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Day 1: Leave London or USA
Day 2: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia where you will be met and transferred to the Ghion Hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Late morning, drive north to Mount Entoto. In 1881 Emperor Menelik II made his permanent camp here, after the remains of an old town, believed to have been the capital of the 16th century monarch Lebna Dengel, were discovered. Menelik took this discovery to be a divine and auspicious sign for his new capital. You will view the Church of Mariam, where Menelik was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889, and the Church of Archangel Raguel. Return to the hotel for dinner and a welcomed overnight rest. Overnight in the Ghion Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Transfer to the airport for the flight to Axum. This ancient city, with its half-buried ruins of palaces, monolithic stelae, and subterranean tombs, is one of Ethiopia's most historic sites. Reputedly the capital of the Queen of Sheba, today Axum is the hub of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Park of the Obelisks where several colossal monoliths still stand together, marking the tombs of the Axumite royals. Nearby, is the subterranean Tomb of Ramha, a former king of Axum. Beneath the Palace of Kaleb, steep stone steps lead to underground galleries and chambers, locally believed to be the treasury of Emperor Kaleb. Visit an historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek, and explore the tomb of King Basen, who ruled at the time of the birth of Christ. Also explore Gobadura, where Axum’s giant stelae were quarried, and see the impressive relief drawing of a lion cut into a large boulder. Overnight will be at the Ramhai Hotel for three nights where dinner will be served (B/L)
Day 5: An all day road trip takes you east through dramatic volcanic formations to Yeha, the capital of the earliest kingdom in Ethiopia. Here, the pre-Axumite Temple of the Moon is the oldest known sacred site in Ethiopia dating to about 700 B.C. It is reputed to be the best preserved example of South Arabian style temple architecture in the world. Next to the shrine is the Church of Abune Aftse, one of the “Nine Saints” who did much to spread Christianity in Ethiopia. This building's front facade has been fitted with carved stones from the original temple. Meals will be served at the hotel of our choice on breakfast, lunch and dinner (B/L/D)
Day 6: Today leave to Axum where the Ark of the Covenant of Biblical fame is reported to be hidden within the compound of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion. You will see the new, and rather garish church built with the support of Haile Selassie, and the small outbuilding nearby that purportedly houses the renowned Ark. Continue to the Axum Museum to see ancient pottery and glass, Roman amphorae, bronze jewelry, clay figurines that reveal the hairstyles of ancient Axum. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Fly from Axum to Lalibela. Eight hundred years ago King Lalibela created a marvelous gift to the world. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, Lalibela contains towering churches that were carved from the soft, volcanic tuff in which they stand. Some lie almost completely hidden in deep trenches, and others stand in open quarried caves. A complex and bewildering labyrinth of tunnels and narrow passageways with crypts, grottoes, and galleries connects them all. Within this mystical world, priests go about their daily tasks, seemingly oblivious of the outside world. Standing 38 feet tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches. Accommodation will be at the Roha Hotel for two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Spend today exploring more of the rock-carved churches of the area. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. Bet Golgotha houses remarkable reliefs of figures, early Christian art rarely seen in other parts of Ethiopia. Visiting Yemrehane Christos, a striking church sited within a cave built by King Yemrehane Christos (let Christ show the way) who ruled before King Lalibela. (Note: To reach this church there will be a hike short distance up rather steep terrain.) All meals will be served at the hotel (B/L/D)
Day 9: Fly to the royal city of Gondar where magnificent fortified palaces dominate the landscape. The oldest and most impressive is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Other royal buildings include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of this king's wife. Just outside of town is the Bathing Palace where Epiphany is celebrated each year. There will also be a visit to the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly colored ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels. Overnight at the Goha Hotel where meals will be served (B/L/D)
Day 10: This morning’s drive takes us to Gorgora on the northern shores of Lake Tana. Thirty-seven islands dot this immense body of water, and twenty of them shelter historic churches and monasteries, many decorated with impressive paintings. A boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit several of the island’s monasteries. Located on the largest island on Lake Tana, Narga Selassie is ornately decorated. The interior walls are entirely painted with exuberant, colorful frescoes of saints and their adventures. Originally founded in the 12th century, the medieval church of Debre Sina Mariam has been recently restored. Located on the forested Zege Peninsula, Ura Kidhane Mihret is the most impressive of the southern monasteries. The walls of the church are completely covered with remarkable 16th-century murals that offer a revealing look into medieval Ethiopia. Nearby is Azuwa Maryam, containing several fascinating paintings. Accommodation will be at the Ghion Hotel in Bahir Dar with dazzling views of the lake. Meals will be served at the hotel(B/L/D)
Day 11: Bahir Dar is still visited by tankwas, papyrus boats made by the Woyto people who live on the shores of the lake, and with luck we will see them. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, and the most dramatic wonder here is the Blue Nile Falls; in flood-stage it is more than 1300 feet wide. After dropping over a sheer chasm more than 150 feet deep, the mist drenches viewers a half mile away. In a gorge created by the waterfall is a small rain forest lush with tropical vegetation and inhabited by lively monkeys and a multitude of spectacular birds. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Fly back to Addis Ababa with the rest of the day free. There will be ample opportunity to explore this diverse city where the tour will end. |
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