Day 1: On arrival Addis Ababa EVA representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral (The church is constructed in 1955 for the 25 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years) .In the afternoon after lunch you will visit Ethnological museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie then proceed to Mountain Entoto for panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel
Day 2: Through turbulent landscapes and a succession of high plateau, long journey towards the north of the country to reach the city of Debre Markos. On the way, visit of the Orthodox monastery of Debre Libanos, one of the most prestigious of Ethiopia, founded in the thirteenth century. Then pass by the impressive gorges of the Blue Nile. In the afternoon you will arrive Debre Markos. Overnight hotel
Day 3: In the morning drive to Bahar Dar, a pleasant town on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, in the north-west of the country. And continue to the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie at Bezawit, with great views of the town and the place where the Blue Nile flows out of the lake. Overnight hotel
Day 4: Morning after breakfast take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to the Blue Nill falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight hotel
Day 5: You will be driven to Gondar through country side .Then you will check into a hotel and after a brief break, you will have lunch. Then, you will visit to the Royal Castles & the Bath of Emperor Fasiledes (the bath is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year. You will continue your visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity at the Mount of Light), the Castle of Empress Mintewab, and Kuskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Overnight hotel
Day 6: After breakfast departure early to join the Simien National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain massifs of Africa, beautiful walk between Sankaber (3250 m) and the great waterfall of Jinbar. The path progresses along the immense escarpment, first in a slight climb before starting a descent down to the waterfall. Along the way, a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. Among the animal species endemic to these high plateaus, we can easily observe some colonies of geladas baboons … After a last journey by the track. Late in the afternoon drive back to Debar. Overnight hotel
Day 7: Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire, today modest town yet with great history and memory. On the road you would enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes in the country. Frequent stops to appreciate viewpoints of Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge, arrive in Axum late in the afternoon. Overnight hotel
Day 8: Morning after breakfast start visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. 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 hotel
Day 9: Drive from Axum to Gheralta via Adwa and Adigrat. Adwa is a town with tremendous importance to Ethiopians because it is in the hills surrounding that Menelik II defeated the conquering Italian army in March 1896. A visit to Yeha, dated back from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and used to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards visit Debre Damo monastery where the man (no women allowed). Overnight hotel
Day 10: Morning drive through the historical town of Adwa, to the small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Wikro & visit Wikro Cherkos church, Overnight Hotel
Day 11: Full day visit of the very interesting Tigray region churches. Visit Micael Imba, Debre Selam Atsbi and Micael Barka churches or similar churches. Overnight hotel in Mekele
Day 12: Early morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. En route discover the rock church of Yemerhana Kristos, a sanctuary remarkable for its architecture and its interior decoration. This jewel of medieval Ethiopian art was built in the 11th-12th centuries in a cave. After that proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination, Lalibela Overnight hotel
Day 13: Full day to discover the treasures of Lalibela; Your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela, The first group of Lalibela Churches includes: Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagl and Bete Golgotha Michal, the second group of Lalibela Churches that includes: Bete Gebral, Bete Merquros, Bete Emanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos and the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church. Overnight hotel
Day 14: After breakfast drive through the Ethiopian dramatic landscap. Enroute visit the 13th century of Hayk to visit the 13th century Monastery of Hayk Istifanos, if it is a market day you will have a good experience for Bati Color full market where you are going to find the Oromo, Amhara and Afar people after that continue to Dessie. Overnight hotel
Day 15: Morning drive back to Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan, on the way you pass the Mezezo escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. Evening you will have fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurant for cultural dances from the different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home.
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