HISTORICAL ETHIOPIA TOUR
8 –Day Private Tour of Churches, Castles, Markets & More
Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations and offers unique experiences in history, archeology, culture and nature. Discover the wonders of the Blue Nile, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum on this journey through multiple eras and civilizations. Friendly and knowledgeable guides will make your trip special. Accommodations are the best available in this developing country, but are generally basic. This trip is for travelers with an adventurous spirit who are willing to occasionally sacrifice their own comfort to experience a new culture. 


Day 1 – ADDIS ABABA:
Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigration you will be met and transferred to the Hilton Addis Ababa. Overnight here. (Airline meals)

Day 2 – LAKE TANA: Today you will fly to Bahir Dar where you’ll visit the famous Blue Nile Falls. Then enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, visiting island monasteries renowned for their iconic paintings. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile River, which joins the White Nile in Khartoum on its way to the Mediterranean. Overnight Kuriftu Resort and Spa. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – GONDAR: After breakfast drive to Gondar where you’ll visit the Royal Enclosure, Bath of King Fasilades and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for the paintings of angels which adorn its ceilings. Founded by Emperor Fasilidas in 1635, Gondar is called “Africa’s Camelot” because of its many medieval castles. Overnight Goha Ghion Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – LALIBELA:  Fly to Lalibela. Once the thriving and populous capital city of a medieval dynasty, Lalibela, boasts 13 rock-hewn churches cut out of solid red volcanic rock. Some of the churches lie almost completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves. Visit the first and third groups of rock churches. Overnight Mountain View Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – LALIBELA: Morning optional excursion to Ne’akuto Le’ab Cave church or to Semi-hewn church of Asheten Mariam on mule back.  Return to Lalibela to visit the remaining second group of rock churches. Overnight Mountain View Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – AXUM: Fly to Axum where you’ll visit St. Mary of Zion Church, built in 1665 and said to contain the Ark of the Covenant.  You’ll also see giant monoliths known as stelae, and visit the archeological museum & tombs. Overnight Yeha Ghion Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – ADDIS ABABA
:  Fly back to Addis Ababa in time for relaxing or shopping. Overnight Hilton Addis Ababa. (B)

Day 8 – ADDIS ABABA/FLIGHTS: Enjoy a city sightseeing tour that includes museums, monuments, churches, the market, and Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city. Evening farewell dinner party and then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

 


Duration
8 days

2010 Departures
Anytime

Accommodations
Moderate hotels

Fitness Rating
Easy

Activities
Cultural & historical tours, boat excursion

Land-only price*
2-5 pax: $3,081 per person
6-10 pax: $2,485 per person
Internal air: $680 - subject to change until ticketed

Single supplement: $650

Flight prices
Call for pricing

* All pricing is per person based on double occupancy. Changes to itinerary may apply.  Price includes all accommodations, meals, transfers, guides, vehicle transport, park fees, activities as indicated, and a $25 donation to a worthy African charity. Price excludes international flights, visas, tips, inoculations, and anything not specified above. We accept Visa, Master Card, and AMEX. We offer a 2% discount for payments by cash/check. No refunds - see terms and conditions for details.


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