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14 Day Classical Historical Tour & Cultural Admirations
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Experience Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse traditions on this immersive 14-day journey. Begin in Addis Ababa, exploring historical landmarks before flying to Bahir Dar for a boat tour on Lake Tana and a visit to the Blue Nile source. Discover Gondar’s royal castles, Lalibela’s stunning rock-hewn churches, and Axum’s ancient stelae fields. Continue to the Rift Valley’s Lake Langano for relaxation before heading south to Arba Minch for a Lake Chamo boat safari. Encounter the unique cultures of Ethiopia’s Southern Omo Valley, including the Mursi, Hamer, and Dassanech tribes. Conclude in Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before returning to Addis Ababa for a farewell celebration of Ethiopia’s vibrant traditions.
Tours of Addis Ababa: You will be welcomed by our representative at Bole international airport regardless of arrival time. For morning arrivals tour will begin after checking into your hotel. For afternoon or evening arrivals, tours will begin the following day.
Itineraries
Visit Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Make a short drive to Entoto Hills for a view of the city and visit Maryam Church. En-route, stop at Sheromeda traditional cloth market. Visit the Mercato or the Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets.
Overnight: Chosen Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meal Plan: on request
Fly to Bahir Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula. We will visit two of the following monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Bete Maryam. End the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River.
Overnight: Chosen Hotel/Resort in Bahir Dar
Meal Plan: on request
Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.
Overnight: Chosen Hotel/Resort in Gondar
Meal Plan: on request
Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic churches were carved directly into the stone mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process for baking injera (a staple food for much of Ethiopia.)
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Lalibela
Meal Plan: on request
For the morning we have two options: Take a morning hike with mules to the 13th century rock-hewn monastery of Mount Asheton. The walk provides wonderful views of Lalibela and the surrounding countryside. - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Lalibela
Meal Plan: on request
Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. See St. Mary Tsion Church, which houses the Ark of the Covenant according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (no one is allowed to see the Ark.) Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.
Overnight: Chosen Hotel in Axum
Meal Plan: on request
Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Langano
Meal Plan: on request
Drive to Arba Minch (“Forty Springs”) located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. Arrive at your resort in Arba Minch and relax after your journey.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Arbaminch
Meal Plan: on request
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Arbaminch
Meal Plan: on request
Drive to Jinka through areas inhabited by various peoples such as the Konso, Tseme, Benna and Ari. Once in Jinka, visit a nearby village of the Ari people.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Jinka
Meal Plan: on request
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Drive to Turmi, home of the Hamer people; the Hamer are known for their body decorations and the clay and ochre that they put in their hair.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Turmi
Meal Plan: on request
Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Turmi
Meal Plan: on request
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Konso
Meal Plan: on request
Drive from Konso to Arba Minch for flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if scheduled.
Overnight: Departure or Hotel booking on request
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Include Exclude
- Price Inclusion
- All site & park entrance fees.
- All excursions listed on the itinerary.
- Experienced, multilingual guides.
- Ground transportations (including driver & fuel)
- All domestic flights listed on itinerary
- Lodging for each night on tour
- Price Exclusion
- Any expenses of a personal nature
- Alcoholic Drinks
- International airfare
- Tips or gratuities
- Meal in Hotel stays
- Photo/video fees if required.
- Visa costs
- Lists not mentioned in the inclusions
