Journey through Ethiopia’s ancient northern heartland on this perfectly paced 7-day adventure along the legendary Historic Route. Discover medieval castles, island monasteries, dramatic waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This tour blends history, spirituality, and stunning scenery with internal flights for comfort and efficiency.
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driven to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you will take a city tour of Addis Ababa that includes the National Museum, one of the churches of Addis Ababa, the Piassa, and the view from Mount Entoto. Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa
In the morning, fly to Bahirdar. At Bahirdar, you will be picked by your driver for the transfer to your hotel. After checking into the hotel in the morning, we will take a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th-century island monasteries of Lake Tana. The 37 islands of Lake Tana shelter twenty monasteries — surviving remnants of an old, contemplative tradition. In the afternoon, we will drive 35 km to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Accommodation: Hotel in Bahirdar
After breakfast, we drive to Gondar through the beautiful countryside scenery of Fogera to arrive at Gondar around lunchtime.
Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635. This UNESCO World Heritage is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and architecture of its churches. In particular, Debre Berhan Selassie represents a masterpiece of the unique Ethiopian School of Traditional Art. This afternoon, you will visit the ancient city.
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Axum. After checking into your hotel, you will spend the day visiting the ancient city of Axum. This city is the birthplace of Ethiopian civilization and the last resting place of the Holy Ark of the Covenant. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Hotel in Axum
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Axum airport for your flight to Lalibela. After checking into the hotel, we will drive to the site of a concentration of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, often referred to by many as one of “the living wonders of the world.” These churches are, and they have been for at least 800 years, an active Christian shrine — the spiritual center of the country’s religious life. The monolithic churches were carved out of a 2,600-square-meter natural rock terrace in the 12th century AD by King Lalibela.
Today, we will visit the first group of rock-hewn churches. In the evening, there will be a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
In the morning, we will take a mule ride, and/or walk to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery, which is famous for its 12th-century monastery church and beautiful view at 10,298 ft. above sea level.
After having lunch and resting at the hotel, you will continue your journey into Ethiopia’s long and marvelous history with a visit to other of Lalibela’s remarkable churches — their architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed!
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
After breakfast, you transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. After checking into the hotel, you will take a city tour of Addis Ababa for the rest of the day which includes the Mercato and the view of Addis Ababa from Entoto. You will also have the chance to walk around the Piassa and Churchill Avenue for shopping. In the evening, there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner party with a traditional buffet and local drinks. There will also be a live cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country — the perfect ending to the trip! At the end of the farewell dinner party, transfer to Addis Ababa airport. End of tour.
