12-Days Historical Ethiopia Tour

>> Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you’ll be met by Enat Ethiopia Tours and transferred to your hotel. Founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II, the city sits at 2,438 meters, making it the third-highest capital in the world, with a pleasant year-round climate averaging 25°C. Begin exploring with a visit to the National Museum, home to the famous 3.5-million-year-old fossil "Lucy." Continue to the Ethnographic Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Best Western Plus Pearl Addis Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> Air Transfer to the north to Bahir Dar, the scenic capital of the Amhara region, located on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. In the morning, enjoy a boat trip to the Zeghie Peninsula to visit Ura Kidane Mihret Church, known for its vivid religious murals and ancient Ge’ez manuscripts. In the afternoon, travel to the Tississat Falls ("Water that Smokes"), a dramatic cascade on the Blue Nile River.
Overnight: Bahir Dar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

>> This morning we drive for the 3-31/2 hour (185km) north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Gondar has now become one of Ethiopia’s largest and most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Enclosure. Gondar’s most famous monuments are its exceptionally well preserved 17th century castles. The largest and best is that of King Fasiledas. It is a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies. The king also built a remarkable bath a mile or so outside of town known as the ‘Pavilion of Delight’. The Bathhouse of Fasil at which thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January. This whole complex of buildings is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. This afternoon we’ll also make a visit to the Debre Birhan Selassie church (Light of Trinity) with its sensational angelic ceiling and mural. Overnight: Gondar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

>> After breakfast, drive to Debark, gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park. Ascend into the highlands for stunning views of dramatic escarpments and deep valleys. Enjoy an optional 1.5-hour walk in the Sankaber area, with opportunities to spot Gelada baboons, Lammergeyer vultures, klipspringers, and bushbuck. The breathtaking scenery reaches elevations up to 3,250m.
Overnight: Simien Camping/Lodge.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> After breakfast, embark on a full-day drive to Axum, passing through the dramatic Simien lowlands and the Tekeze River gorge. Though long, the journey offers breathtaking scenery and excellent photo opportunities along rugged mountain roads. Arrive in Axum, the ancient capital of a once-powerful empire, and enjoy time to relax after hotel check-in.
Overnight: Axum.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Yared Zema International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

>> Explore Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire—once a dominant power in global trade and the cradle of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and see the ruins of the original 4th-century church. Discover the monolithic stelae, including the tallest still standing at over 21 meters, and the tombs, inscriptions, and archaeological museum that reveal Axum’s royal past. Also visit the legendary Palace of the Queen of Sheba.
Overnight: Axum.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Yared Zema International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

>> Depart Axum and drive east to Yeha, Ethiopia’s oldest settlement, home to a 3,000-year-old temple of the moon god Ilmuqah, later converted into a church. Admire its ancient stonework and ibex carvings. Continue to Adwa, a historic town where Ethiopia famously defeated Italian forces in 1896, symbolizing African independence. In the afternoon, travel onward to Adigrat and the Gheralta region.
Overnight: Hawzien.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

>> Explore the remote Tigray region to visit remarkable rock-cut churches, including Abuna Yemata Guh, perched atop a cliff and dating back before the 4th century. Discover the sandstone Church of Chirkos in Wukro, known for its cruciform pillars and vaulted ceiling. In the afternoon, soak in the serene Tigray landscapes before driving to the town of Mekele.
Overnight: Mekele.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Homeland Hotel Mekelle Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

>> Enjoy a full-day drive south through breathtaking landscapes, traveling between western mountains and the open plains near Woldiya. Arrive at the remarkable archaeological and religious site of Lalibela, famed for its rock-hewn churches.
Overnight: Lalibela.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

>> Explore the renowned rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often called Ethiopia’s ‘New Jerusalem,’ built around 800 years ago by King Lalibela. These 11 remarkable monolithic churches are carved from granite, each showcasing unique architectural styles and exquisite craftsmanship. The most iconic, Bet Giorgis, is shaped like a Greek cross and is exceptionally well preserved—widely regarded as one of the wonders of the world.
Overnight: Lalibela.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

>> Visit the exquisite Yimrhane Kristos Church, a masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone craftsmanship, famed for its beautifully decorated wooden coffered ceiling featuring hexagons and medallions with figurative and geometric motifs. Afterward, return to Lalibela town and explore more rock-hewn churches including Bete Gabriel & Rafael, Merkorous, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Notably, Bete Emanuel stands out for its intricate Axumite architectural details like wall indentations, monkey heads, and false windows.
Overnight: Lalibela.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

>> Fly back to Addis Ababa this morning. Begin your city tour with panoramic views from Entoto Mountain, the original capital, surrounded by eucalyptus forests. Descend to the city via Shiro Meda, the largest market for traditional clothing. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner featuring cultural songs, dances, and traditional cuisine. Afterwards, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.

End of Tour.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)