder: visit the 16th century Fasilades Castle Compound and Bathes of king Fasil. Overnight Hotel
Day 5: Full day in Gonder: visit the 16th century church of Debre Berhan Selassie, afternoon visit to the Felasha village outside of Gonder. Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Drive to Axum on the scenic byway passing through the Simien Mountains, the Tekezze river Gorge and the spectacular cliffs of Tigray. Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Full day in Axum: visit the famous Axumite stelea, archeological sites, the bath and the palace of Queen of Sheba, the tomb of kings and the church of St. Mary of Zion (where it is said king Menelik I brought the true Ark of Covenant from Israel). Overnight Hotel
Day 8: Drive to Gheralta Valley: en route visit the ancient ruins of Yeha Temple (5th century B.C.), the churches great Beal Gebri, Debre Damo and Abuna Aregawi rock churches. Overnight Lodge
Day 9: Drive to Mekelle: en route visit the rock churches of Tigray, including Wekro Cherkos and the Monumental church of Abreha & Atsbeha. Overnight Hotel
Day 10: Drive to Lalibela on the Scenic byway through the town of Sekota. Overnight Mountain View Hotel
Day 11: Full day Lalibela: visit Asheten Mariam monastery and the Rock-Hewn churches of Lalibela. Overnight Mountain View Hotel
Day 12: Full day Lalibela: visit second cluster of Lalibela Rock-Hewn churches, afternoon visit to Na’aktu Laab monastery. Overnight Mountain View Hotel
Day 13: Drive to Kombolcha: en route visit Hayk Estefanos monastery and Lake. Overnight Hotel
Day 14: Drive to Addis Ababa: en route visit to Oromo/Afar market. Overnight Hotel
Day 15: Full day Addis Ababa: city tour including museums, churches and shopping at local markets. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner party. End of the Tour
