Tour Details

• When
  From January 16, 2019 to January 23, 2019
  
• Inclusions
  Entrance fees to historic sites, city tours of Addis Ababa, hotels and ground transportation. Domestic flights are not included in the tour price.
  
• Meeting Place
  We will pick you up upon your arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
  
• Transportation
  Van, coaster bus and domestic flights
• Meals
  Ethiopian cuisine and western foods
• Accomodation
  Hotels range from comfort to premier class
• Group Size
  Minimum 2 people
• Price
  $1,548 Per person, double occupancy. Domestic and international flights not included.
  Add $246 for single room supplement, if you wish single room.
• Options
  Three-night tour of Harar, the ancient walled city. $636 Per person, double occupancy, excluding domestic flight.
  Add $68 for single room supplement, if you wish single room.
  
  Six-night Omo Valley Tour, visiting the indigenous tribes of southern Ethiopia. $1,585.00 Per person, double occupancy
  Add $185 for single room supplement, if you wish a single room.

Tour Itinerary

1

Addis Ababa

Upon your morning arrival at the Bole International Airport, we will meet outside the immigration hall and transfer you to the Hotel for check-in. Freshen up and enjoy lunch. The city tour begin in the afternoon at the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974.Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. At the end of the day ascend to Mount Entoto offering a panoramic view of Addis Ababa.
Nexux Hotel (L,D)

2

Bahir Dar

This morning fly to Bahir Dar and check in at the hotel then drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire'. The falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which drench onlookers. The surrounding area is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and teff, which injera, the national bread, is made from. After lunch enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. Visit two of the most accessible monasteries, still serving their original function; Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Your hotel is a serene and deluxe retreat on the shores of Lake Tana.
Grand Resort & Spa (B, L, D)

3

Gondar UNESCO site

Drive to Gondar, once the old imperial capital founded in 1635 by Emperor Fasillides who built a palace and seven churches. During the next two days enlighten yourself with the historical significance of the “Camelot of Africa” in conjunction with the Timket festivities. Join the eve of the Epiphany festivities this afternoon at the bathhouse built by Emperor Fasiledes . The priest presents to the public the “Tabot”, a replica of the Tablets of Law, onto which the Biblical Ten Commandments were inscribed, utilized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Florida Hotel (B, L, D)

4

Gondar

This morning, faithful followers gather around medieval ruins at dawn for the conclusion of the Timket Festival when the water is blessed by the higher priest, who proceeds and splashes the water on those in attendance. Witness as some people immerse themselves in the bath. This afternoon, visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. In the evening dine at one of the popular Ethiopian cultural restaurant for a traditional meal and dance performance.
Florida Hotel (B, L, D)

5

Axum UNESCO site

Fly to the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the capital of the Kingdom of Axum which was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on the ruins of an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest site in Ethiopia.
Sabean Hotel (B,L,D)

6

Lalibela UNESCO site

This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of Ethiopia.
Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained the worldwide exposure and has been referred to as the “Petra of Africa”.
Lalibela Lodge (B, L, D)

7

Lalibela

Visit the exquisite church of Yimrhane Kristos. This is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction which is renowned for its interior decoration and beautiful wooden coffer ceiling. Notice the inlaid of the hexagons and medallions with both figurative geometric motifs. Return back to Lalibela and revisit the rock churches that were not visited on the day of arrival.
Lalibela Lodge (B, L, D)

8

Addis Ababa

Fly this morning to Addis Ababa and proceed to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most magnificent church in Ethiopia. It is the resting place of the last Emperor (Halie Selassie) After lunch continue to the Merkato Outdoor Market; on the largest on the African continent. Early this evening enjoy a “farewell dinner” and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. After sampling the various national dishes, enjoy an Ethiopian Folkloric show, before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
(B, L, D)

Optional Add on: Three Night Harar Tour

1

Addis Ababa

The tour continues with an overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Nexus Hotel (B,L, D)

2

Harar UNESCO site

Morning flight to Dire Dawa and drive (30 miles) to the old-walled city of Harar. After hotel check-in, visit museums, the different old-walled gates of the city, colorful market and a most colorful evening activity viewing a “character” who feeds hyenas from his mouth.
Heritage Plaza Hotel (B,L,D)

3

Harar

Not far from Harar, visit the village of Koremi, located in the mountains which offers delightful landscapes and a collection of stone houses. Since the 12th century the Argoba people have enjoyed their unique life style. Continue to the Valley of Marvels offering interesting rock formations. Upon returning to Harar, visit the Market of Spices.
Heritage Plaza Hotel (B,L,D)

4

Return to Addid ababa and departure

Drive back to Dire Dawa and visit the old train station and check in for your flight to Addis Ababa. You will be picked up in the air port and have time to visit the souvenir shops. Enjoy light dinner before your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
(B,L,D)

Optional Add on: Six Night Tour of the Omo Valley

1

Addis Ababa

The tour continues with an overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Nexus Hotel (B,L, D)

2

Arba Minch

Morning will be leisure time and at noon transfer to the airport for your
flight to Arba Minch. On arrival, board your exclusive 4x4 exclusive 4-
passenger vehicle for a short drive will to the village of the Dorze tribe.
Walk amongst the Dorze people and appreciate their beehive-shaped
homes. This tribe are respect as expert weavers. Also, they are expert
farmers and witness their ingenious terracing technique, allowing them
to farm efficiently along the mountainside and yet prevent soil erosion.
Paradise Lodge (B,L, D)

3

Turmi

Today it is Tuesday and you will visit the very colorful Dimeka market. There are different tribes coming to the market for exchange of their items and the tribes are:Hamer,Tsemai and Benna.
Before the market place visit Tsemay village and appreciate the culture and lifestyle that dates back centuries. They practice small-scale agricultural activities as most of them still depend on nomadic lifestyle.
Late afternoon visit the Hamer tribe. They have remarkable hairstyles made of ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands to create a coppery-colored lock. The Hamers are also considered to be masters of body decoration. Continue to Turmi and check-in at the Buska Lodge.
Buska Lodge (B, L, D)

4

Jinka

Commence driving to town of Jinka, located at the foot of Mago National Park en route stop at the Ari Village compound. Learn and understand how the local people process different foods and alcohol.
Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D)

5

Arba Minch

This morning appreciate the very attractive culture of the Mursi Tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted.
Continue to The highlight of the day is to visit the weekly colorful Kay Afer Tribal Market, where various tribes around the region sell their wares.
Continue to a Konso Tribal Village, a tribe known as a pagan society. Witness the strange wooden totems replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead and a cult worship of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy. Mingle with the tribes people and learn of their culture that has had very little outside influence. Continue on to Arba Minch and check-in at the Paradise Lodge.
(B, L, D)

6

Lake Langano

This morning enjoy a refreshing wildlife cruise on Lake Chamo. While cruising view crocodiles, hippos and a variety of colorful bird life. After lunch in Sodo, visit Abiyata Shalla National Park to view two lakes with its population of flamingos and the hot springs at Shalla. Continue to your Lake Langano accommodation, a resort offering both a serene
beach front as well as as a vast cliff-top with a breath taking view over the lake.
Sabanna Beach Resort (B, L, D)

7

Addis Ababa and departure

This morning commence your drive to Addis Ababa and stop at Lake Ziway, the biggest lake in the Ethiopian Rift valley system and enjoy a cruise to one of the ancient monasteries. While cruising the shoreline marshes view the nesting grounds of Bird Island and be on the lookout for local fishermen at work on traditional reed boats. Continue to Debre Zeit and visit two of the crater lakes. Upon arrival into Addis Ababa
enjoy dinner at a popular traditional Ethiopian restaurant and transfer to the airport late tonight.
(B, L, D)