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THE HISTORICAL ROUTE
Day 1 London to Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa from London Heathrow with Ethiopian Airlines.
Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive into Addis Ababa in the morning where you will be met and transferred
to the Hilton Hotel for your overnight stay. Located in the heart of the country
at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Addis Ababa has a relaxed feel. In the afternoon
you will have a city tour, which will include the Archaeological Museum and
Cathedral. (B)
Day 3 Addis Ababa to Aksum – by air
This morning leave Addis Ababa and fly to Aksum and on your arrival stay at
the Yeha Hotel for two nights. Aksum is an ancient city and once the centre
of a rich, powerful and highly civilised empire. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Aksum
Start the day at the fascinating St Mary of Zion Churches. Within this enclosure
is a small guarded chapel said to contain the Ark of the Covenant. Afterwards,
continue the short distance to the Northern Stelae Field which is home to
over one hundred finely carved monoliths. Also visit the Queen of Sheba’s
bath and the local Royal Palaces. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Aksum to Lalibela – by air
This morning, after breakfast, fly to Lalibela and on your arrival stay at
the Roha Hotel for three nights. Lalibela is located in the isolated Lasta
Mountains. Famous for its rock-cut churches this small and largely undeveloped
town is one of the most important religious-historical sites of the Christian
world. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Lalibela
to
Day 7 Lalibela
Over the next two days explore Lalibela and the surrounding area. Visit the
remarkable rock churches which have been literally cut into the bedrock. Orthodox
Christianity is still central to this community, and the faithful still gather
to hear priest clad in white and purple sing the liturgy in the early morning,
and the church air is heavy with incense. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Lalibela to Bahar Dar – by air
In the morning leave your hotel and transfer back to the airport for the flight
to Bahar Dar. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Tana
Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. One of Ethiopia’s
most attractive towns, Bahar Dar is located on the southern shore of Lake
Tana and is an excellent base from which to visit the Blue Nile Falls and
the island monasteries that dot the lake. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Bahar Dar
Early this morning visit the Blue Nile Falls, recognised as being one of the
most spectacular waterfalls in Africa. On your return to Bahar Dar travel
by boat onto Lake Tana to visit the many island monasteries. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Bahar Dar to Gonder – 160kms
Today leave Bahar Dar and travel northwards by car to Gonder. The city commands
an important location at the crossroads of three ancient caravan routes and
is home to both exceptionally well-preserved castles and churches that stand
alongside modern Italian Art Deco architecture. Stay for two nights at the
Goha Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Gonder
This morning visit the 17th Century Royal Enclosure, home to a number of fascinating
buildings including the palace of the Emperor Fasiladas. Also visit the Debre
Berhan Selassie Church – the most famous in Ethiopia. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Gonder to the Simien Mountains
Drive outside of Gonder to visit Wolleka, a Falasha Village and the one-time
home of a community of Falashas, Ethiopian Jews. Afterwards, continue on towards
the spectacular Simien Mountains stopping en-route at the GonderLink school
project. Stay at the Simien Lodge for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Simien Mountains to Gonder
Gonder to Addis Ababa – by air
Today return by car to Gonder in good time to catch your return flight to
Addis Ababa. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hilton
Hotel for your two night stay. (B)
Day 14 Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos – 110kms
Today enjoy and day visit to the Debre Libanos Monastery. One of Ethiopia’s
holiest sites set in a spectacular location on the edge of a gorge, today
little remains of the original ancient monastery. However, the site is still
a major pilgrimage centre and it is a peaceful, contemplative place. (B)
Day 15 Addis Ababa to London
In the morning fly back to London Heathrow from Addis Ababa.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay in Ethiopia to the Rift Valley. Conjuring images of spectacular scenery and indigenous culture the Rift Valley is easily reached from Addis Ababa and offers a distinct contrast to historical sights of the north.
Delve deeper into the religious and historical side of Ethiopia with more time in the ancient cities of Aksum, Lalibela and Gonder.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE HISTORICAL ROUTE
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,565. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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