Historic North

3 Days Lalibela Tour Home Overview Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most treasured historical site, often called Africa’s Petra* Over three days, you will explore the incredible rock-hewn churches, marvel at their centuries-old craftsmanship, and witness the deeply spiritual traditions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. From the famous Bete Giorgis to the hidden gems outside the town, Lalibela’s stunning architecture and serene landscapes offer a truly unforgettable experience. The tour concludes with a return flight to Addis Ababa, where you can enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before departure. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Rock-hewn churches, 11 unique monolithic churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bete Giorgis The most iconic cross-shaped church, carved into rock. Yemrehanna Kristos a cave church with intricate architectural details. Local spirituality witness centuries-old Ethiopian Orthodox practices. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA – LALIBELA (flight) After breakfast, take a short flight to Lalibela. After checking in at the hotel, visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, home to the most famous churches and the scene of many major religious ceremonies. Also known as ‘Africa’s Petra’, Lalibela and its rock-hewn churches are among Ethiopia’s top attractions. Visit the churches: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. In the afternoon, visit the remaining churches: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Overnight Lalibela.   Day 2: LALIBELA After breakfast, visit the rest of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and take an excursion to visit some of the churches outside Lalibela town. Overnight Lalibela.   Day 3: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (flight) Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, where you can enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure. Price included Meals Car with driver Fuel and driver allowance Accommodation for sharing Local guide Entrance fee Bottle of water Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Personal expenses like laundry Any expenses which is not stated above Reviews Book This Tour More Itineraries Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Book This Tour

13 Days Historic North Home Overview This unforgettable 13-day journey through Ethiopia, a land where ancient history and stunning natural beauty converge. This immersive tour takes you from the bustling capital of Addis Ababa, home to the ancient “Lucy,” to the tranquil island monasteries of Lake Tana and the thundering Blue Nile Falls. Explore the majestic castles of Gondar, venture into the dramatic Simien Mountains National Park to encounter unique wildlife like the Gelada Baboons, and delve into the profound historical and religious heritage of Axum, with its colossal stelae. Experience the exhilarating rock-hewn churches of Tigray’s Gheralta Mountains before culminating your adventure in Lalibela, the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” where awe-inspiring churches are carved directly from living rock, leaving an indelible impression of Ethiopia’s rich past and vibrant present. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights “Lucy,” visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, explore Merkato (Africa’s largest market). Boat trip on Lake Tana to ancient island churches, witness Blue Nile Falls. Explore 17th-century castles and famous painted churches. Trek stunning landscapes, spot unique Gelada Baboons. Marvel at ancient stelae, visit Queen Sheba’s Palace and historic churches. Discover amazing rock-hewn churches, some requiring exciting climbs. Explore the “8th Wonder of the World” incredible rock-hewn churches. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA Welcome to Addis Ababa! Today, we explore Ethiopia’s exciting capital city. First, we visit the National Museum. Here, you’ll see “Lucy,” a famous skeleton that is 3.2 million years old. Lucy helps us understand where humans came from. Next, we go to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This is an important church with beautiful colored glass windows. Emperor Haile Selassie, a famous Ethiopian leader, is buried here. Then, we drive up Mount Entoto. You can breathe fresh mountain air and see amazing views of the whole city. Finally, we experience the busy Merkato Market. This is Africa’s largest outdoor market. You can buy traditional Ethiopian coffee, colorful cloth, and handmade items. It’s a great place to feel the local culture! Overnight: Addis Ababa. Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight) In the morning, we take a flight to Bahir Dar. After you check into your hotel, we will take a private boat on Lake Tana. We will visit the Ura Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church on the Zege Peninsula. This church was built in the 14th century, and the round building you see today is from the 16th century. Inside, you’ll see many old wall paintings (from 100 to 250 years ago). After lunch, we drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile Falls. After our visit, we return to Bahir Dar. Overnight: Bahir Dar. Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, the 17th-century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Castle Compound, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, the Church of Quskuam Mariam, the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the Church of Debre Birhan Sillassie, famous for its wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight: Gondar. Day 4: GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NP – GONDAR After breakfast, we drive from Gondar to Debark. Debark is the main office for the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, we get permission to enter the park and meet our local guide. From Debark, we drive about 16 kilometers to the park gate. Then, we go another 6 kilometers to Buit Ras, which is the first area of the park. We will walk (trek) for about 3-4 hours to Chilkuwanit. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints, with amazing views over the mountains. You will see groups of Gelada Baboons, which are special monkeys found only in Ethiopia. You might also see jackals, klipspringers (small antelopes), and different birds. Afterward, we return to Gondar. Overnight: Gondar. Day 5: GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK After breakfast, we continue our journey to the Simien Mountains National Park. We will arrive at the highest lodge in Africa around noon. In the afternoon, after lunch, we start exploring the Simien Mountains National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Nature Heritage site because of its special landscape and unique animals. In the park, you can get very close to the friendly Gelada Baboons. In the late afternoon, we return to the Simien Mountains Lodge. This lodge is very comfortable and has wonderful views of the Simien mountains. We will spend the night here. Overnight: Simien Mountains National Park. Day 6: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Today, we go to Sankaber (3220 meters high) to see the amazing views and Ethiopia’s deepest waterfall, called Jinbar (which means “the gate of hell”). We will take a nice walk here for about 2 hours. We hope to see more wild animals, like the Walia Ibex (a wild goat found only here) and the Simien fox. In the late afternoon, we drive back to the lodge and spend another night. Overnight: Simien Mountains National Park. Day 7: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – AXUM After breakfast, we continue our drive to Axum, with more stunning views along the way. Axum is 1637 meters high and is considered a holy city in Ethiopia. Christianity started here more than 2000 years ago. The Axumite kingdom was also the beginning of Ethiopian civilization. Overnight: Axum. Day 8: AXUM Today, we’re going to explore the historic city of Axum. Our journey will take us to many amazing places. First, we’ll see the famous Axum stelae, also called obelisks. These are enormous stones that people placed there a very long time ago, and they’re the biggest single stones ever put up by humans anywhere in the world! Our tour continues at the Mariam Tsion Church, which is very special because it’s built on the exact spot where Ethiopia’s first church stood. We’ll also get to see the Palace of Queen Sheba, the home of a famous queen from history. Then, we’ll discover King Ezana’s inscriptions, which are old writings carved into stone, telling us stories from the past. Finally, we’ll visit the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gabre Meskel, where these important kings were buried. Overnight: Axum. Day 9: AXUM – HAWZEN After breakfast, we drive to Yeha. This was an old town even before Axum. It is famous for its amazing 12-meter-high stone temple, which is thought to be more than 2,500 years

9 Days Historic North Home Overview The historical northern circuit of Ethiopia offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Gondar, with its castles and palaces; Lalibela, with its remarkable rock-hewn churches; Negash, one of the earliest holy Muslim centres from the Prophet Muhammad Era with the Negash Amedin Mesgid. Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, is the largest lake with 37 islands and the Monasteries like Kibran Gebriel and Kidanemhiret dating back to 14th century. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Explore the vibrant city of Bahir Dar, nestled on the shores of Lake Tana. Embark on a boat trip to visit the fascinating monasteries on the lake’s islands. Witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar, with its well-preserved 17th-century castles and palaces. The Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Breathtaking trek through the Simien Mountains. Axum, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Aksum. Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA After checking the hotel and breakfast, on a sightseeing of Addis, drive up north to Mount Entoto to visit a museum, church and Emperor Menelik Palace. Descending down to Addis, proceed to the Ethnographic museum, which displays a very large collection of Ethiopian crafts and items of historical interest. Continue to visit the Trinity Cathedral, the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This was built in 1941 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. After lunch, proceed to the National museum that houses the 3.2 million years old fossils of ‘Lucy’ (perhaps our earliest ancestor) is among other interesting archeological findings. Overnight, Hotel. Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight) In the morning we take the morning flight to Bahirdar. After check in the hotel we take private boat to Ura Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church, located on the Zege peninsula around Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The most attractive church in the Lake Tana region founded in the 14th century although the present circular church dates from the 16th century. Its interior is decorated with numerous murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago. In the afternoon after lunch we drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile falls. After visit drive back to Bahir dar. Overnight, Bahir Dar. Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR After breakfast drive from to Gondar – the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’, the church of QuskuamMariam, the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the church of DebreBirhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight, Gondar. Day 4: GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK After breakfast drive from Gondar to Debark, which is the headquarter town for the national park. We will stop here to get a permission to enter the park and meet the scout. From Debark town, we will drive to the park gate, which is about 16km from the town. Then, we are heading about 6km to Buit Ras, the first area of the national park. From Buit Ras, we will trek for about 3, 4 hours to Chilkuwanit which is one of the most beautiful viewpoints. This area offers stunning views over the escarpment dropping vertically. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic Gelada Baboons and see them up-close. You may also see common jackal, klipspringer and more. There are a lot of birds such as Thick-billed Raven, Augar Buzard, Black Kites, Lammergeyer and different plant species such as Abyssinian Rose, Erica Arboria tree, Euphorbia Species, St. Johns Worttree (Hypercumrevoltum) and so on. Overnight, Simien Mountains. Day 5: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – AXUM In the morning, drive to Axum, enjoying spectacular 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, Axum. Day 6: AXUM Morning after breakfast explores the city of Axum. Axum, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Aksum. Visit the Stelae Park, home to massive obelisks, some of the largest stone monuments ever erected. Explore the King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel Tomb, a royal burial site. In the afternoon, visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight, Axum. Day 7: AXUM – LALIBELA (Flight) On this day after breakfast take a short flight to Lalibela. After check in the hotel start to visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the home of the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Also known as ‘Africa’s Petra’, Lalibela and its rock-hewn Churches are arguably Ethiopia’s top most attractions. Visit the rock-hewn Churches. These Churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. Afternoon, you will visit the rest of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela i.e. Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Overnight, Lalibela. Day 8: LALIBELA On this day after breakfast we start to visit the rest of the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela and an excursion to visit some of the churches outside Lalibela town. Overnight, Lalibela. Day 9: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (Flight) Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, visit the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian cuisine and cultural performances. Overnight, Addis Ababa hotel or Departure. Price included Car with fuel Driver allowance Accommodation Boat Local guide fee all destinations Entrance fee in the park (SMNP) Sightseeing entrance Scout fee Bottle of water everyday Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Any service not mentioned in the “Price included” section

7 Days Rock Hewn Churches of Tigrai Home Overview This tour takes you on an exciting journey through Ethiopia’s most famous historical and cultural sites. You will start in Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum to see “Lucy,” the oldest human skeleton, and explore beautiful churches and busy markets. Then, fly to Tigray to see amazing rock churches carved into mountains, some with colorful paintings over 1,000 years old. You will climb (with help from local guides) to reach some of these hidden treasures, enjoying incredible views along the way. Next, travel to Axum, an ancient city full of mystery, where you will see giant stone obelisks, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, and a sacred church said to protect the Ark of the Covenant. Finally, return to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner with traditional food, music, and dancing. This tour is a perfect mix of adventure, history, and culture great for travelers who want to see Ethiopia’s most unforgettable places! Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights See “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old skeleton, at the National Museum. Visit the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral (Emperor Haile Selassie’s burial place). Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Entoto. Discover ancient churches carved into mountains, like Michael Imba, Abraha We Atsbeha, and Wikro Kirkos. Climb (with local guides) to Abune Yemata Guh, a cliffside church with 5th-century frescoes. Visit Mariam Korkor, another stunning church with breathtaking views. See the Giant Obelisks, royal tombs over 1,700 years old. Explore the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Visit Tsion Mariam Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Stop at Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure (500 BC). Climb (men only) to Debre Damo Monastery using a leather rope. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA Welcome to Addis Ababa! Your day begins with a fascinating tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. We’ll start at the National Museum, where you’ll meet “Lucy,” the famous 3.2-million-year-old skeleton that tells us so much about human origins. Next, we visit the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious site with stunning stained glass windows and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Then we’ll drive up to Mount Entoto, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking views over the entire city. Finally, we’ll experience the lively chaos of Merkato Market, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for traditional Ethiopian coffee, colorful fabrics, and handmade crafts while soaking up the local atmosphere. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – Fly to MEKELLE – Drive to WUKRO After breakfast, we’ll take a short flight north to Mekelle, the gateway to Tigray’s ancient rock churches. From here, our journey continues by road to Wikro, where we’ll step back in time at three incredible rock-hewn churches. First is Michael Imba, carved entirely into a mountainside with well-preserved frescoes. Next comes Abraha We Atsbeha, one of Tigray’s largest and most impressive churches, named after a legendary Axumite king. We finish at Wukro Kirkos, a smaller but beautifully decorated church tucked into the cliffs. Each site offers a unique glimpse into Ethiopia’s deep Christian heritage and amazing architectural skills from centuries ago. Overnight in Wukro. Day 3: WUKRO Today we continue discovering Tigray’s spectacular rock churches, starting with Medhanialem Adikesho. Reaching this church involves a short but rewarding hike, with panoramic views as your reward. Inside, you’ll find ancient biblical paintings still vibrant after centuries. After lunch, we visit Abune Abraham, dramatically perched on a cliff edge. The climb up is adventurous (with local guides assisting), but the church’s interior, filled with precious religious art, makes it unforgettable. These hidden gems show how early Christians created sacred spaces in these remote mountains. Overnight in Wukro. Day 4: WUKRO – HAWZEIN After breakfast drive to Hawzenn prepare for today’s highlight: two of Ethiopia’s most breathtaking churches. First is Abune Yemata Guh, where a thrilling (but safe) 20-minute climb up a rock face leads to a church literally carved into a sheer cliff. It takes 1 hour to climb the cliffs totally. The effort is rewarded with 360-degree mountain views and stunning 5th-century frescoes. After descending, we visit Mariam Korkor, another cliffside masterpiece with a large interior and more ancient artwork. Local priests will share stories about these sacred places that have hosted prayers for over 1,500 years. Overnight in Hawzein. Day 5: HAWZEIN – AXUM On this day leaving the cliffs behind, we journey toward Axum, Ethiopia’s most ancient city. Our first stop is Debre Damo, a monastery accessible only by climbing a 15-meter leather rope (men only; women can explore the base). This 6th-century site preserves unique architecture and manuscripts. Next is Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure dating back to 500 BC. This massive stone ruin from the pre-Christian Sabaean civilization shows intricate masonry work that still puzzles historians today. Overnight in Axum. Day 6: AXUM Today we immerse ourselves in Axum’s legendary history. We begin at Tsion Mariam Church, believed to house the Biblical Ark of the Covenant in its heavily guarded chapel. Nearby stand the giant Axum Obelisks – towering 1,700-year-old stone monuments marking royal tombs. At the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins, you’ll walk through the remains of what was once a magnificent palace, linked to Ethiopia’s most famous ancient ruler. The Axum Museum ties everything together with artifacts from these sites, including ancient coins and royal inscriptions. We don’t miss King Ezana’s Stone, a 4th-century tablet written in three ancient languages. Overnight in Axum. Day 7: AXUM – ADDIS ABABA (flight) After breakfast, we catch our flight back to Addis Ababa. If time permits, you might do some last-minute shopping at souvenir shops or visit a traditional coffee house for one final cup of Ethiopia’s famous coffee before your onward journey. In the evening before your departure, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis Ababa, with cultural music, dance, and traditional Ethiopian foods. End of Tour, Departure. Price included Car with fuel

7 Days Historic North with Simein Mountains Home Ethiopia’s Historic Northern Circuit offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty. Begin in Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa,” where 17th-century castles and palaces whisper tales of a royal past. Journey to Lalibela, a UNESCO site famed for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches, carved like hidden gems into the earth, where spiritual ceremonies still echo through candlelit corridors. Discover Negash, a cornerstone of Islamic heritage, home to Africa’s oldest mosque, the Negash Amedin Mesgid, which sheltered early followers of Prophet Muhammad. Conclude at Lake Tana, the serene source of the Blue Nile, dotted with island monasteries like Kibran Gebriel and Kidanemhiret, adorned with medieval frescoes and manuscripts. Trek to the thunderous Blue Nile Falls or mingle with locals at vibrant markets and coffee ceremonies. Best visited from October to March, this circuit weaves history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes into an unforgettable Ethiopian adventure. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Explore the vibrant city of Bahir Dar, nestled on the shores of Lake Tana. Embark on a boat trip to visit the fascinating monasteries on the lake’s islands. Witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar, with its well-preserved 17th-century castles and palaces. The Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA After checking in at the hotel and having breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Addis. Drive up north to Mount Entoto to visit a museum, a church, and Emperor Menelik Palace. Descend to Addis and proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, which displays a large collection of Ethiopian crafts and items of historical interest. Continue to visit the Trinity Cathedral, the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, built in 1941 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation. It is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. After lunch, visit the National Museum that houses the 3.2 million-year-old fossils of ‘Lucy’, possibly our earliest ancestor, along with other fascinating archaeological findings. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight) In the morning, take the flight to Bahir Dar. After checking in at the hotel, take a private boat to Ura Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church, located on the Zege Peninsula around Lake Tana. Founded in the 14th century, the present circular church dates from the 16th century, with its interior decorated with numerous murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago. After lunch, drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile Falls. After the visit, return to Bahir Dar. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR After breakfast, drive to Gondar, the 17th-century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, the Church of Quskuam Mariam, the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the Church of Debre Birhan Sillassie, famous for its wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight Gondar Day 4: GONDAR – LALIBELA (Flight) After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park. Stop here to get permission to enter the park and meet the scout. From Debark, drive to the park gate, about 16km away, and then head 6km to Buit Ras, the first area of the national park. Trek for about 3-4 hours to Chilkuwanit, one of the most beautiful viewpoints, offering stunning views over the escarpment. You will encounter troops of endemic Gelada Baboons and may see jackals, klipspringers, and various birds. Afterward, return to Gondar. Overnight Gondar. Day 5: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (Flight) After breakfast, drive to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through the Amhara state. Enjoy stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight Lalibela. Day 6: LALIBELA After breakfast, visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, often called ‘Africa’s Petra’. Lalibela and its churches are among Ethiopia’s top attractions. Visit the rock-hewn Churches including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. In the afternoon, visit the remaining churches: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Overnight Lalibela. Day 7: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (flight) After breakfast, take the flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis Ababa, with cultural music, dance, and traditional Ethiopian foods. Overnight Addis Ababa, Hotel or Departure. Price included Meals Car with fuel Driver allowance Boat Local guide fee all destinations Entrance fee in the park (SMNP) Sightseeing entrance Scout fee Bottle of water everyday Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Photo and Videography fee Reviews Book This Tour More Itineraries Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Book This Tour

5 Days Historic North Home Ethiopia’s Historic Northern Circuit offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty. This unforgettable journey begins in Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa,” where 17th-century castles and palaces whisper tales of a royal past. From there, travel to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches. These remarkable structures are carved deep into the earth like hidden gems, and even today, spiritual ceremonies echo through their candlelit corridors. Continue onward to Negash, a cornerstone of Islamic heritage in Africa. It is home to the continent’s oldest mosque, Negash Amedin Mesgid, which once provided refuge to the early followers of Prophet Muhammad, making it a sacred site of great historical significance. Conclude your journey at the tranquil Lake Tana, the source of the legendary Blue Nile. The lake is dotted with ancient island monasteries like Kibran Gebriel and Kidanemhiret, which are richly adorned with medieval frescoes and manuscripts. Nearby, you can trek to the thunderous Blue Nile Falls, or immerse yourself in local culture through vibrant markets and traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. Best visited between October and March, this circuit gracefully weaves together history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes into a truly unforgettable Ethiopian adventure. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Explore the vibrant city of Bahir Dar, nestled on the shores of Lake Tana. Embark on a boat trip to visit the fascinating monasteries on the lake’s islands. Witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar, with its well-preserved 17th-century castles and palaces. The Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA After checking in at the hotel and having breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa. Drive north to Mount Entoto to visit a museum, a church, and Emperor Menelik’s Palace. Then descend to the city and proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases a large collection of Ethiopian crafts and items of historical interest. Continue the tour to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa. Built in 1941 to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over Italian occupation, this cathedral remains an important place of worship. After lunch, visit the National Museum, home to the famous 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil, Lucy, along with other significant archaeological findings. Overnight in Addis Ababa.Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight)In the morning, take a flight to Bahir Dar. After checking in at the hotel, enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Tana to visit Ura Kidane Mehret Church, located on the Zege Peninsula. Founded in the 14th century, the present circular church dates back to the 16th century and is adorned with murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago. After lunch, drive to the village of Tis Isat to witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. After the visit, return to Bahir Dar. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDARAfter breakfast, drive to Gondar, the 17th-century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, Quskuam Mariam Church (the residence of Empress Mintwab), and the renowned Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight in Gondar.Day 4: GONDAR – LALIBELA (Flight)After breakfast, take a flight to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through the picturesque Amhara region. Enjoy stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic highland landscape. Overnight in Lalibela.Day 5: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (Flight)After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in the city, accompanied by cultural music, dance performances, and delicious Ethiopian cuisine. Overnight in Addis Ababa or Departure. Price included Meals Car with fuel Driver allowance Boat Local guide fee all destinations Entrance fee in the park (SMNP) Sightseeing entrance Scout fee Bottle of water everyday Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Photo and Videography fee Reviews Book This Tour More Itineraries Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Book This Tour