Day 1:
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be greeted by one of our guides and transferred to the luxurious Sheraton Addis Hotel. Take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities at this opulent hotel.
Overnight: Sheraton Addis Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 2:
Today, enjoy an afternoon city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into Ethiopia’s diverse culture, the Trinity Cathedral, and the National Museum, home to the famous fossil of Lucy. You will also visit St. George’s Cathedral, one of Addis Ababa’s oldest and most iconic landmarks.
Overnight: Sheraton Addis Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 3:
Take a flight to Mekelle, followed by a scenic drive to Hawzen in the stunning Gheralta Mountains. Along the way, visit the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Wukro Cherkos, Abraha Atsbeha, and Dugum Selassie. Upon arrival, check into Gheralta Lodge, which offers beautiful views of the Gheralta Mountains and blends into the landscape using local materials.
Overnight: Gheralta Lodge Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 4:
Spend the day exploring the ancient rock-hewn churches of the Tigray region. Visit Medhane Alem Adi Kesho, believed to be one of Ethiopia’s oldest rock churches, and the iconic Petros and Paulos, partially built into a cave. Conclude the day with a visit to the 8th-century Mikael-Melehayzenghi, an impressive rock-dome church.
Overnight: Gheralta Lodge Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 5:
Travel to the historic city of Axum, making a stop at the Temple of Yeha, which dates back to 700-800 BC. Once the heart of a powerful empire, Axum offers a glimpse into Ethiopia's ancient past. Highlights include the massive stelae, the tombs and castles of former kings, the Axum Museum, and the Mariamtsion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 6:
Fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities and a major pilgrimage destination. Known as the "New Jerusalem," Lalibela is home to impressive rock-hewn churches and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 7:
Today, visit Nakutoleab Monastery, carved into a rock cave just outside Lalibela. Continue to explore the rock- hewn churches built by King Lalibela, including the well-known Bete Giorgis, a Greek cross-shaped church carved into solid rock. End the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, experiencing the authentic roasting and brewing process.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 8:
Fly to Gondar, often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa" due to its medieval castles and churches. Explore Fasiladas Palace, Quskuam Church, and the beautifully decorated Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its remarkable ceiling murals. According to legend, the church was spared destruction by invading forces thanks to a swarm of protective bees.
Overnight: Mayleko Lodge Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 9-10:
Drive to Bahir Dar, where you will visit the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. Known locally as Tissiat or "Smoking Water," the falls create dramatic steam clouds and rainbows. Afterward, explore the local market, where you can shop for traditional hand-woven capes and scarves. Later, visit the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie at Bizeit. The next day, embark on a relaxing Lake Tana cruise, visiting two renowned island monasteries: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, both of which house beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Bible.
Overnight: Kuriftu Resort & Spa Meals: Full Board (FB)
View Image Gallery >Day 11:
Fly back to Addis Ababa and spend the afternoon exploring the city’s vibrant Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. You may also visit the Kechene Women’s Potters Association, where you can observe traditional Ethiopian pottery-making. Enjoy a dayroom at Sheraton Addis to relax before your international flight home.
Dayroom: Sheraton Addis Meals: Lunch or Dinner
