Historical Tours of Northern Ethiopia By Surface – 16 Days

Tour Overview

Experience the rich tapestry of Ethiopia’s history, culture, and stunning landscapes on this 16-day journey through the heart of the country. From the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the remote highlands of Tigray and the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, this tour takes you deep into the soul of Africa’s only uncolonized nation. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient monasteries, vibrant markets, breathtaking highlands, and some of the oldest civilizations in the world — all in one unforgettable adventure.

Tour Highlights

  • Guided tour of Addis Ababa including Entoto Mountains, National Museum, and Merkato Market

  • Visit to the 13th-century Debre Libanos Monastery and the stunning Blue Nile Gorge

  • Boat ride to the island monasteries of Lake Tana

  • Explore the castles and churches of medieval Gondar

  • Trekking in Simien Mountains National Park (UNESCO)

  • Discover the ancient stelae and ruins of Axum

  • Visit Yeha Temple and the cliff-top monastery of Debre Damo

  • Admire the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, including Abuna Yemata Guh

  • Explore the legendary 12th-century rock churches of Lalibela

  • Scenic drives through breathtaking highland landscapes

  • Local cultural immersion and traditional cuisine

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Meet and greet by Wisdom representative at Bole International Airport

  • Transfer to the hotel for rest and orientation

  • Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour

  • Visit Entoto Mountains for panoramic city views

  • Explore the National Museum (home of ‘Lucy’ fossil)

  • Tour St. George’s Church

  • Visit Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa

  • Overnight: Jupiter Hotel or similar

Day 3: Drive to Debre Markos (325 km)

  • Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century

  • Enjoy scenic views over the Blue Nile Gorge, Africa’s Grand Canyon

  • Overnight: Tilq Hotel, Debre Markos

Day 4: Drive to Bahir Dar (260 km)

  • Travel through the fertile Gojjam region, known for teff cultivation

  • Visit the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”) and enjoy nature walks and birdwatching

  • Overnight: Homeland Hotel, Bahir Dar

Day 5: Boat Trip on Lake Tana

  • Visit island monasteries: Kibran Gabriel (men only), Entos, Ura Kidane Mehret, Azuwa Mariam, and Mahal Giorgis

  • Enjoy a relaxed afternoon

  • Overnight: Homeland Hotel, Bahir Dar

Day 6: Drive to Gondar (180 km) & City Tour

  • Scenic drive to Gondar through picturesque countryside

  • Visit Royal Enclosure with 17th-century castles

  • Explore Fasiladas’ Bath and Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its famous angelic ceiling

  • Optional visit to Queen Mentewab’s Qusquam complex

  • Overnight: Florida Hotel, Gondar

Day 7: Drive to Debark and Simien Mountains

  • Drive to Debark and complete park entry formalities

  • Short hike inside Simien Mountains National Park, home to gelada baboons and dramatic cliffs

  • Overnight: Simien Lodge (inside the park) or return to Debark for hotel stay

Day 8: Drive to Axum via Tekeze Gorge

  • Scenic drive through the Lima Limo mountain pass and the breathtaking Tekeze River Gorge

  • Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum

Day 9: Axum City Tour

  • Explore the ancient stelae field (UNESCO)

  • Visit St. Mary of Zion Church (believed to house the Ark of the Covenant)

  • Tour Queen of Sheba’s palace and the archaeological museum

  • Visit the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel

  • Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum

Day 10: Drive to Hawzen via Yeha and Debre Damo

  • Visit Yeha Temple (pre-Axumite) — 2,500 years old

  • Optional climb to Debre Damo Monastery (men only; rope climb required)

  • Enjoy the dramatic Gheralta landscape

  • Overnight: Gheralta Lodge, Hawzen

Day 11: Tigray Churches and Drive to Mekelle

  • Visit one or two rock-hewn churches such as:

    • Abuna Yemata Guh (requires climbing)

    • Debre Maryam Korkor

    • Abreha We Atsbeha

  • Continue to Mekelle and visit Emperor Yohannes IV’s Palace Museum

  • Overnight: Axum Hotel, Mekelle

Day 12: Drive to Lalibela

  • Drive through mountain vistas to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most famous churches

  • Overnight: Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela

Day 13: Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

  • Visit the First and Third clusters of the 12th-century rock-hewn churches

  • Includes iconic sites such as Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Giyorgis

  • Overnight: Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela

Day 14: Lalibela Excursion

  • Excursion to Asheton Maryam Church by mule (optional)

  • Or drive 45 km to visit Yemrehanna Kristos Church, built inside a cave

  • Afternoon visit to the Second group of churches

  • Overnight: Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela

Day 15: Drive to Kombolcha (310 km)

  • Scenic drive through highlands

  • Optional visit to Lake Hayk and Istifanos Monastery (men only)

  • Overnight: Sunnyside Hotel, Kombolcha

Day 16: Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

  • Drive back to Addis Ababa (375 km)

  • Optional shopping at Merkato or Churchill Road souvenir shops

  • Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant

  • Evening transfer to the airport for international flight

Includes:
  • Airport transfers and road transport by private car
  • Full board, including mineral water.
  • Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
  • Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

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