7 days Timket Festival

After breakfast you will be transferred back to Bole airport for your flight to Axum. On arrival, you will get your first glimpse of the history of this area with a city tour that includes the Archeological museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. The still standing church was built by Emperor Fasilides, It’s thought that this church is build on the original foundations of a temple built by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. We also spend time exploring the on-site museum under the church, which houses many of Ethiopia’s priceless relics.

In the afternoon, we will visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC). The North Stellae Park contains over 120 Stellae, some are upright, some are buried and others have been removed. The Rome Stellae, the tallest at 25m high, was shipped to Italy in 1937 under orders from Mussolini, but has since been returned and re-erected.

As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, a sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place.

Overnight: Chosen Hotel in Axum

Meal Plan: on request

Today you need to rise early for the short flight over the amazing rust colored canyons and high peaks to Lalibela.

Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in all of Africa and the entire Christian world. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the “Eighth wonder of the world”. The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Many different theories exist on how they were built and by whom, including angels and King Lalibela . Legend has it that King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia to build a New Jerusalem.

Before lunch, visit the first group of churches that represent the earthly Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem (Saviour church), Bete Miriam, Bete Denagel, Bete Meskal, Debra Sina, and Bete Golgotha.

In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s ark.

Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Lalibela

Meal Plan: on request

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Gondar.

With the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches and resplendent bathing pools, it’s easy to imagine Gondar in all of its glory as the capital of Ethiopia in the mid 1600s. King Fasilides named Gondar as the capital in 1636 and by his death in 1667, Gondar’s population had reached 65,000, its wealth and beauty was well known throughout the land.

A morning is spent exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings, the nearby bath of King Fasilides (where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed). The enclosure is surrounded by a 300-foot wall, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilides, built of solid basalt stones. Other royal buildings that will be visited include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of this king’s wife.

Finally, we climb the hill to visit the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly colored ceilings completely covered with intricately painted and endearing angel faces.

Overnight: Chosen Hotel/Resort in Gondar

Meal Plan: on request

Early in the morning, we will again walk to the Tabot Maderia to witness the early morning baptism ceremony. The water, which symbolizes the Jordan River, is blessed by the priest and the patriarch then a golden cross is dipped in the water and a burning consecrated candle is extinguished in the alter. Then water is sprinkled on the assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ's baptism.

Following the baptism, the procession of the Tabots to their respective rock churches begins as the people feast, sing and dance.

Overnight: Chosen Hotel/Resort in Gondar

Meal Plan: on request

After breakfast you will depart for a three hour drive to Bahir Dar passing through rural villages, cross mountain passes with stunning vistas and get your first glimpse of the impressive city of Bahir Dar.

In the afternoon, you head out on Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its famous monasteries. While on board, keep an eye out for a variety of bird species and the traditional tankwa crossing the lake.

After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, you will reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret, which is home to an important collection of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas, colorful and well-preserved, tell the stories of Ethiopian saints.

The second monastery that you will visit is Azwa Maryam, a small and pleasant site with gardens and a humorous young priest. Then sail back to Bahir Dar for overnight.

Overnight: Chosen Hotel/Resort in Bahir Dar

Meal Plan: on request

After breakfast you drive to Blue Nile Water fall, drive back to Bahir Dar and Lunch break,  then be transferred to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa , Visit one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as Merkato and free afternoon for shopping souvenirs.

In the evening, Enjoy a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis where you will have a chance to a taste variety of Ethiopian meals, and watch the folkloric dancers and music diversity of the Ethiopia, as your trip to Abyssinia comes to end.

Overnight: Departure or Hotel booking on request

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner