09 Days – Ethiopia’s Timeless Treasures: Addis to Lalibela

Day 1: Welcome to Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from New Gate Ethiopia Tours and transferred to a tourist-standard hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that includes a visit to the National Archaeological Museum—home to the famous fossil “Lucy”—and Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, then embark on a boat trip across Lake Tana to visit Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, located on the lush Zeghie Peninsula. The monastery is famed for its colorful frescoes, ancient manuscripts, religious icons, and royal treasures from Ethiopia’s past monarchs.
Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls – Gondar
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the stunning Blue Nile Falls, located about 35 km from Bahir Dar. After exploring the falls, return to the city for lunch and then continue your journey by road to Gondar.
Overnight: Gondar

Day 4: Gondar – Debark – Sankaber (Simien Mountains)
After breakfast, drive to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, where you’ll complete entry formalities. Begin your trek near Buyit Ras with a 3–4 hour hike to Sankaber, following trails that hug the dramatic escarpment edge. Keep an eye out for Gelada Baboons, endemic to this region.
Overnight: Camping in Sankaber

Day 5: Sankaber – Geech – Chenek
Trek from Sankaber through a stunning valley carved by the Wazla (or Koba) River, often dry. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Jinbar Waterfall plunging into the Geech Abyss. Cross the Jinbar River and ascend to the village of Geech before continuing onward to Chenek. Expect 4–5 hours of trekking with awe-inspiring mountain vistas throughout.
Overnight: Chenek (camping or lodge, based on availability)

Day 6: Chenek – Gondar
After breakfast, drive out of the Simien Mountains National Park and return to Gondar. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Enclosure—home to the castles of Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Gondar served as the capital of the Ethiopian Empire beginning in 1632 and remained a major power center for more than two centuries.
Overnight: Gondar

Day 7: Gondar – Lalibela (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival (around 10 AM), check into your hotel and begin your visit to the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (note: entry to Bet Golgotha is restricted to men). These magnificent churches are carved from solid rock and connected by a network of tunnels and trenches.
Overnight: Lalibela

Day 8: Lalibela – Yemrehane Kirstos – Lalibela
Start the day exploring the second group of rock-hewn churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Mercurios. These unique structures, known for their irregular architectural styles, are believed to predate King Lalibela’s reign. Then, visit the most iconic of all the churches—Bet Giyorgis, carved in honor of Ethiopia’s patron saint, Saint George, and accessed via a narrow tunnel.

After lunch, take a scenic drive (approx. 42 km / 2 hours) to Yemrehane Kirstos, a stunning cave church constructed with wood and stone and set within a large cavern. Along the way, enjoy views of highland villages, terraced farmland, and scenic countryside. Return to Lalibela in the late afternoon.

Enjoy dinner at Ben Abeba, a restaurant offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, visit the local open market and take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Overnight: Lalibela

Day 9: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Departure
Take a morning flight from Lalibela back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner with live traditional music, dancing, and a buffet of Ethiopian specialties. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure.