Abyssinia and the Blue Nile
fromOur Abyssinia and Blue Nile itinerary takes visitors to the north of the country, with its fascinating historical and religious sites. We start with the monasteries of Lake Tana and the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, before heading to the UNESCO recognised palaces and castles of Gondar
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Challenging
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From here we travel further north to visit the unique 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela,arguably the highlight of the trip and something not to be missed. Feast your eyes on the incredible views over the surrounding valleys and hills as you watch the sunset from the magical Ben Abeba restaurant.
Next we visit the ancient city of Axum and legendarily home of the Queen of Sheba and final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
Highlights
- 12th century Rock hewn churches of Lalibela
- Ancient castles& Palaces of Gondar
- Spectacular Blue Nile Falls
Airport transfer
Arrival and departure transfers are included, whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you.
Accommodation
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary. Should we need to change hotels, but we will endeavour to keep the same standard. However hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.
Guides
You will be escorted throughout by an English speaking guide. You will also have local English speaking guides.
Meals
As listed within the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).
Entrance Fees
All entrance fees
Water
A bottle of mineral water every day
Visa’s
Guests are responsible for arranging their own visa. We would recommend that you obtain your visa in advance of your trip using the evisa service.
International flights
We don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours
Insurance
It is important that you have insurance in place prior to arriving in country.
Tips
Guide and porterage tips, also local payments for photography
- Day 1 - Addis Ababa L/D On arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch a city tour will take you to the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million-year-old remains of “Lucy”, discovered in 1974, Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet for a panoramic view of the metropolis before making your way back to your hotel. Overnight at Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel or similar.
- Day 2 - Bahir Dar B After breakfast transfer to the airport for your early flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival continue to Tiss Abay to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. After lunch board a boat for a cruise across Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake,and source of the Blue Nile, to visit two of the most accessible monasteries Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Keep an eye open for white pelicans. Check into your hotel on the shores of the lake. Overnight at Blue Nile Avanti or similar.
- Day 3 - Gondar B Scenic drive to Gondar, the so-called Camelot of Africa. Explore the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways and the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church, one of Ethiopia’s most beautifully painted churches. Overnight at Goha Hotel or similar.
- Day 4 - Lalibela B Travel to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival visit the impressive rock-hewn churches and undoubtedly one of the highlight of the trip, Bet Giyorgis, the town’s most iconic sight. Overnight at Cliff Edge Hotel or similar
- Day 5 - Lalibela B/D Morning visit the exquisite church of Yemrehanna Kristos. After lunch visit the remainder of the 11 rock-hewn churches before heading to Ben Abeba to watch the sunset and unique dining experience. Overnight at Cliff Edge Hotel or similar
- Day 6 - Axum B Fly from Lalibela to Axum, the heart of ancient Ethiopia, and capital of the Kingdom of Axum. Visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba and the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that is said to house the original Arc of the Covenant. Overnight at Atranos Fantasy Hotel or similar.
- Day 7 - Addis Ababa B/D Morning flight to Ethiopia’s capital. On arrival visit the ‘Merkato’, cited as the largest open-air market Africa and explore the maze of stalls.