8-Day Ethiopian Epiphany Festival Gondar & Historical Latest itinerary

>> Arrival Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time make sightseeing in Addis, Visit the National Museum that exhibits numerous antiquates, historical relics, archaeological and pale-ontological objects including the 3.2 million year old skeleton of Lucy; Mercato - biggest open market of its kind in Africa and the commanding panoramic view point Mount Entoto.

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

•  Accommodation: Cassiopeia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> This morning, depart for the airport for your journey to Bahir Dar. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Bahir Dar is located on the south shore of Lake Tana, near the Blue Nile River. Settle down and refresh up before taking an afternoon boat excursion to several of Lake Tana's islands, which are home to some of the world's oldest churches and monastic sites. Visit the 14th-century monastery Ura Kidane Mihret, which is well renowned for its painted maqdas and collection of crosses and crowns. This afternoon, travel to the hamlet of Tis Isat to visit the Blue Nile Falls, a stunning cascade formed by a dam along the river just outside of town.

• 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)

>> In the morning, you will drive to Gondar, 180 km from Bahir Dar, after lunch, exploring the city of Gondar, a town founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassilades. Once the Royal Capital of Ethiopia, Gondar stands in a breathtaking landscape, dotted with historic buildings, cathedrals, and churches. Explore the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church, where biblical lore and medieval history intricately decorate its walls and ceilings. This afternoon, you and your guide will attend the Timket Festival evening ceremony, or Ketera, which marks the beginning of the festival. During Ketera, priests display the Talbots to the crowd. The TalbotsThe Bible describes the Talbots as intricate replicas of tablets given to Moses. s solemn and sacred event as people meditate and prepare for the next day's festival and baptisms.

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

•  Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

>> This morning, you'll return to the Taboat Maderia to watch the morning ceremonies and baptisms that take place at Fassilades Bath. The priest blesses the water, symbolizing the Jordan River from the Bible, and a patriarch uses it to extinguish a burning candle on the altar. The priest then sprinkles the water on the entire assembly, commemorating Christ's baptism. Following the baptisms, the Talbots start their way back to their respective churches, while feasting, singing, and dancing continue all the way along the churches' routes. Join in the dancing with your guide and witness this joyous event.

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

•  Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

>> Depart to Debark town (100 Km from Gondar), where the head quarter of Simien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 Km), the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive, you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around, visit and drive back to Gonder for Overnight stay.

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

•  Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

>> Today is a full day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba's Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen's tomb, and the Queen of Sheba's Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.

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

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

>> In the morning, you will fly to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha.

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

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

>> After breakfast, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches - Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches - Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.

After visit, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After noon, you will have shopping refreshment at the hotel then in the evening there will be farewell dinner with cultural food, traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia's cultural meals and drinks. After farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport after a memorable experience in Ethiopia.

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

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)