Best of Historic North

Best of Historic North 

Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar - Gondar - Axum - Lalibela

6 Days Trip

Day 01 - Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar (Lake Tana and Blue Nile falls)

Fly to Bahir Dar. In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. Finish the day with a lovely sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 02- Sightseeing of Gondar

In the morning, drive Bahir Dar north to Gondar. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the ancient city of Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 3

Gondar – Axum

In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for your flight to Axum. After checking into the Romhai Hotel, you will start to visit the ancient city of Axum.

This is the birthplace of Ethiopian civilization, and by the first century Axum was a major trading centre for exotic goods from Egypt, Rome, Nubia, Greece, Syria, and India. The Holy Ark of the Covenant was brought here before the destruction of the Temple, and Axum is reputed to be the second Jerusalem. Your today’s visit in Axum include: the Stele field, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed. Overnight in Axum.

Day 4

Axum - Lalibela

In the morning take a flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5 

Yimerhane Kirstos - Lalibela

After breakfast, drive to Yimrehane Kirstos. The built-up cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos itself predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by eight years. This is one of the most beautiful built-up cave churches, built from marvel, wood and beautifully decorated from inside and outside with untold skill architecture. In the back side of the cave, you will also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago. Overnight in Lalibela.

After lunch, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 6

Lalibela – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. City tour and sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa which includes the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato, Trinity Cathedral and Enotono. 

End of Tour!

Best of North Ethiopia

8 Days Historic Route

Sightseeing of Addis Ababa

Arrival at Bole International Airport. Warm reception by Sunlust guide and driver and Transfer to hotel for check-in. City tour of Addis Ababa including the panoramic view point Entoto Mountain, Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind, and the National Museum (home of Lucy, hominid skeleton dating back 3.2 million years) and the ethnographic museum. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2

Addis Ababa-Bahir Dar (Lake Tana and Blue Nile fall)

Fly to Bahir Dar. In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Bahir Dar, visiting Bezawit Hill and the former palace of Haile Selassie, as well as the bustling market. In the afternoon depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. Finish the day with a lovely sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3

Sightseeing of the Gondar

In the morning, drive Bahir Dar north to Gondar. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the ancient city of Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 4

Gondar-Axum

In the morning, fly from Gondar to Axum. Today is a full day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum.

Day 5

Axum-Yeha-Debre Damo-Axum

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men climb up a 15-m rope to enter the uphill situated monastery. Return to Axum overnight.

Day 6

Axum-Lalibela

In the morning take a flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Overnight hotel in Lalibela.

Day 7

Lalibela

In the morning, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late-Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. After the excursion, head back to Lalibela, overnight. 

Day 8

Lalibela-Addis Ababa-Departure

Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening/afternoon, farewell party with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell party transfer to Bole international airport for international departure. End of Tour.

Best of Ethiopia

14 Days Historic Route

Sightseeing of Addis Ababa

Arrival at Bole International Airport. Reception by Sunlust guide and driver, transfer to hotel for check-in. City tour of Addis Ababa including the panoramic view point Entoto Mountain, Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind, and the National Museum (home of Lucy, hominid skeleton dating back 3.2 million years) and the ethnographic museums. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2

Addis Ababa Debre Libanos

After breakfast, departing north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. After lunch in Debre Markos, you will pass through the scenic Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3

Lake Tana monasteries and Blue Nile Fall

In the morning embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore some of the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon, depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. End the day with a sunset over Lake Tana from the top of Bezawit Hill, next to the former palace of Haile Selassie. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4

Sightseeing of the former capital, Gondar

After breakfast, drive north to Gondar. The drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture and the traditional agricultural methods still in use today. After arrival in Gondar and brief check-in to the hotel, the afternoon will be spent exploring the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight hotel in Gondar.

Day 5

Gondar-Simien mountains national park

Early in the morning, depart for the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. The jagged mountains and deep valleys lend spectacular views to these mountains, home to many of the endemic animal species of Ethiopia including the gelada baboon (guaranteed to be seen) as well as the rare Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. The afternoon will be available for hikes in the area surrounding the lodge. Overnight in Debark.

Day 6

Simien mountains-Axum

After breakfast, continue to Axum, enjoying the final views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.

Day 7

Axum

Today is a full day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks (one that was just erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum.

Day 8

Axum-Yeha-Debre Damo-Gheralta

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Overnight in Hawzen at Gheralta Lodge.

Day 9

Gheralta - Tigray rock-hewn churches-Mekelle

Continue through the state of Tigray to explore some of the less-visited rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia. Some of the most popular churches are Abuna Yemata Guh, and those in the Gheralta cluster. Continue to Mekele for overnight in Mekele.

Day 10

Mekelle-Lalibela

Drive from Mekele to Lalibela, passing through the dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian Highlands. The highlight of the day will be the ascent from Woldia to the stunning ascent to Mount Abuna Yosef. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 11

Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Full day visiting the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela. In the morning, visit the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honour of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. Overnight in Lalibela (tourist standard hotel).

Day 12

Asheten Mariam-Yimrehane Kirstos Day

In the morning, take a hike up the mountain overlooking the town of Lalibela to the Asheton Maryam monastery. Hiking may be done on foot, or with a mule, if desired. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late-Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 13

Lalibela-Kombelcha

Depart from Lalibela to Kombolcha via Woldia, stopping for a visit in the town of Hayk, to visit the lake and the local monastery. Overnight in Kombolcha.

Day 14

Kombelcha-Addis Ababa-departure

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. Also, if this day is a Monday, there will be a short detour in the morning to stop in Bati for one of the largest markets in the country, including the interesting camel market. In the evening, farewell party with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After the farewell party, transfer to the airport for international departure. End of tour.

Best of Ethiopia

11 Days Historic Route

Sightseeing of Addis Ababa

Arrival at Bole International Airport. Warm reception by Sunlust guide and driver and Transfer to hotel for check-in. City tour of Addis Ababa including the panoramic view point Entoto Mountain, Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind, and the National Museum (home of Lucy, hominid skeleton dating back 3.2 million years) and the ethnographic museums. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2

Addis Ababa-Axum

In the morning, fly Addis to Axum and spend the whole day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum.

Day 3

Axum-Yeha-Debre Damo-Axum

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men climb up a 15-m rope to enter the uphill situated monastery. Return to Axum overnight.

Day 4

Axum-Lalibela

Fly Axum to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5

Lalibela

In the morning, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honour of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late-Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 6

Lalibela-Gondar

Fly to Gondar and explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the city of Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 7

Excursion to Simien mountains national park

Early in the morning, depart for the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. The jagged mountains and deep valleys lend spectacular views to these mountains, home to many of the endemic animal species of Ethiopia including the gelada baboon (guaranteed to be seen) as well as the rare Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. The afternoon will be available for relaxing trek in the most dramatic sceneries of the park including Ginbar River falls and Wolkafit mountain chain. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 8

Gondar to Bahir Dar-Lake Tana

After breakfast, drive to Bahirdar through the beautiful countryside scenery of Fogera and Gojam to arrive at Bahirdar around lunchtime. In the afternoon, you will have a boat cruise over Lake Tana to visit the ancient island monasteries of Lake Tana. The monasteries are famous for their typical Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other ancient church treasures. The monasteries that you are going to visit this afternoon include Kibran Gebriel, Ura Kidanemihret and Azua Mariam.

Day 9

Lake Tana monasteries and Blue Nile Fall

After breakfast, drive 35 Km. to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. After having lunch and taking a little rest, drive to Bezawit Hill where you can see the summer residence of Emperor Hailesillasie I, from outside. This is also the best viewpoint to wander the sunset on Lake Tana and to see the outlet of the Blue Nile River.

Day 10

Bahir Dar-Blue Nile Gorge-Debre Libanos

Drive to Debre Libanos. There will be stops at Goha, Tsion, Chancho and Dejen. In the afternoon you will pass through the Great Blue Nile Gorge. The Blue Nile Gorge is a majestic and enormous river gorge and it is one of the most captivating gorges in Africa. It has a magnificent, alluring physical feature and natural beauty. After an hour driving you will reach Debre Libanos and stay here overnight in the Ethio-German Park Hotel, which is situated on the edge of a cliff, near the famous Portuguese bridge.

Day 11

Debre Libanos-Addis Ababa-Departure

In the morning you can have a walk around the lodge and visit the Portuguese bridge and the small waterfall behind the lodge, ending up in the Jemma River Gorge, one of the biggest tributaries of the Blue Nile River. Depending on the season you will find more or less water in the fall. Then you will start driving back to Addis. As you pass through the Sululta plain, you can see Black winged plovers, Wattled Ibis, Blue winged geese, common cranes and wheat ears.

In the evening/afternoon, farewell party with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After the farewell party, transfer to Bole international airport for international departure. 

End of Tour.