Northern Ethiopia cradle of civilization!!
Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa, has a heritage dating back to the first century AD. These voyages lead you to the historical places of Ethiopia in the north, passing through the scenic Ethiopian highlands. Bahirdar, Lake Tana, with its thirty isles, keepers of ancient Coptic monasteries, the impressive Blue Nile waterfalls and scenery, Gondar; ancient capital dating from the days of the Emperor Fasil, with its castles and churches. Axum, the oldest city of Ethiopia, it is here that, between myth and reality, the Ark of the Covenant is kept … but only the old priest in charge of it is permitted to see it.
The monasteries and rock churches in the Tigray and, at last, Lalibela, the Jerusalem of Ethiopia with its 11 monolithic, red-colored churches which considered as unofficial eight wonders of the world, excavated in the rock and connected by a network of tunnels, today still a vital center of the Coptic church, where the people from the entire country gal her during the colorful festivities. After all you will have a wonderful time to glance the greatest historical legacy of Ethiopia!!!
Overview
Drive through the Simien Mountains and visit four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites, along with the other main highlights of the classic historical northern route, like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela. At night, enjoy a stay in the highest hotel in Africa, the Simien Lodge.
Itinerary
At Bole international airport and meet with Scenic representative, transfer to hotel for check in. Depend of your arrival time for city tour of the Capital.
Addis Ababa is established on 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu.
In the mooring
-Visit Entoto Mountains
-visit National & Ethnographic museum
In the afternoon
– Trinity cathedral
-Merkato which is the biggest open air market in Africa.
Overnight :B.L.D
On this day you start your tour to North Ethiopia. On the way, you have to visit one of Orthodox’s most holy sites: the Debre-Libanos monastery founded on the 13th century by Abune Tekle/Haimanot, at present one of Ethiopian most celebrated saints. Continuing from Debre-Libanos to the main route, the road dropping more than 1,480 m, gradually winds down to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, which is one of the most dramatic roads in the country. The Blue Nile River also practical for several major regains as borderline.
When we arrive approximately halfway to Bahirdar, there is eye-catcher crater Zengana where the spot on the region of Agew nation overnight B.L.D
At the morning, visit the Island monasteries on the Lake Tana to visit the medieval period island monasteries such as Kibran-Gabriel, Entos-Eyesus. On the Zegie peninsula visit Ura Kidan Mehiret, Azuwa Mariam, Mahal Giorgis & finally, the outlet of Blue Nile. Subsequently, back to Bahir-Dar, have lunch & drive 45 minutes on unpaved road to tiny village Tis- Abay (Tis-Esat) which mean smoke of fire, nominated from Blue Nile waterfall. Round trip will take 1.5 hour by walking & few minutes with boat to across the Blue Nile River for spectacular view & having shower from the smoke underneath of the falls. Later on, drive back to Bahirdar to stay & enjoy with fish dishes overnight B.L.D
Drive 3 hours to Gondar and Visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the 17th century palaces of King Fassiladas, King Iyasu and Queen Mentewab and different other buildings. Visit also Fasiladas’ Bath, (that is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year) having a lunch in afternoon visit the church of Debre Brehan Selassie has a ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels. If you have sufficient time left, also you could visit Kuskuwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Inside the palace look out the figures of crosses and Ethiopian characters and animals, such as St Samuel riding his lion. You could also get pleasure from the top view Goha hotel Overnight B.L.D.
with stopover at the village of the last “Felasha” (African Jews). The Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the park, the highest mountain is Ras Dashen, with 4,543m above sea level also the fourth-highest mountain of Africa. You will see amethyst-colored peaks and deep gorges. The crevices host wild mountainous and endemic animal species like the Walya Ibex, Semien fox, gelada baboons… This is an ideal place to do some trekking to the most beautiful places with panoramic views. If you prefer to relax, the afternoon will be at leisure in Semien lodge or Camping in Sankaber.
Drive to Lalibela via Gashena with watching countryside people & verity highland landscapes. Overnight B.L.D.
It is identified eighth wonder of the world Start to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which is clustered in to three different places separated by River Jordan. This morning we have to visit the first and the third groups of churches and on the afternoon, continue to the second group of Churches. Overnight B.L.D.
On this day also will you enjoy the mountainous landscape and splendid views on your way to Dessie/Kombolcha. On the way just 30 k.m to Dessie, there is possibilities to visit pretty Crater Lake Hayek and its 13th Century of Istephanos monastery. Subsequently continue to Dessie/Kombolcha. Overnight B.L.D.
Driving back to Addis on the verity landscape through several villages watching the way of life all the way back through. In Addis, Enjoy with traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian cultural music and dancing presentations. In the evening transfer to the airport and flight of return.
End of Tour
Scenic tours will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request.
Price Includes:
- 1. Fuel surcharge
- 2. All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Breakfast
- 3. Bottled water
- 4. Non Alcoholic Beverages
- 5. Local guide
- 6. Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip private transfer
- 7. Coffee and/or Tea
Price doesn't Include:
- 1. International air/flight tickets,
- 2. Alcohol beverages,
- 3. Tourist Insurance,
- 4. Video filming and photography fees,
- Tips and items of personal nature like
- 5. laundry, souvenirs, etc
- 6. All expense that are not mentioned in
- the included part
You must be at least 15 years old to be eligible to participate in the majority of our trips. For all minors, an adult must accompany them. Our Adventure tours have a minimum age limit of 18. Younger children can accompany the adults in leisure and educational trips, but check the trips for their individual age requirements on the trip details page.
Usually, our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for participants who are 70 years and above.
Yes, there are a lot of solo travelers in each group and it adds an extra dimension to the trip by allowing you to know like-minded people and share your experiences. About 60% of our groups are solo , other are group of friends and couples .
After your payment is completed and your booking is confirmed, if you cancel your booking 45 or more days before the departure, you will get a 50% refund. If your trip is departing in less than 45 days, the amount is non-refundable. So we highly recommend taking an all-inclusive insurance policy, so you know your investment is secure! For further information regarding cancellation and refund, please refer to our terms and conditions.
Some of the meals, accommodation, transport and activities (it will be indicated in detail in the itinerary). We try to include more to add value in your trip.
Mainly international flight tickets to the reporting destination, visa fees and insurance fees which is a must.
If I am a solo traveller, will I be charged single supplement?
Our accommodations on most of the tours are on a twin share basis. We believe that accommodations are an integral part a great trip. Our accommodations are good quality hotels, wherever provisional. The type of accommodation depends on the trip and can differ throughout the trip. You can get the exact list of accommodations just before the start of the tour.
As a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another participant of the same gender as per your passport information. If you’re not comfortable sharing a room with someone, you also have the choice to pay for a single supplement.
