• 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

Day 1: Saturday, January 1, 2026

Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and you’ll then enjoy a comfortable ride to your hotel, where you can check in and unwind. Addis Ababa is a vibrant city with a mix of modern life and rich culture. If you’re not too tired, take a short walk around your hotel to feel the energy of the city maybe try some famous Ethiopian coffee or snap a photo of the colorful streets. Rest well tonight because exciting experiences await you in the days ahead!

Overnight Addis Ababa,

Day 2: Sunday, January 2, 2026

Addis Ababa

After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour, exploring the rich cultural and historical highlights of Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home to ancient artifacts, including the famous fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the majestic Trinity Cathedral, a symbol of Ethiopia’s religious heritage, before delving into the fascinating exhibits at the Ethnographic Museum. In the afternoon, ascend Mount Entoto for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and explore the historic church, palace, and museum at its summit.

Overnight Addis Ababa,

Day 3: Monday, January 3, 2026

Addis Ababa – Bahirdar (flight)

After early breakfast drive to Airport to take a short and comfortable flight to Bahir Dar, a vibrant green city beautifully set on the shores of Lake Tana. Ethiopia’s largest and most picturesque lake. Here, you’ll embark on a peaceful boat journey across the lake’s calm, sparkling waters. Your first stop is the historic Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, nestled on a quiet island. Step inside to admire the monastery’s incredible colorful wall paintings, which bring to life ancient biblical stories in stunning detail.

After lunch prepare for an exciting excursion to the legendary Blue Nile Falls, locally called Tis Issat (“Smoking Water”). Enjoy a scenic walk through lush farmland and tranquil forests before reaching the roaring falls. Depending on the season, you’ll witness either a powerful, thundering cascade (rainy season) or elegant, misty streams (dry season) both equally breathtaking. As the day winds down, return to Bahirdar.

Overnight Bahirdar,

Day 4: Tuesday, January 4, 2026

Bahirdar – Gondar

Today, enjoy a beautiful drive through rolling green hills and traditional Ethiopian villages as we journey to Gondar. This historic city was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia, and visiting feels like traveling back in time!

After check in your reserved hotel our first stop is the famous Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO-listed site often called Africa’s Camelot. Walk among majestic 17th-century castles, including Fasiladas’ Palace with its grand towers and medieval-style arched windows.

Then, we visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Light of Trinity), one of Ethiopia’s most treasured churches. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the brightly colored wall and ceiling paintings showing scenes from the Bible. Look up to see the famous ceiling of angel faces each one unique, representing God’s protection over the world.

Overnight Gondar, Gondar Hills Resort.

Day 5: Wednesday, January 5, 2026

Gondar – Simen Mountains – Gondar

After breakfast, we’ll drive from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park. Here, we’ll complete park entry formalities and meet our local scout for the adventure ahead. From Debark, we continue into the mountains, passing through the park entrance before arriving at Buit Ras, the starting point of our exploration. Prepare for a breathtaking scenic trek to Chilkuwanit, one of the park’s most magnificent viewpoints. Along the way, marvel the towering cliffs and dramatic escarpments, troops of playful Gelada Baboons (found only in Ethiopia) and possible sightings of jackals, klipspringers, and colorful birdlife.

After soaking in the panoramic views and wildlife encounters, we’ll return to Gondar.

Overnight: Gondar, Gondar Hill Resort.

Day 6: Thursday, January 6, 2026

Gondar – Lalibela

On this day take a short flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart on the eve of Genna, the Ethiopian Christmas. As darkness falls, join devoted pilgrims at Bete Mariam Church for a mesmerizing candlelit ceremony. Clad in white robes, priests chant centuries-old hymns to the rhythmic pulse of kebero (drums). The scent of incense lingers in the air as worshippers fill the ancient rock-hewn courtyards, their faces illuminated by candlelight. At midnight, witness a sacred procession honoring Christ’s birth, where clergy carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant in solemn reverence.

Overnight Lalibela, Panoramic View Hotel.

Day 7: Friday, January 7, 2026

Lalibela

On Christmas morning (called Genna in Ethiopia) wake up early, join the joyful celebration at Bete Mariam Church in Lalibela. The festivities begin before sunrise, as thousands of pilgrims dressed in white gather around the ancient rock-hewn church. Priests in colorful robes chant prayers, swing incense, and carry beautifully decorated tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) in a sacred procession. The air fills with the sound of drums, prayer sticks (mequamia), and the faithful singing hymns under the soft glow of candlelight.

After the sunrise service, the community shares a festive meal, breaking their 40-day fast with doro wat (spicy chicken stew), injera (sourdough flatbread), and honey wine (tej). Locals play Genna, a traditional hockey-like game, while children laugh and dance in celebration.

Spend the day exploring Bete Mariam’s and other rock hewn churchs’ stunning architecture carved entirely from rock, with hidden tunnels and ancient religious art. As the sun sets, sip freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee with friendly locals, listening to stories of faith and history.

Genna in Lalibela is more than a holiday it’s a magical experience of devotion, culture, and warmth.

Overnight Lalibela, Panoramic View Hotel.

Day 8: Saturday, January 8, 2026

Lalibela – Addis Ababa (flight)

After breakfast, take the flight back to Addis Ababa. After arrive you can enjoy some last-minute shopping or rest. 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.

End of Tour, Departure.

Includes

• Hotel pickup
• Hotel drop-off
• Driver allowance
• Car with fuel
• Meals (Lunch)
• Sightseeing entrance
• Bottle of water
• Traditional Coffee
• Service fee

• Domestic flight
• Tip
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Any service not mentioned in the “Price included” section