Ethiopia - The Historical Route

15 days from £3810 per person

Cross on top of church spire in Aksum, Ethiopia

A classic journey through northern Ethiopia covering all the major religious and historical sights in the country this tour takes you through breathtaking scenery and history into the very core of Ethiopian life. From modern Addis Ababa and the ancient cultured city of Aksum – home of the Ark of the Covenant – to the atmospheric pilgrimage town of Lalibela, spectacular Blue Nile Falls near Bahar Dar and the Royal Palaces of Gonder, this is a truly memorable journey encompassing all that is synonymous with Ethiopia.

Route: Addis Ababa – Aksum – Lalibela – Bahar Dar – Gonder – Simien Mountains – Addis Ababa

Itinerary Highlights

Aksum is the original capital city of the Kingdom of Aksum and one of the oldest inhabited places in Africa. Numerous tall stelae or obelisks are over 1700 years old.

One of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, Lalibela is famous for its rock-cut churches. As the population is mostly Orthodox Christians, many of these churches are still in daily use.

Bahar Dar is a pleasant city with wide avenues lined with palm trees and colourful flowers. From here you can visit Lake Tana and the source of the Blue Nile.

Itinerary: Ethiopia - The Historical Route

Day 1 London to Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa from London Heathrow with Ethiopian Airlines. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive into Addis Ababa in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. 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)

Accommodation in Addis Ababa: Addis Regency Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Addis Ababa to Aksum – by air

This morning leave Addis Ababa and fly to Aksum. Aksum is an ancient city and once the centre of a rich, powerful and highly civilised empire. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Aksum: Sabean Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Aksum: Sabean Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Aksum to Lalibela – by air

This morning, after breakfast, fly to Lalibela. 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)

Accommodation in Lalibela: Tukul Village Hotel (or similar)

Days 6-7 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)

Accommodation in Lalibela: Tukul Village Hotel (or similar)

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. 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)

Accommodation in Bahar Dar: Kuriftu Resort (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Bahar Dar: Kuriftu Resort (or similar)

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. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Gonder: Goha Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Gonder: Goha Hotel (or similar)

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 Gonder Link school project. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in The Simien Mountains: Simien Lodge (or similar)

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 your accommodation. (B)

Accommodation in Addis Ababa: Hilton Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Addis Ababa: Hilton Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Addis Ababa to London

In the morning fly back to London Heathrow from Addis Ababa. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Ethiopia - The Historical Route

15 days from £3810 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Ethiopia - The Historical Route

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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