Colourful robed priest carries the Tabot; holiest relic of every Ethiopian church, Timkat Festival, Addis Ababa
17 – 31 January 2016
Places Available
Ethiopia Tour (ETT) Dossier 2016 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
This unique and comprehensive itinerary covers all the major highlights of the northern region of Ethiopia. We start the tour in Addis Ababa to witness the famous Timkat (Epiphany) religious festival. 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 festival is celebrated with colourful processions and, when witnessed at close quarters, can be a most unique and memorable experience. Other tour highlights include the remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela and the rock-cut churches of the Eastern Tigray region and Axum, where Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years, with famous legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant. The dramatic mountain terrain of the Simien National Park and the picturesque setting of Lake Tana feature as natural highlights of the trip
Vegetable seller, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Following a tour of Delhi, this journey travels into the heart of Rajasthan and explores many of the region’s magnificent forts and palaces, atmospheric cities and stunning desert scenery. We visit the pink city of Jaipur, the golden city of Jaisalmer timed to include the famous Desert Festival, the blue city of Jodhpur and the highlight: the romantic city of Udaipur famous for its Royal residences and setting on Lake Pichola. We also have an included homestay to fully appreciate authentic Rajasthani hospitality in a tranquil village setting.
ITINERARY
Day1/Day 2 Depart London/Arrive in Delhi
Arrive Delhi today. On arrival you will be received and escorted to your hotel (your room is available from 12 noon onwards). Two nights at the Metropole hotel
Day 3 In Delhi
Visit the medieval Jama Mosque followed by a walking tour through the spice and crafts market of Old Delhi. in the afternoon you will be taken to explore New Delhi – including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and drive past Lutyens’ Delhi. Welcome dinner at a city restaurant (B,D)
Day 4 Drive to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal
We drive to Agra this morning. Built in the early 16th century and the capital of mighty Mughals for a long time, Agra is famous for its beautiful monuments of the medieval times. This afternoon we have a tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Begun in 1565, the Forts’ magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals. Made mostly of red sandstone it is strikingly similar to the Red Fort in Delhi. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. It is particularly stunning at the time of sunrise and sunset. Overnight at the Ekaa Villa hotel (B)
Day 5 Drive to Jaipur. Visit Fatehpur Sikri
After a sunrise return visit to the Taj Mahal we journey to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. A citadel of grand courts, palaces, mosques and gardens that rivalled the splendours of Delhi and Agra. Today, even after the passage of 400 years, the magnificence of this royal city has not faded and remains immaculately preserved. With time-permitting, we may also visit the stepwells of Abhaneri’ known for its ‘baoris’ or stepwells which were constructed by the locals to harvest rain water. These tanks were used as cool places of retreat and as water reservoirs during parched times of the year. Chand Baori is the most popular of the wells in the region, and it is one of India’s deepest and largest. This colossal, delicately carved well is located in front of a temple. It was a ritual to wash the hands and feet at the well before visiting the adjoining temple. We arrive in Jaipur early in the evening and spend three nights at the Khandela Haveli hotel (B)
Day 6 In Jaipur. Visit Amber Fort and the City Palace
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the ‘pink city’ because of the pink paint applied to the buildings in its old walled city. Jaipur is steeped in history and culture and the past comes alive here in magnificent forts and palaces, where once lived the maharajas. We visit the Amber Fort, built in 16th century and subsequently added on to by successive rulers. Inside the fort, we see the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens This afternoon we visit the City Palace, home of the present Maharaja, wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Built in 1799 the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is one of the landmarks of Jaipur city, although now it is little more than a façade. It is a five-storey building in pink, built to enable the women of the harem to see the activities of the outside world without being seen (B,L)
Day 7 In Jaipur. Day at leisure
Jaipur has been widely regarded as the first modern planned city in the world. Even though the city was founded and built in the 18th century, the city amazes any modern town planner and architect for its brilliance of planning and beauty of architecture. Today is left free to explore Old Jaipur at one’s own pace and soak up its atmosphere where artisans make traditional Indian crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk in the shadows of the great havelis (mansions) above (B)
Day 8 Drive to Chandelao
A long but scenic drive today to Chandelao Garh; the ancestral home of the landowners of the area, tastefully converted into a simple but comfortable hotel. The Garh provides you an authentic experience of traditional Rajasthani hospitality in a tranquil village setting. The activities available at the property include village walks and bird watching. The host family of Chandelao is also involved with Sunder Rang, which is a self-help group of women of Chandelao involved in making traditional Rajasthani handicraft. We spend the afternoon at the lovely village and explore the surroundings (B,L,D)
Day 9 Drive to Khichan.
Khichan village is known for a large number of demoiselle cranes (locally called Kurjas) that visit the region every winter. This annual bird migration began with around a hundred cranes in the 1970s, when a local couple started feeding pigeons. Other villagers joined their efforts, and as of 2014, Khichan now hosts over 20,000 demoiselle cranes each year. Afternoon at leisure at the Resort or visiting the village. Overnight at the Kurja Resort (B)
Day 10 Witness the Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
After breakfast we spend time watching the flocks of cranes at the feeding grounds before proceeding to Jaisalmer. We visit the abandoned village of Kuldhara before arriving at the Desert Festival site in Jaisalmer. Performing puppeteers and acrobats, camel raciing, folk dances and musical bands all feature in this wonderful display of rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture! Two nights at the Hotel Glaal (B)
Day 11 In Jaisalmer
We start at the famous Fort and within its walls a palace with beautifully carved balconies and exquisitely carved temples and havelis built by the Jain community. The Fort also has a large living complex dating back to 12th to 15th century, where people still reside. Each house here is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over, and hence Jaisalmer is also called the “Museum City’. Jaisalmer has some of the most magnificent havelis with intricate carvings. We visit the best examples (Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki- Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli). Later in the afternoon we will once again be taken to the festival site to spend the rest of the day at the venue (B)
Day 12 Drive to Jodhpur
We drive to Jodhpur this morning. Founded in 1459, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar State and a major trade centre in the 16th century due to its location on the ancient silk route. Today, Jodhpur has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan without shedding its medieval splendour. The afternoon is left free to relax or venture into this enchanting city . Two nights at the Ratan Vilas heritage property with dinner (B,D)
Day 13 In Jodhpur
We visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort with its sprawling courtyards and intricately carved balconies. Close to the fort is the 19th century royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada, a creation in white marble which displays some rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers. We have lunch in the city and the afternoon is left free perhaps to colourful Sardar market with its narrow alleys leading to the bazaars featuring textiles, silver and handicrafts (B,L)
Day 14 Drive to Udaipur. Visit Ranakpur Temples
This morning we drive to Udaipur and visit the stunning Ranakpur Temples. Built in the 15th century, the Ranakpur temples are very well preserved and one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage. These temples lie in a remote and peaceful valley of the Aravali range. The main temple, dating back to 1439, is called the Chaumukha Temple or the “Four-faced temple” and is dedicated to Adinath; the first of Jain teachers. We have lunch after our visit and continue to Udaipur arriving in the early evening. Two nights at the Fatehgarh Heritage hotel (B,L)
Day 15 In Udaipur
The entire state of Rajsthan is replete with fantastic hilltop fortresses, exotic fairytale palaces and gripping legends of medieval chivalry and heroism. Our city tour today includes the huge City Palace, towering over one of the three great lakes, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and nearby Jagdish temple in Indo-Aryan style. It enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the creator of the universe. Also the beautiful gardens of Sahelion-ki-bari have beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains. We have our farewell dinner at a one of the city’s celebrated restaurants (B,D)
Day 16/17 Fly to London via Delhi
After a leisurely morning in Udaipur we transfer to the airport at lunchtime for our flight to Delhi where our tour ends at the international airport for our various flights home to London (B)
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Colourful robed priests with processional crosses, Meskel Festival, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Tour (ETM) Dossier Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
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. This comprehensive tour is timed to coincide with a colourful celebration in Addis Ababa marking the finding of the True Cross, known as Meskel. The Meskel celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire, or Demera, which we will be able to witness close-up.The 17th century castles and palaces of Gonder, Africa’s Camelot, are also included in the tour as is the Simien Mountain National Park; one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the Walia ibex. The picturesque setting of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, adds to the country’s mystery and is home to medieval monasteries with incredibly preserved religious mural paintings.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Addis Ababa
Morning flight from Heathrow Terminal 3 with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Addis Ababa arriving at midnight. Transfer to the Kaleb hotel or similar for three 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 In Addis. Witness Meskel Festival
Morning visit to the excellent Ethnological Museum located at Addis Ababa university before attending the colourful festivities at Meskel square where a ceremonial bonfire is lit and the square is filled with throngs of Orthodox Christian pilgrims dancing and singing with processions of colourfully robed priests carrying processional crosses. Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant (B,L,D)
Day 4 Fly to Bahir Dar. Lake Tana boat trip
This morning we fly to Bahar Dar and enjoy the afternoon on a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana with a stop on Zeghe peninsula to visit two 17th century monasteries, beautifully painted with colourful frescoes of biblical scenes. Overnight at the Lake Tana hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 5 Drive to Gondar. Visit City of Castles
We visit the 17th century imperial capital of Gondar known as the ‘Africa’s Camelot’ and picturesquely located beneath the Simien Mountains. We explore the Royal Enclosure with its complex of impressive castles and palaces and the superb church of Debre Birhan Selassie, whose ceilings are covered with paintings of winged angels.Two nights at the Goha hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 6 Visit Simien Mountain National Park
We journey into Ethiopia’s most scenic highland range with spectacular plateaux and deep gorges; the Simien Mountains. The parks’ stunning scenery and pastoral lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries and is home to the indigenous Gelada baboon and rare Simien fox. We have a walk to fully appreciate the beauty and scale of the park with stunning views in every direction, and recently listed a UNESCO World Heritage site (B,L,D)
Day 7 Fly to Axum
We fly to Axum this morning, Ethiopia’s spiritual centre and possibly home to one of the world’s most elusive relics; the Arc of the Covenant!Later we visit the modern church of Mary Zion and the famous giant obelisks, which have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. We will also wander through the towns’ fascinating local market and through the restored palace ruins reputed to be those of the Queen of Sheba. Overnight at the Sabian hotel or similar with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 8 Visit Yeha Temple. Drive to Mekele
Driving north we visit Yeha temple, the oldest of Ethiopia’s antiquities beautifully set in scenic surroundings, dating back to the 4th century BC. We continue our journey into the eastern Tigray, a fascinating region containing many rock-hewn churches dating from the 8th century. Our destination is the city of Mekele where we spend two nights at the Axum hotel with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 9 Visit rock cut churches of Tigray
The rock-cut churches of the region are seen as one of Ethiopia’s greatest heritages yet they are still relatively unvisited. Today we will visit some of the more accessible churches with beautifully frescoed interiors (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Lalibela
A long but scenic drive south to Woldia before heading west along a winding road that follows the spectacular canyon of the river Tekeze, one of the main rivers of Ethiopia, to Lalibela. The highlight of our visit is to the remarkable complex of 12th century rock-cut churches. Three nights at the Jerusalem hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 11 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 12 In Lalibela
We visit the western complex of Lalibela churches with their elaborate exteriors this morning and also see the Church of Saint George, arguably the finest of all the rock churches carved in the shape of a cross. After lunch we drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful Axumite style, stone built church set in a large cave (B,L,D)
Day 13 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 the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Day rooms at the Kaleb hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fly to London
Early morning arrival at Istanbul and connecting flight to Heathrow Terminal 3 arriving in mid-morning
OPTIONAL Four night extension to the Ancient Islamic centre of Harar is available, please email us for further details
(Included meals denoted by B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner)
Land Tour Cost £2095.00 per person in a twin room (Single supplement £225.00)
Whats Included
- Tour escorted from London by Patrick Syder FRGS
- Ethiopian guide for the duration of the tour
- All transportation – private a/c minibus
- Three Ethiopian Airlines domestic flights
- Best available hotel accomodation outside Addis Ababa on full board basis
- Traditional Addis Ababa restaurant dinners
- Full sightseeing program including entrance fees
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water daily
- Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities
- Group size strictly from 7 to 15 passengers
PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities, Turkish Airlines international flights are not included in the land tour cost
(visa on arrival fee is $20.00, Turkish Airlines international flights start from £425.00 through Flight Centre UK)
Locals at Barka Fish Market
This fascinating in-depth tour combines breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage of one of the least known, yet most exciting tourist destinations of the Middle East. The Sultanate of Oman tour focuses on magnificent forts and palaces, the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands, the stunning spectacles of mountain oases and deep canyons as well as pristine white sand beaches and so discovering one of the region’s best-kept secrets. We travel the region in the comfort of air conditioned 4WD Toyota Landcruisers allowing for a more flexible and personalised trip. Also there is the opportunity to extend your visit with a three night stay in the southern city of Salalah.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Muscat
Evening departure from London Heathrow direct to Muscat with Oman Air
Day 2 Afternoon City Tour of Muscat
Morning arrival and transfer to the Park Inn hotel. Spend the afternoon in Muscat sightseeing, including Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat, complete with a traditional souq with narrow alleys and the aromas of incense plus the old town of Muscat that houses the Palace of Sultan Qaboos and the Portugese fortresses of Jabali and Merani. We also visit the Bait Al Zubhair museum, which houses a fine collection of Omani artefacts. Welcome dinner in a traditional local restaurant (B,D)
Day 3 Drive to Nizwa. Visit Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle
We drive to Nizwa with a spectacular drive through the Hajar Mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz. We visit the Nizwa souk, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. We also see the impressive 17th century fort. We stop in Bahla to view the UNESCO listed Fort before reaching Jabrin with its fine castle. Two nights at the Golden Tulip hotel in Nizwa with dinner (B,D)
Day 4 Day excursion to Jebel Shams
Boarding comfortable 4WD vehicles and taking a picnic lunch with us, we head north through the mountains under the craggy peaks of the Jebel Akhdar to the village of Misfah set into the mountainside where houses cling to the rocky escarpment. Our journey ends at Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun) at 3,000 m, the country’s highest peak, with astonishing views down Oman’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’. We return to Nizwa in the late afternoon (B,L,D)
Day 5 Visit Wadi Bani Khaled and the Wahiba Sands
This morning we continue in our 4WD’s via Sinaw, a market town with a thriving souq and camel market and the village of Mudairib to see its traditional watchtowers. We continue to thebeautiful green oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, and have a picnic lunch around its clear green natural spring water pools. From here we drive into a vast sea of sand covering about 15,000 square kilometres, the Wahiba Sands. These great dunes rise to 100 metres in height with a red base and a honey coloured top creating an alluring landscape of changing contours and colours. We enjoy an exhilarating drive across these vast dunes before arriving at our night stop, the Safari Desert Camp, a Bedouin encampment, where we have an unforgettable night under the stars enjoying traditional Arabic and Omani cuisine and hospitality in comfortable surroundings (B,L,D)
Day 6 Coastal drive to Sur. Visit dhow boat yard and old town
We continue through the desert this morning, heading north. In spite of its barren feel the sands contain a phenomenal amount of life. As well as the Bedouin, they are home to wolf, fox, wild cats and white-tailed mongooses. Some 115 species of birds have been recorded here and its one of the few refuges for the elusive Arabian and Sand Gazelles. From the Wahiba, we enter Sur, a picturesque fishing town famous for its traditional Dhow boat building. Overnight at the Sur Plaza with dinner (B,D)
Day 7 Visit Qalhat, Finns Beach and walk in Wadi Shaab
Leaving Sur behind, we drive north in our 4WD vehicles following the coastal road north to Muscat. We stop at the archaeological site at Qalhat before we reach Wadi Shaab, a beautiful oasis of freshwater pools. After an option to walk in the wadi, we continue to Quriyat a picturesque fishing village with beautiful white sand beach and providing the perfect picnic stop with a chance for a swim. Arriving into Muscat in the late afternoon we transfer to the Park Inn for two nights. Dinner at the hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8 Visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Nakhl Fort
We start the day with a visit to the newly built Sultan Qaboos mosque, a splendour of Islamic architecture. We then have a day excursion outside the capital stopping at Barka to visit a fish market and the Palace of the Imams, continuing through the Batinah Plains, the main agricultural area of Oman. We stop at Nakhl oasis to visit its impressive fort and at the natural warm springs of Thowarah. A farewell dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 9 Fly to London
After a leisurely breakfast or some final shopping time we transfer to Muscat airport for our Oman Air flight direct to London Heathrow Terminal 3 arriving in the early evening (B)
The Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Valley
Culturally rich and extraordinarily beautiful, the Kingdom of Nepal, offers a wealth of spectacular sights. This incredible journey into its fascinating heart begins in Kathmandu, taking in the heritage sites of the old city, before flying on to the mountain landscapes around Pokhara. We enjoy some of the richest wildlife viewing in Nepal, amongst the lush jungles of Chitwan National Park and home to the rare Bengal tiger before our return to the delights of the Kathmandu Valley. Here we stay at the charming mountain resort of Dhulikel situated in the mountains on the eastern edge of the Himalaya Range, a perfect retreat to relax, walk and unwind.
Syder Travel 