Tour Highlight:
It is the highlight of the Classic Historic Route
that includes Ethiopian ancient and historical towns of Lalibela, Axum, ,Gonder
, Bahirdar and the surrounding attractions.
Full day drive to Kombolcha through a scenic
landscape over viewing the western edge of the escarAfternoonent of the
Ethiopian Rift Valley, up on arrival transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kombolcha/ Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela, one of the eighth
wonder of the world en route view over Lake Hayq. This lake hosts an
important monastery overnight hotel.
AM
visit the first group of rock hewn churches which are included Bieta
Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savoir) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam
(Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar
containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act
)of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the
Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double –
church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed
in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because
it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity.
Afternoon
Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta
Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel
with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have
been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra ) and visit also the Bieta
Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Over
night Hotel.
Early morning you will have optional mule ride to
Asheten Mariyam Church situated at a very hill top to see the town of
Lalibela and the surrounding attractions. Return to the hotel for lunch.
Afternoon
drive to the charming semi-cave church of Nakutoleab, a church of the
early 13th century and bearing the name of its builder. One amazing
thing about this church is the year round water that wells from it’s ceiling
that is said to have curative power. Overnight Hotel.
Lalibela - Mekele Drive to Alamata, Korem, Maichew and
Mekele with some stopover at Yimrehane Christos Church on the way.
Drive Mekelle-Axum, on the way visit Abraha- Atsbaha church,
one of the Tigry rock hewn churches , Alnejashi mosque, over viewing
Debredamo Monastery, & also visit Yeha Temple which is dated as
early as of the 5th century BC ( according to researchers made by
Heinrich Mueller, it might even date of the 8th century BC). In its
compound is also found the church of Abba Afse ( one of the nine Syrian
saints ) further drive to Adwa, if we have time you will have some visit of the
hospital otherwise we will back the next day. overnight hotel.
(Optional) Morning drive to Adwa to visit
the hospital and back to Axum after 3-4 hour to visit Axum, once the centre of a
great empire and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge’ez language and
literature. Axum is the prime historical site in the North of Ethiopia.
Take a city tour of Axum that includes : The St. Mary church (where the
Arc of the covenant is said to be kept), and the Stele Park. Further
visit of the archaeological Museum of Axum, the ruins of the former
palace of Queen of Sheba (Dungur Palace ), the ruins of the former
tomb of King Kaleb and his successor king Gebre Meskal Over night
Hotel.
Day 08: Axum/ Semein Mountain
Full day drive via Tekeze valley ( Limalimo
) to the Semien Mountain , the most marvellous of all Abyssinian
landscapes, spectacular scenery, a taste of Ethiopians remarkable wildlife, home
to a variety of endemic animals ,birds , plants and has been declared a world
Heritage Site by UNESCO overnight Semein lodge at Semien Mountain N.park.
Early morning Drive & trek in the Semien Mountain
N.park until Chenek (about 3600 metre above see level) enjoy the
Roof of Africa, endemic animals like Walia Ibex, Semien Fox,
Chilada Baboon, Klipsprings etc, overnight lodge .
Day 10: Semein Mountain /Gonder
Late afternoon drive about 150km to the
imperial town of Gonder, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the area and
before about 6 km from Gonder you will visit little village of Wolleka (Falasha
Village), once the home of a thriving population of Falashas or Ethiopian Jews.
Before Christianity arrived, Judaism was for centuries the dominant religion of
most of north-western Ethiopia overnight hotel.
Early in the morning start to visit the castle
compound where you can see the Medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King
Yohannes, King Eyasu, Kind Dawit, King Bakaffa and Queen Mentewab. Further
visit of the churches of Debre Birihan Silassie with awesome wall
paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas before proceeding to the visit
of the Qusqwam monastery that was being built by Queen Mentewab and Gondar city
tour. Afternoon drive 180 km to Bahirdar one of the lake side town in the
country & sun set viewing on Lake Tana overnight hotel.
A.M Boat excursion over Lake Tana to the Zeghie
peninsula and visit of two beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in
the small forest; Azoa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mihret on the way
visit Kibran Gabriel and Entos monastery. P.M drive 70 km round trip to
visit Tississat named after the Water Falls of the Blue Nile
(the life blood of the Sudanese and Egyptians) of Bahirdar, window shopping &
relax overnight hotel.
Day 13: Bahirdar/ Addis Ababa
Full day drive to Addis, over viewing the Blue
Nile Gorge which has a spectacular view & is wider than the Grand American
Canyon, the 1st bridge for the country( Portuguese bridge) overnight
hotel.
Day 14: Addis Ababa City tour
Addis Ababa city tour including Mount Entoto
for panoramic view of Addis Ababa, Merkato, the biggest open market in
Africa, Museums etc. farewell dinner in the best Ethiopian traditional
restaurant & it will be the end of the tour over night your guest house.
The total price for the itinerary is USD
2,890 per person on a double bed bases.
Minimum 2 pax.
Cost includes?
-
13 nights Hotel accommodation on a double bed basis
-
Meal on half board bases ( breakfast and dinner) with soft and
hot drinks.
-
4WD land cruiser cobra 2001/2002 Model out of Addis Ababa
including fuel for the historic route and Minibus for Addis Ababa
-
Experienced English speaking driver guide
-
All entrance fee as per the itinerary.
-
Airport transfer in/out.
-
˝ day boat excursion at Bahirdar.on Lake Tana to the Zeghe
peninsula.
-
˝ day mule excursion at Lalibela to Asheten Mariam Church.
-
English speaking local guides in every destination.
Excludes
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
Other expense of personal nature like telephone call, Laundry
etc
-
What is not included in the inclusive part.
Kenya