Day 1: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight)
Early in the morning, depart on a flight to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting a selection of monasteries nestled on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Highlights include:
Zege Peninsula
Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Meheret monasteries
The island monastery of Debre Maryam, located near the outlet of the Blue Nile River
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Blue Nile Falls, followed by a short hike in the area. End the day with a beautiful sunset over Lake Tana.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 2: Bahir Dar – Gondar (Drive)
After breakfast, continue north to Gondar by road—a four-hour journey through rural Amhara villages, offering a glimpse into local culture and everyday life.
Upon arrival and check-in, begin exploring the historic city of Gondar:
The Royal Enclosure, home to six castles and various royal buildings
Fasilidas’s Bath, still used during the Timket (Epiphany) celebrations
Ras Gimb Palace Museum
Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its intricately painted ceiling, considered the most iconic in Ethiopia
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 3: Gondar – Axum (Flight)
Take an early morning flight to Axum. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for a full day of historical exploration, including:
The famous Obelisks of Axum, including the one recently returned from Italy
Archaeological Museum of Axum
Queen of Sheba’s Bath, a historic reservoir
Ezana’s Inscription
King Kaleb’s and King Bazen’s Tombs
The ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace
St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant (only men are allowed into the old church; the chapel of the Ark is off-limits to all except one guardian monk)
Overnight in Axum.
Day 4: Axum – Lalibela (Flight)
Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all Ethiopian historical sites. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
After lunch, begin your tour of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, visiting the Northwestern Cluster, which includes:
Bet Medhane Alem – the largest monolithic church in the world
Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women)
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 5: Lalibela – Yimrehanne Kristos – Lalibela
In the morning, take a scenic trip to visit Yimrehanne Kristos Church—a unique structure built from layers of wood and granite within a large cavern, and the most popular church outside of Lalibela.
Return to town for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Southeastern Cluster of churches:
Bet Gabriel-Rufael
Bet Merkorios
Bet Abba Libanos
Conclude the day with a visit to Bet Giyorgis, the most iconic of all Lalibela’s churches, carved in the shape of a cross in honor of Saint George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 6: Lalibela – Addis Ababa (Flight)
In the morning, visit Na’akuto La’ab Monastery, dramatically set on the side of a cliff.
After your visit, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy time to reflect on your journey and take part in a farewell program, followed by a transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.
