14 Days Tour to the Northern Historic Route of Ethiopia

After breakfast, boat trip on Lake Tana. On Lake Tana time has still stood and dominated by an archaic, dating from early Christian mysticism and the religious interpretations of African art are characterized by the Ethiopian Christianity, and the world’s Old Testament is still practiced. Visit the monasteries of Ura-kidaneMihret and Narga Silassie. After visit, cross to Gorgora peninsula and visit the church of Debre Sina Mariam. Then drive to Gondar. Overnight in Hotel

On this day, full day city tour of Gondar, which was one of the hidden cities of the foreign trade area in the 17th century AD. Gondar is the site of ancient castle building palaces of different emperors constructed in the European middle age architectural style. Visit the curious symbiosis of Ethiopian and Portuguese architectural representation of the Royal Enclosure which is also known as” the Camelot of Africa”, the iconic church of Debre-Birehan Silassie, bath of king Fasilledes which still in use for the colorful celebration of Ethiopian epiphany (Timket). Then visit the Qusquam Complex, which was constructed by Empress Mentewab. Overnight in hotel

Early in the morning, drive to the majestic Semen Mountains National Park which is the most marvelous of all Abyssinian landscapes. Semen Mountain National Park constitutes many summits above 4000masl and culminates at Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopian and it is the home of the endemics Gelada Baboon, Ethiopian wolf and Walya Ibex. Hiking around Chequanit and Buit Ras. Overnight in Hotel / Lodge / Camping

On this day, continue discovering Simien Mountains National Park. Hike around Sankaber. Overnight in Hotel / Lodge / Camping

On this day, drive to the ancient city of Axum by enjoying very beautiful and spectacular landscape along the Semien Mountains and Tekeze Gorge. In the late afternoon, drive to the hilly monastery of Abune Pentaleon with a panoramic view over the city. Overnight in hotel

The ancient city of Axum marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Visit the archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: the archaeological museum, monolithic steles, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba, the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia, said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. In the afternoon, drive to Adigrat. On the way, visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse, sharing the same compound with the temple. Overnight in hotel

After breakfast, drive to Hawzien. Visit the spectacular church of Abune Yemata Guh, sited within a cliff face, halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle. In the afternoon, visit the church of Mariam Papasiti. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

In the morning, visit the twin churches of Mariam Korkor and Abune Daniel, Stop and visit the churches of Abreha We Atsebeha, the finest semi-monoletic church built in the 10th c. Then broceed to Wukro. After check in hotel, visit Wukro Cherkos Church and Wukro Museum. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

In the morning Depart to Dalol. (aka Cobber Sink), the lowest spot-on earth’s surface not covered by water (-116m below sea level) enjoy the spectacular view the dramatic and colorful geological formations caused by the hot springs rich in sulfur, potash, and salt. On the way back, visit Lake Asale passing the camel caravans. Then drive to Mekele. Overnight in Hotel.

On this day, long drive (450km) to the legendary and the framed of Ascetic Mountain town of Lalibela, famous for its rock hewn churches, through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery (gigantic, ups and downs landscape). Overnight in hotel.

Lalibela is and these brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World. There are many rock churches in Lalibela some hidden in enormous caves. In the morning, visit The First Group of Rock- hewn Churches. Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danagel and the twin church Bete Golgota- Debre Sina (Mika’el). In the afternoon, visit the Second Group of Churches of Bete Emanuel, Bete Mercurios, Bete Abba Libanos, Bete Lehem and Bete Gabriel-Rufa’el and Bete Giorgis, dedicated to the national saint of Ethiopia is isolated from the other two groups of churches. Overnight in Hotel

After breakfast, drive to north east of Lalibela to visit the church of Yimrehane Kirstos, built-up cave church in Axumite wood and stone construction. The church has become famous for the decoration of its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. In the afternoon; traditional coffee ceremony in one of the family homes in the town; plus attend the process of injera making. Overnight in Hotel

Morning, transfer in to airport to fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, you will have leisure and shopping time. In the evening, farewell traditional dinner in one of the best restaurants in Addis followed by folkloric dance of different Ethiopian nations. Then transfer to your destination. End of the trip.