Stunning Gheralta mountain peaks, Eastern Tigray © Patrick Syder Images
This classic northern circuit itinerary covers all the main heritage sites plus includes some of the most beautiful regions of northern Ethiopia. The remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela are a tour highlight and two days are spent to marvel at this Eighth Wonder of the World. Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years in Axum, where the legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant are famous. The Ethiopian Orthodox church with its many ancient traditions and festivals has had a significant influence on the country’s way of life for centuries. The lesser known but equally extraordinary rock-cut churches of the Eastern Tigray region around Mekele and the 17th century castles and palaces of Gonder, Africa’s Camelot, are also included in the tour and the dramatic mountain terrain and fertile plateaus of the North and the picturesque setting of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, adds to the country’s mystery
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Addis Ababa
Evening flight from Heathrow Terminal 2 with Ethiopian Airlines. Transfer to the Belle Vue hotel or similar for two nights
Day 2 In Addis Ababa
Morning at leisure. This afternoon we visit the National Museum that houses the famous remains of ‘Lucy’ and the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Haile Selassie. Welcome dinner in a smart Addis Ababa restaurant overlooking the city (B,L,D)
Day 3 Fly to Mekele. Drive to Gheralta
We take an early morning flight to Mekele, in the Eastern Tigray, a fascinating region containing many rock-hewn churches dating from the 8th century. These architectural gems remain in active use today and house priceless paintings and sacred medieval artefacts and their remote location add to their mystery and intrigue. Two nights at the boutique standard Gheralta Lodge with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 4 Drive to Gheralta. Visit rock-cut churches of Eastern Tigray
A day to visit one or two of the more inaccessible rock-cut churches spectacularly set high up within a stunning landscape of sandstone plateaus. We return to the Lodge in the early evening for dinner (B,L,D)
Day 5 Drive to Axum
A long but interesting drive north-west to Axum today and along the route we visit Yeha temple, the oldest of Ethiopia’s antiquities beautifully set in scenic surroundings, dating back to the 4th century BC. We arrive in Axum, Ethiopia’s spiritual centre and possibly home to one of the world’s most elusive relics; the Arc of the Covenant! Two nights at the Sabian hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 In Axum
This morning we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion and see the nearby Sacred Chapel, reputed to be the resting place of the sacred Ark of the Covenant, plus the town’s small but interesting museum and nearby famous giant obelisks, which have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Drive to Simien National Park
We depart Axum and journey into one of Ethiopia’s most scenic highland range with spectacular plateaux and deep gorges. In the late afternoon we arrive to entrance to the Simien Mountain National Park. We have a two night stay at the Simien Eco-Lodge located with fabulous views across the dramatic mountain range the dramatic landscape of the Simien range home to the indigenous Gelada baboon and rare Simien fox. (B,L,D)
Typical Tigrayan child’s hairstyle © Patrick Syder Images
Day 8 Walking in the Simien Mountains.
We have a full day walk to fully appreciate the parks’ stunning scenery and pastoral lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries and are able to immerse ourselves in this extraordinary landscape with plenty of time on foot in the heart of the park to discover its uniqueness and breathtaking beauty (B,L,D)
Day 9 Drive to Gondar. Visit the old city
We drive to Gondar this morning and spend the afternoon visiting the 17th century imperial capital. This ‘City of Castles’ is picturesquely located beneath the Simien Mountains and today we explore the Royal Enclosure with its complex of impressive castles and palaces. We also visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, whose ceilings are covered with paintings of winged angels. Overnight at the Goha hotel or equivalent (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Bahar Dar. Visit Lake Tana
This morning we drive to Bahar Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. After lunch we spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana and spend time visiting some of the more accessible monasteries situated on the islands, beautifully painted with colourful frescoes of biblical scenes Overnight stay at the Tana hotel, located on the lakeshore, with private gardens (B,L,D)
Day 11 Drive to Lalibela
An early start and a morning drive to Lalibela, located in the remote northern highlands at 8500ft. On our arrival we visit the Na’akkutolab Monastery carved from living rock set in a large cave The highlight of our visit is to the remarkable complex of UNESCO listed 12th century rock-cut churches. We transfer to the Jerusalem hotel for our four night stay.(B,L,D)
Day 12 In Lalibela
This morning we visit the Eastern cluster of six with many of their interiors adorned with beautiful, well-preserved frescoes. Later we will visit a traditional tukul hut and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family. (B,L,D)
Day 13 In Lalibela
This morning we drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful Axumite style, stone church set in a large cave. After lunch we visit the western complex of Lalibela churches with their elaborate exteriors this morning. After lunch we drive the short distance to and also see the Church of Saint George, arguably the finest of all the rock churches carved in the shape of a cross (B,L,D)
Day 14 In Lalibela
Today we hike to the highest point above the town of Lalibela to visit the less accessible but equally stunning interior of Ashetan Maryam church. After our visit we will have a picnic lunch and enjoy the incredible views across the Lasta mountain region that surrounds Lalibela (B,L,D)
Day 15 Fly to Addis Ababa
We return to Addis and have time at leisure perhaps to visit some of the Churchill Road souvenir shops and an historic coffee house. A farewell Ethiopian dinner with a traditional cultural show has been arranged before a late evening transfer to the airport for Ethiopian Airlines flight arriving into Heathrow Terminal 2 early the next morning (B,L,D)
Syder Travel 