HISTORIC TOUR
Ethiopia’s history encompasses legend and tradition, mystery and fact, from a powerful and religious ancient civilization.
Legend has it that Emperor Menelik, son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, brought the Ark of the Covenant from JERUSALEM to AXUM where he established one of the world’s longest known, uninterrupted monarchical dynasties. Therefore, the following days, fascinating historic route trip takes you through a magnificent scenic world of fairy-tale names such as ADDIS ABABA, BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, AXUM and LALIBELA which every destination contributes in enlightening the Unforeseen Land in the form of strange landscapes, beautiful churches, unbelievable castles and stone writings. URAKIM ETHIOPIA TOUR (UET) is proud to take you to such unheard and unforeseen places of the country:
AXUM
earlier written as Aksum, was the first major empire to rise out of Ethiopia.
The 10th century BC Axumite kingdom was at one time considered together with Persia, China
and Rome as one
of the great powers of the world. It was an important commercial centre,
trading with Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, Arabia and Persia. Axum
began to decline in the seventh century AD. The Axum
landscape is marked with mysterious monuments and magnificent ancient structures
and ruins. The oldest and most esteemed of the treasures are the 3,000-year-old
age steles that were sculpted from single pieces of granite rock curved to
resemble storied buildings. The tallest obelisk, which is over 23 m tall, was
looted from Ethiopia and
erected in Rome
by Mussolini's fascist troops during their brief occupation of the country from
1936 to 1941. After decades of debate and controversy, the monolith was finally
returned to Axum in April 2005. The relic is
now Ethiopia's
greatest historic attraction.
At the churches and monasteries of Axum, history comes to life as the icons and historic crowns of ancient emperors tell the story.
The most outstanding church is the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, considered to be Ethiopia's holiest site and believed to house the original Ark of the Covenant.
While in Axum, other historical sites not to be missed are: the royal graves of King Kaleb and Gabre Meskel, the 54 room ruins of a palace that supposedly housed the Queen of Sheba, and her legendary Bath. Also look out for the still legible early 4th century stone-pillar inscription, made on account of King Ezana's victory over rebellious tribes.
LALIBELA
Lalibela, a medieval settlement in the region of Wello, is the site of eleven rock-hewn churches believed to have been built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Lalibela. It is reported that King Lalibela's prodigious church building was his effort to recreate Jerusalem. Muslims occupied Jerusalem at the time and pilgrimage to Jerusalem, for Ethiopian Christians was difficult. The city was initially known as Roha, but was later renamed after King Lalibela, the most outstanding of the Zagwes'. Lalibela is a holy shrine city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and it is the best place to experience the most colourful Ethiopian church festivals especially during Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas (Genna), and Epiphany (Timket).
GONDAR
Gondar was once the capital of Ethiopia, its prominence beginning with the reign of Emperor Fasilades in 1632 and ending with the fall of Tewodros in 1868. The city's unique imperial precinct contains a dozen castles and fortress-like battlements built by various Emperors during this 236 year period. By European standards the Gondar castles may not be elaborate, but their very presence in Africa makes them a rare and imposing sight & some historians call them "The Camelot of Africa." The Debre Birhan Selassie Church in Gondar town is famous for its "angel head frescoes" that decorate the entire ceiling.
BAHIR DAR
Bahir Dar is the spring board for visits to the spectacular scenic and historic attractions of Lake Tana - Ethiopia's giant inland sea. In their funerary texts, the Pharaohs referred to it as "Lake Karou of the Country of the Happy." In the Middle Ages, churches sought refuge on the islands of Lake Tana and due in part to the difficult access are to this day rich in Ethiopian illuminated manuscripts, religious paintings and other treasures. The majestic Blue Nile Falls named "Tis Issat" in the Amharic language, which descriptively translates as "Smoke of Fire" is found outside Bahir Dar. The Falls plunge over a sheer 45 mts precipice that is 400 mts wide. Sought in vain by Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, the first European to discover the source of the Nile was Portuguese Father Paez. 150 years later in 1770, Scottish Traveler James Bruce described it as "One of the most stupendous sights of the Creation."
HARAR
Harar is an amazing and amusing place to tour. This early 16th century eastern Ethiopian city was once an important trade centre and is famous for its ancient Arabic structures, great city walls, and the French poet Rimbaud's house. Harar is an Islamic centre with at least 99 mosques is considered to be the fourth holiest Islamic city, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
If the evening finds you in Harar, you may witness a most bizarre spectacle courtesy of the so-called Hyena Men. With wild howls, these fearless men summon hyenas from the hills. They then get the ruthless scavengers to snatch pieces of meat from their hands or even their mouths!
The whole setting of medieval walls tightly embracing the ancient city, its rich and colorful marketplace, towering and majestic mountains and refreshingly cool climate, infuses Harar with an air of excitement, making it a memorable place to visit.
TOUR CODE: UET – 3001
TOUR TITLE: HISTORIC ROUTE
DURATION: 11NIGHTS & 12DAYS
STATUS: HALF BOARD
DESCRIPTION: Ethiopia’s wealth of historic sites and an identity defined by its own history and diverse cultures rather than by colonialism is what distinguishes it from most other African destinations.
Day1. Arrive in Addis Ababa, transfer to Hotel for check in. Overnight Hotel in ADDIS ABABA
Day2.Full day city tour of the capital city, ADDIS ABABA, consisting of the national museum, the trinity cathedral church, MERKATO (One of the largest open air markets in AFRICA), SHIROMEDA (cotton textile market) & mount ENTOTO, located at about 3200masl. Overnight Hotel in ADDIS ABABA
Day3.Fly to BAHIR DAR the capital city of Amhara regional state and check in to the Hotel. After check in, drive about 32kms-graveled road and visit Blue Nile fall the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. And on the way back to the hotel, if time allows, visit the BAHIR DAR colorful market. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to Zege peninsula and visit one of the antique churches of Ethiopia URA KIDANEMIHIRET famous for its 17th century wall paintings. Overnight hotel in BAHIRDAR
Day4.Morning drive about 172kms to GONDER founded in 1632 by ATSE FASILIDAS one of the strongest rulers of Ethiopia at its time. On the way observe and identify some birds /like crowned crane the beautiful bird species/. Afternoon visit FASIL GIMB built and constructed in the 17th century A.D. with the coming of FASILIDAS as an emperor of Ethiopia, visit churches like DEBRE BIRHAN SELLASSIE famous for its angel head frescoes, and at last but not least visit traditionally known as the bath of FASILIDAS which will surprise you the sewerage system of GONDERAIN PERIOD. Overnight hotel in GONDAR
Day5.Drive about 133kms to the SIMIEN mountains national park for an afternoon sight-seeing of the first camp site SANKABER Campsite surroundings. Overnight Lodge/Camping
Day6.Early morning drive to AXUM, the starting point for the Ethiopians to talk their pre history and history, which witnesses from the legendary queen of Sheba in the 10th century B.C. to 4th century A.D. Along the road experience the beauty of the landscapes, vegetations and bird species. Overnight hotel in AXUM
Day7.Morning visit the ancient city of AXUM archaeological sites to see the stelae which dates back to the 4th century A.D. and the church of AXUM TSION MARIAM (the treasury house, the 17th cen. Church & the modern church). Afternoon visit the tomb of two well known kings of their time ATSE KALEB and GEBRE MESKEL at last but not least visit DINGUER palace which is believed to be queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight hotel in AXUM
Day8.Morning drive to GEREALTA through the pre- historic city of Ethiopia YEHA 58kms from AXUM and on the way visit the YEHA temple which is believed to be built for one of the Greece gods called ALMUQAH meaning the moon god dates back to 450 B.C. Afternoon continue driving and make a stop to the junction and see the AMBA of DEBRE DAMO monastery founded by the 6th cen. A.D. Saint, who came to Ethiopia with the other eight saints, ABUNE AREGAWI. Overnight hotel in HAWZEN
Day9.Morning visit the rock hewn churches of TIGRAI like ABUNE YEMEATA, ABREHA-ATSBEHA & WUKRO CHERKOS among the 120 rock hewn churches of TIGRAI. Overnight hotel in MEKELE
Day10. Morning drive to LALIBELA, the former ROHA takes its name from ZAGWE’S famous king called king LALIBELA meaning by the local language “even a bee knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of ZAGWE dynasty in to existence. Lunch WOLDIYA. Afternoon continue driving. Overnight hotel in LALIBELA
Day11. In the morning, among the 11 well known churches of ROHA LALIBELA visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS. Overnight hotel in LALIBELA
Day12. Fly back to ADDIS ABABA, the capital city of not only to Ethiopia but also Africa, as it hosts the Africa Unity secretary office. In the afternoon, have the time for last minute shopping & leisure. In the evening, after a fair-well dinner in one of the traditional restaurants, transfer to the airport for departure.
TOUR CODE: UET-3002
DURATION: 14days 13nights
TOUR TITLE: Northern Route
STATUS: Full Board
Day1 Arrive in Addis Ababa (the capital city of Ethiopia with an altitude of 2300masl) & meet by the URAKIM ETHIOPIA TOUR company representative, at the Addis Ababa International Airport. Then, transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight hotel.
Day2 Full day city tour of the capital city, ADDIS ABABA, which includes the national museum, the trinity cathedral church, MERKATO (the largest open air market in AFRICA) or SHIROMEDA (cotton textile market) & mount ENTOTO, located at about 3200masl. Overnight hotel
Day3 Morning, drive about 380kms to the city of FINOTE SELAM visiting the secluded & historically significant monastery of “DEBRE LIBANOS”, one of the holiest places of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church being the prayer place of ABUNE TEKLE HAIMANOT a saint & a politician who played a great role in the restoration of SOLOMONIC DYNASTEY in the country. Overnight Hotel
Day4 Morning, after breakfast, drive about 183kms to Bahir Dar (the capital city of Amhara regional state with an altitude of 1800masl). Visit the Blue Nile Fall by driving about 32kms-graveled road, the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. And on the way back to the hotel visit the BAHIR DAR colorful market. Overnight hotel
Day5 Full day boat trip crossing Lake Tana to Zegea peninsula and the rest of the islands to visit one of the antique churches of Ethiopia URA KIDANEMIHIRET famous for its 17th century wall paintings, Kibran Gabriel, Narga Sellassie & Dek Istifanos. Late afternoon, picked up by our vehicles to the city of castles, GONDAR. Overnight hotel
Day6 Morning visit FASIL GIMB (the castle compound, also known as “Camelot of Africa”) built and constructed in the 17th century A.D. with the coming of FASILIDAS as an emperor of Ethiopia, visit churches like DEBRE BIRHAN SELLASSIE famous for its angel head frescoes, and at last but not least visit traditionally known as the bath of FASILIDAS known for its well done sewerage system. Afternoon, drive about 100kms through the stepping ground city of the National Park, DEBARK. Overnight Hotel
Day7 Morning drive to the Simien Mountain National Park, CHENNEK camp site & visit the surrounding area. Overnight CAMPING
Day8 Drive back to the next camp site SANKABER & trek in the surrounding area. Overnight CAMPING
Day9 Early morning drive to AXUM, the starting point for the Ethiopians to talk their history, which witnesses from the legendary queen of Sheba in the 10th century B.C. to the fall Axumite Empire in the 7th century A.D. Along the road experience the land escapes, vegetation and bird species. Lunch in Shire town. Overnight hotel
Day10 Morning, visit the ancient city of AXUM archaeological museum to see archaeological findings /like coins, potteries, and altars/, the stelae which dates back to the 4th century A.D. and the church of AXUM TSION MARIAM (the treasury house, the 17th cen. Church & the modern church). Afternoon visit the tomb of two well known kings of their time ATSE KALEB and his son GEBRE MESKEL at last but not least visit DINGUER palace which is believed to be queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight hotel
Day11 Morning drive to ADIGRAT through the pre- historic city of Ethiopia YEHA 58kms from AXUM and on the way visit the YEHA temple which is believed to be built for one of the Greece gods called ALMUQAH meaning the moon god dates back to 450 B.C, then continue driving and make a stop to the junction and see the AMBA of DEBRE DAMO monastery founded by the 6th cen. A.D. Saint, who came to Ethiopia with the other eight saints, ABUNE AREGAWI. Afternoon visit the semi-monolithic churche of ABREHA ATSBEHA. Finally proceed to the capital city of TIGREAN regional state, MEKELE. Overnight hotel
Day12 Morning drive 445kms to the city of LALIBELA, the former ROHA takes its name from ZAGWE’S famous king called king LALIBELA meaning by the local language “even bees knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of ZAGWE dynasty in to existence. Lunch WOLDIYA. Afternoon continue driving. Overnight hotel
Day13 In the morning, among the 11 well known churches of ROHA LALIBELA visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS. Overnight hotel
Day14 Morning, fly back to ADDIS ABABA, the capital city of not only to Ethiopia but also Africa, as it hosts the African Union secretary office. In the afternoon, last minute shopping, time for leisure & in the evening, farewell dinner with live music & folkloric dance in one of Ethiopian traditional restaurants. Finally transfer to the airport for Departure
Tour Code: 3003
Duration: 8days 7night
Tour Title: Northern High light
Day1. Arrive in Addis Ababa & transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel
Day2.Morning, drive about 106kms to the northern parts of Ethiopia to a place called Debre libanos /built & founded by Abba libanos who came to Ethiopia with the nine saints of the 6th century A.D/ to visit the modern church built by Emperor Hailesellassie I & the ancient cave where Abune Tekelehaimanot lost his one leg praying for 22years, Aftrenoon drive to the city of Debremarkos, the former capital city of West Gojjam Province. Overnight hotel
Day3.Morning, drive about 263kms to the city of Bahirdar, the capital city of Amhara regional state, on the way make a stop over at Dangila/bure for lunch. Afternoon continue driving & check in the hotel. Late afternoon visit the panoramic view of Bahirdar. Overnight hotel
Day4.Morning, make a boat trip to Zegee Peninsula to visit the church of ura kidanemihiret famous for its 17th century mural paintings. Afternoon, drive about 32kms to the Blue Nile falls. Overnight hotel
Day5.Morning, Drive about 300kms to the city of Lalibela on the way enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Guna. Overnight hotel
Day6.Morning, visit the first & third group of churches. Afternoon visit the second group of churches. Overnight hotel
Day7.Morning, drive to the city of Kombolcha through the city of Woldiya & Haik /where the very famous Ethiopian Orthodox Church monastery is situated “Haik Estifanos”/. Overnight hotel
Day8.Drive Kombolcha back to Addis & evening departure
Tour Code: 3004
Duration: 8days 7night
Tour Title: History with nature
Day1. Arrival
Day2.Early in the morning, drive about 106kms to visit a bridge called “Portuguese bridge” believed to have been built in the 17th century then proceed to BAHIR DAR, the capital city of Amhara regional state. Over Night Hotel
Day3.Early morning drive about 32kms-graveled road and visit Blue Nile falls the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. Afternoon drive about 280kms to the city of DEBARK the steeping ground/spring board for SEMIEN MOUNTAIN national park and proceed approximately 22 kms from debark to BUYIT RASS camp site for over night stay at simien Lodge
Day4.Morning visit the part and parcel beauty of the SEMIEN MOUNTAIN MASSIF with vegetation /like Hygenia abyssinica and allophylus abyssinicus/ wild animal/like common jackal, gelada baboon, and klipspringer/ and bird species /like wattled ibis and augur buzzard/. Afternoon drive about 123kms to the city of Gondar & visit the castle compound with Debre birhan Sillassie Church. Overnight hotel
Day5.Morning drive to LALIBELA, the former ROHA takes its name from ZAGWE’S famous king called king LALIBELA meaning by the local language “even a bee knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of ZAGWE dynasty in to existence. Afternoon continue driving through the magnificent views of mount Guna. Overnight hotel
Day6.In the morning, among the 11 well-known churches of ROHA LALIBELA visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS. Overnight hotel
Day7.Morning drive to KOMBOLCHA the industrial city of Ethiopia consisting lots of industries in different types of sector /like drinking, textile, and metal industries/. Afternoon continue driving and if time allows make a stop for visiting the monastery of HAIK ESTIFANOS founded by ABBA IYESUS MOA who played a great role for the restoration of SOLOMONIC dynasty in ETHIOPIA and for the ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH owning 1/3 of the total land of the country, and it is open only for male visitors. Overnight hotel
Day8.Morning drive back to ADDIS ABABA, the capital city of not only to Ethiopia but also Africa, as it hosts the Africa unity secretary office. On the way make a stop to the city of DEBRE BIRHAN /medieval period permanent capital city of famous king ZEREAYACOB/, founded in 1445.
Tour Code: 3005
Duration: 13days 12nights
Tour Title: Northern Circuit
Day13. Arrive in Addis Ababa, transfer to Hotel.
Day14. Morning drive to Debre Libanos monastery, first built, founded, and named after ABA LIBANOS who lived in the 6th century A.D, quit, peaceful and breathe taking monastery secluded and surrounded by mountains with a beautiful land escape. Then after a 5-10 minutes drive from Debre Libanos junction to visit a bridge called “Portuguese bridge” believed to have been built in the 17th century then drive to BAHIR DAR the capital city of Amhara regional state. Overnight hotel
Day15. Early morning drive about 30kms-graveled road and visit Blue Nile falls the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. And on the way back to the hotel visit the BAHIR DAR colorful market. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to Zege peninsula and visit one of the antique churches of Ethiopia URA KIDANEMIHIRET famous for its 17th century wall paintings. Overnight hotel
Day16. Morning drive about 172kms to GONDER founded in 1632 by ATSE FASILIDAS one of the strongest rulers of Ethiopia at its time. On the way observe and identify some birds /like crowned crane the beautiful bird species/. Afternoon visit FASIL GIMB built and constructed in the 17th century A.D. with the coming of FASILIDAS as an emperor of Ethiopia, visit churches like DEBRE BIRHAN SELLASSIE famous for its angel head frescoes, and at last but not least visit traditionally known as the bath of FASILIDAS which will surprise you the sewerage system of GONDERAIN PERIOD. Overnight hotel
Day17. Early morning drive to AXUM, the starting point for the Ethiopians to talk their pre history and history, which witnesses from the legendary queen of Sheba in the 10th century B.C. to 4th century A.D. Along the road experience the land escapes /like rivers, mountains, and valleys /vegetation, and bird species /. Lunch under a tree/Shire town. Overnight hotel
Day18. Morning visit the ancient city of AXUM archaeological museum to see archaeological findings /like coins, potteries, and altars/, the stelae which dates back to the 4th century A.D. and the church of AXUM TSION MARIAM: - 1 the treasury house
2 the 17th cen. Church
3 the modern church
Afternoon visit the tomb of two well known kings of their time ATSE KALEB and GEBRE MESKEL at last but not least visit DINGUER palace which is believed to be queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight hotel
Day19. Morning drive to ADIGRAT through the pre- historic city of Ethiopia YEHA 58kms from AXUM and on the way visit the YEHA temple which is believed to be built for one of the Greece gods called ALMUQAH meaning the moon god dates back to 450 B.C. Afternoon continue driving and make a stop to the junction and see the AMBA of DEBRE DAMO monastery founded by the 6th cen. A.D. Saint, who came to Ethiopia with the other eight saints, ABUNE AREGAWI. Overnight hotel
Day20. Morning drive through the small cities of TIGRAI to MEKELE, the capital city of TIGRAI regional states, and on the way visit the house of the local people called HIDMO, which is the typical architecture of TIGRIAN people and proceed to the rock hewn churches of TIGRAI. Afternoon visit the rock hewn churches of TIGRAI like WUKRO CHERKOS a 15 minutes walk from our lunch base and ABREHA ATSBEHA 35kms drive from our lunch base WUKRO a stepping ground city for more than 120 rock hewn churches of TIGRAI. Overnight hotel
Day21. Morning drive to LALIBELA, the former ROHA takes its name from ZAGWE’S famous king called king LALIBELA meaning by the local language “even a bee knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of ZAGWE dynasty in to existence. Lunch WOLDIYA. Afternoon continue driving. Overnight hotel
Day22. In the morning, among the 11 well known churches of ROHA LALIBELA visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS. Overnight hotel
Day23. Morning drive to KOMBOLCHA the industrial city of Ethiopia consisting at least 13 industries in different types of sector /like drinking, textile, and metal industries/. Afternoon continue driving and make a stop for visiting the monastery of HAIK ESTIFANOS founded by ABBA IYESUS moa who plays a great role for the restoration of SOLOMONIC dynasty in ETHIOPIA and for the ETHHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH owning 1/3 of the total land of the country, and it is open only for male visitors. Overnight hotel
Day24. Morning, drive back to ADDIS ABABA, the capital city of not only to Ethiopia but also Africa, as it hosts the Africa Unity secretary office. On the way make a stop to the city of DEBRE BIRHAN /medieval period permanent capital city of famous king ZEREAYACOB/, founded in 1445.
Day25. Departure.
Tour Code: 3006
Duration: 9days 8night
Tour Title: Northern highlight 2
Day1. Arrive in Addis Ababa, transfer to Hotel. Overnight hotel
Day2.Morning drive to Debre Markos through the city Debre Libanos monastery, first built, founded, and named after ABA LIBANOS who lived in the 6th century A.D, quit, peaceful and breathe taking monastery secluded and surrounded by mountains with a beautiful land escape. Then after 5-10 minutes drive from Debre Libanos junction to visit a bridge called “Portuguese bridge” believed to have been built in the 17th century. Overnight hotel
Day3.Morning drive to BAHIR DAR, the capital city of Amhara regional state, the host of Lake Tana, Island Monasteries, Blue Nile Falls & colorful market. Overnight hotel
Day4.Early morning drive about 32kms-graveled road and visit Blue Nile falls the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. And on the way back to the hotel visit the BAHIR DAR colorful market. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to Zege peninsula and visit one of the antique churches of Ethiopia URA KIDANEMIHIRET famous for its 17th century wall paintings. Overnight hotel
Day5.Morning drive about 172kms to GONDER founded in 1632 by ATSE FASILIDAS one of the strongest rulers of Ethiopia at its time. On the way observe and identify some birds /like crowned crane the beautiful bird species/. Afternoon visit FASIL GIMB built and constructed in the 17th century A.D. with the coming of FASILIDAS as an emperor of Ethiopia, visit churches like DEBRE BIRHAN SELLASSIE famous for its angel head frescoes, and at last but not least visit traditionally known as the bath of FASILIDAS which makes you to wonder about the sewerage system of GONDERAIN PERIOD. Overnight hotel
Day6.Morning drive to LALIBELA, the former ROHA takes its name from ZAGWE’S famous king called king LALIBELA meaning by the local language “even a bee knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of ZAGWE dynasty in to existence. Lunch WOLDIYA. Afternoon continue driving. Overnight hotel
Day7.In the morning, among the 11 well-known churches of ROHA LALIBELA visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS. Overnight hotel
Day8.Morning drive to KOMBOLCHA the industrial city of Ethiopia consisting at least 13 industries in different types of sector /like drinking, textile, and metal industries/. Afternoon continue driving and make a stop for visiting the monastery of HAIK ESTIFANOS founded by ABBA IYESUS moa who plays a great role for the restoration of SOLOMONIC dynasty in ETHIOPIA and for the ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH owning 1/3 of the total land of the country, and it is open only for male visitors. Overnight hotel
Day9.Morning, drive back to ADDIS ABABA, the capital city of not only to Ethiopia but also Africa, as it hosts the Africa unity secretary office. On the way make a stop to the city of DEBRE BIRHAN /medieval period permanent capital city of famous king ZEREAYACOB/, founded in 1445.
Tour Code: 3007
Duration: 7days 6night
Tour Title: Historic Route Flight
Day1. Arrive in Addis Ababa, transfer to Hotel.
Day2.Fly to Bahir Dar, and transfer to hotel for check-in, then drive to about 32kms to visit & admire the Blue Nile falls. Afternon boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries like of Ura Kidane Mehret & Azua Mariam. Overnight Hotel.
Day3.Morning drive to Gondar, city of castles and churches. Afternoon visit the castle compound, Debre Birhan Sellasie church (light of Trinity) & King Fasiladas' bath. Overnight hotel
Day4.Fly to Axum, the house of giant obelisks, visit the archaeological sites & the saint Mary of Tsion. Overnight hotel
Day5.Fly to Lalibela, the 8th wonder of the world, and in the afternoon visit the first group of rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel
Day6.Morning visit Asheten Mariam church by mule. Afternoon visit the remaining 2nd group rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel
Day7.Fly back to Addis, then departure.