North Historic Route – 10 Days
Tour Overview:
Discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Ethiopia on this 8-day guided tour. Starting from the vibrant capital Addis Ababa, journey northward to Bahir Dar’s majestic Blue Nile Falls and tranquil Lake Tana. Explore the medieval castles of Gondar and the breathtaking Simien Mountains, home to rare wildlife. Then, visit Axum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization, and conclude with Lalibela’s world-famous rock-hewn churches. This tour offers an immersive experience combining history, nature, and authentic local culture.
Tour Highlights:
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Explore Addis Ababa’s National Museum and Ethnological Museum, home of “Lucy” and royal artifacts
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Visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls and take a boat ride on Lake Tana
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Discover Gondar’s medieval castles, royal bath, and exquisite church frescoes
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Experience the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of Simien Mountains National Park
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Tour the ancient ruins and stelae fields of Axum, linked to Ethiopia’s biblical past
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Explore Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, a marvel of Ethiopian Christian architecture
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Meet our staff at the exit gate and transfer to your hotel of choice. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Explore Addis Ababa
Morning: Visit the National Museum, housing the famous fossil “Lucy” and other important artifacts. Then, explore the Ethnological Museum, located in Emperor Haile Selassie’s former palace.
Afternoon: Visit St. George Cathedral, built by Emperor Menelik II in 1896, followed by Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia, containing royal tombs and thrones. End your day at Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar & Blue Nile Falls
Fly 55 minutes north to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana. After hotel check-in, drive to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, locally called Tis Issat (“smoking water”). Walk down to the base and explore both sides of the falls. Return by boat crossing the Blue Nile. In the afternoon, visit the Bezawit Palace and nearby Weyto Village, known for crafting papyrus boats called Tankwas.
Overnight at Tana Hotel or Summer Land Hotel, Bahir Dar.
Day 4: Drive to Gondar via Countryside
Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Gondar through scenic farmland and local villages, with photo stops along the way. In Gondar, visit Fasiladas’ Castle — the most impressive of the Royal Enclosure’s castles — the historic royal bath, and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famed for its vibrant frescoes. Explore Gondar’s colorful market before overnight stay at Goha, Taye Balay, or Qwara Hotel.
Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting, including the endemic Walia Ibex, Gelada baboons, and unique bird species. After lunch and rest, take a 2-3 hour trek along escarpments to view breathtaking valleys and watch Gelada baboons in their natural habitat. Overnight at Semien Lodge.
Day 6: Simien Mountains Trek & Return to Gondar
Spend the morning trekking in the park, exploring trails with stunning views, giant lobelias, and endemic wildlife. Visit Chenek to spot the rare Walia Ibex. In the afternoon, return to Gondar for overnight at your hotel.
Day 7: Fly to Axum & City Tour
Fly north to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital. After hotel check-in, visit the Stelae Field, home to impressive obelisks, and the Axum Museum. Tour the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, reputed to house the Ark of the Covenant. See the Queen of Sheba’s ruins and tombs of ancient kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Remhai or Yeha Hotel.
Day 8: Fly to Lalibela & Explore Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela, known as “Africa’s Jerusalem.” Visit the first group of monolithic red-tuff churches intricately carved from rock. Walk through tunnels connecting the churches and visit the iconic St. George’s Church, carved in the shape of a cross and standing separately. Explore the fascinating network of religious and architectural marvels that remain active places of worship today. Overnight at hotel.
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
