10-days HISTORICAL ITINERARY
ADDIS ABABA – ADDIS ABABA

Price per person double room sharing: subject to change so please confirm:
One passenger traveling alone:                           US$ 2.236
If there are 2-3 passengers travelling together:    US$ 1.850
If there are 4-5 passengers travelling together:    US$ 1.699
If there are 6-8 passengers travelling together:    US$ 1.644
Single room supplement:                                    US$    160

HISTORICAL ITINERARY– 10 DAYS

This is the most popular circuit for those visiting Ethiopia - the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. See a range of fabulous constructions, such as the enchanting castles in Gondar; the imposing obelisks at Axum and the incredible, rock-hewn churches around Lalibela. Be amazed by the thundering Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a boat trip on the splendid Lake Tana. Aside from the awe inspiring constructions at each of these sites, you’ll be able to take in a fine blend of scenic delights, natural history (birding is great along this route) and you’ll get to know the charming Ethiopian people.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa at night. On arrival at Bole International airport, you will be met and assisted by our experienced, English speaking agents. Transfer to the Holiday hotel. (Dinner).

Day 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. Be met at the airport and transfer to Gondar Goha Hotel. P.M., visit the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand. Overnight stay at the Goha Hotel (Full Board)

DAY 3: After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to LALIBELA. This is the most important stop on the historical route and from the air already, the 11 rock-hewn churches - which are carved into the rugged mountainsides - present an awesome spectacle. Afternoon excursion to the most spectacular of the churches. No-one is quite sure how these churches were built. Legend has it that King Lalibela received Divine instruction in a dream - after which construction commenced and that Angels completed the work by night. Overnight stay at the Roha hotel. (Full Board)

DAY 4: Excursion by mule to Acheton Mariam monastery. Balance of the day for seeing the places missed out the previous day. The variety and number of attractions here means two days is ideal for Lalibela. Overnight stay at the Roha hotel. (Full Board)

DAY 5: Transfer to the airport and fly to BAHIR DAR, situated at the lovely Lake Tana. On 20 of this lake's 27 islands, there are monasteries. And there's good birding to be had in the lush forest surrounding much of the lake. Afternoon visit of the Kidhane Mihret monastery at the Zege Peninsula. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).

DAY 6: A wonderful excursion to the thundering Blue Nile Falls, not far from the Source of the mighty Blue Nile River. These falls are regarded as Africa's second most spectacular. Along the walk to the falls, birding is excellent. And bring swimming gear because if the water levels are low enough, a dip at the falls is a must. Afterwards, you'll be taken across the river by 'tankwa', the traditional papyrus boats. After lunch at the hotel, a visit of Bahir Dar, which has one of the most popular markets in the country. Or spend time birding in the forest. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board)

DAY 7: Transfer to the airport and fly to AXUM, a dusty town in northern Ethiopia. There's plenty to see in the this place, the Cornerstone of Ethiopian Christianity. Afternoon visit of the main attractions: the Obelisk Park, where remarkable, pre-Christian stelae stand. These measure up to 23 meters and how they were constructed, transported there and erected, remains a mystery. Afterwards, you'll be taken to the local museum, widely rated as Ethiopia's best. Overnight stay at the Remhai Hotel (Full Board)

DAY 8: Day excursion to the fascinating, 2500 year-old Temple of the Moon, at Yeha, some 55 km away. Afterwards, a stop at the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. It's worth visiting some of the local shops in Axum for exquisite locally made clothing and jewelry. And you'll be able to visit the church where the Arc of the Covenant is supposedly housed. Overnight stay at the Remhai Hotel (Full Board)

DAY 9: Transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Transfer to the Crown hotel, your accommodation for the night. Balance of the day for souvenir shopping and sightseeing in the capital. Overnight stay at the Holiday Hotel (Full Board)

DAY 10: Transfer to the Bole International Airport.

Price includes: domestic flights with Ethiopian airlines, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, meet and greet on day of arrival and all airport-hotel transfers, Boat trip to the Ura Kidane Mihret (3 1/2 hours), all transfers and assistances, all accommodation, full board throughout the tour, all excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, English speaking guides for all the historical places, entrance fees for all sites, mule to Asheten Mariam in Lalibela.

Not included: International flights, visa fees, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes