8 Days Tour to the Historic Route of Ethiopia

If you’re eager to explore one of Africa’s most glorious ancient civilizations, this tour is tailor-made just for you. As you journey through Ethiopia, you might find yourself pondering how such incredible civilizations could fade through time. Could there be a supernatural force at play, influencing the rise and fall of these ancient cultures? Join us on this unforgettable adventure and develop your own theories as we uncover the mysteries of Ethiopia’s remarkable past. With the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable tour leader, you’ll have ample opportunity to delve deep into the history and significance of these extraordinary sites.

Program in Detail

Day 01: Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa (The New Flower)
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin your sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa. Start with a drive up Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city, then descend to visit the National Museum, where you can see the famous hominid fossil “Lucy.” Continue on to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII, and end the day with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, once the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight in Hotel Addis (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 02: Fly to Bahir Dar – Visit Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Start your tour with a boat trip across Lake Tana to explore island monasteries and churches. First stop: Ura Kidane Mihret Church on the Zeghie Peninsula, famed for its colorful religious paintings and illuminated Bibles written in Ge’ez.
In the afternoon, visit the Tississat Falls (meaning “water that smokes” in Amharic), located 32 km south of Bahir Dar. Despite the nearby hydroelectric plant reducing the flow, the falls remain an awe-inspiring sight. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 03: Drive to Gondar
This morning, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive (185 km) north to Gondar, the former imperial capital. Explore the Royal Enclosure, home to several well-preserved 17th-century castles, including that of King Fasilidas. Visit Fasilidas’ Bath, the site of the annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebration.
In the afternoon, visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautiful angelic ceiling and vivid murals.
Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 04: Excursion to the Simien Mountains
After breakfast, drive to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park. Continue into the park to enjoy stunning scenery and a gentle 1.5-hour walk. Look out for endemic Gelada baboons, Klipspringers, Lammergeyer vultures, and bushbucks. Enjoy the dramatic views around the Sankaber region at an altitude of 3,250 meters.
In the afternoon, return to Gondar. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 05: Fly and Visit Axum
Take a short flight to Axum, once one of the world’s great ancient civilizations. Strategically located at major trade crossroads, Axum was a center of political, economic, and technological power.
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, built around 330 AD—the first church in Sub-Saharan Africa and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Explore the monolithic stelae, including the largest one still standing (21 meters), and view the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace and the tombs of ancient kings. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 06: Fly and Visit Lalibela
Take a morning flight to Lalibela, the “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, explore the first cluster of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, remarkable for being carved from solid granite. Highlights include Bet Giorgis, shaped like a Greek cross and widely regarded as the most beautiful of all. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 07: Full Day in Lalibela
Today, visit the Church of Yimrhane Kristos, showcasing Axumite wood and stone architecture and a richly decorated interior. Return to Lalibela to explore the second cluster of churches, including Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Merkorios, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Notably, Bete Emanuel stands out for its intricate Axumite design details, such as stelae symbols and carved window-like motifs.
Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 08: Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure
Return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxation. In the evening, attend a Farewell Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music and cultural dance performances.
Next morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Price Includes

• Hotel accommodation in double/twin rooms

• Bed and breakfast basis

• Boat trips on Lake Tana

• Two 500ml bottled waters per day

• Vehicle with professional driver

• English-speaking professional regional guides

• All entrance and scout fees

• Farewell Dinner at traditional restaurant

• All applicable taxes

Price Excludes

• Visa and insurance fees

• Lunch and dinner

• Alcoholic beverages

• Video/photography permits

• Gratuities and personal expenses

• Any airfare

• Shopping items

• Note: The price of domestic flights applies only if your international flight is with Ethiopian Airlines. If not, please request a revised quote.