8-Days Ethiopia Tour: Historic North & Cultural Wonders

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Axum
Style: Cultural, Historical, Scenic
Start/End: Addis Ababa

Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

• If time permits, enjoy a brief city tour:

  • Visit National Museum (home of “Lucy”)

  • See the panoramic view from Entoto Hill

  • Explore Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa

• Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2 – Fly to Bahir Dar & Visit Lake Tana Monasteries

• Morning flight to Bahir Dar, a city on the southern shores of Lake Tana.

• Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting Zege Peninsula monasteries (such as Ura Kidane Mehret) known for their colorful murals and religious treasures.

• In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”) and enjoy a short hike to view the falls and surrounding countryside.

• Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 3 – Drive to Gondar & Explore Royal Enclosure

• Drive (~3 hrs) to the former imperial city of Gondar.

• Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 17th-century castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his descendants.

• Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of painted angel faces.

• Optional visit to Fasilides’ Bath, still used during Timket celebrations.

• Overnight: Gondar

Day 4 – Day Trip to Simien Mountains National Park

• Full-day excursion to the spectacular Simien Mountains, known for dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife like the Gelada baboon.

• Enjoy moderate hikes and panoramic views from Simien Lodge or nearby escarpments.

• Return to Gondar in the evening.

• Overnight: Gondar

Day 5 – Fly to Lalibela & Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches

• Morning flight to Lalibela, one of the most iconic spiritual destinations in Africa.

• Explore the First Group of Rock-Hewn Churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha, carved into the earth from solid rock.

• These 12th–13th-century churches are often called the “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia.

• Overnight: Lalibela

Day 6 – Explore More of Lalibela

• Visit the Second Group of Churches, including the monolithic Bete Giyorgis (St. George), the most famous and visually striking.

• Optional: Visit a local Tej (honey wine) house or enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in a local home.

• In the afternoon, take an optional excursion to Asheten Maryam Monastery (by mule or hike) for panoramic views.

• Overnight: Lalibela

Day 7 – Fly to Axum & Discover Ancient Civilizations

• Morning flight to Axum, the cradle of ancient Ethiopian civilization and center of the Axumite Empire.

• Explore the Stelae Field, with its towering granite obelisks.

• Visit Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s Inscriptions, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where Ethiopian tradition claims the Ark of the Covenant is housed.

• Overnight: Axum

Day 8 – Fly Back to Addis Ababa & Departure

• Morning flight back to Addis Ababa.

• Enjoy leisure time for last-minute shopping or optional sightseeing.

• Farewell dinner with traditional music and dance at a cultural restaurant (optional, depending on departure time).

• Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

✅ Tour Inclusions

• Domestic flights (Addis–Bahir Dar, Gondar–Lalibela–Axum–Addis)

• Accommodation in quality hotels/lodges (3–4 star or as preferred)

• All ground transportation with driver

• Licensed English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees to all sites

• Daily breakfast (lunch/dinner optional)

• Bottled water during drives and tours

📌 What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light jacket or sweater for highland evenings

• Modest clothing for religious sites

• Camera and extra batteries

• Travel insurance (recommended)