Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival you will meet at the airport and transferred to your hotel (overnight in Dream Liner or Helzer Hotel).
Day 2: Drive to Kombolcha
In the morning have a breakfast and head to Desse. En route have a visit to the Italian made tunnel and the mouth of the Rift Valley system at a place called “Tarmaber”. Overnight in Sunny-side Hotel
Day 3: Drive to Lalibela
Drive from Desse to Lalibela. En route visit the Hayq Lake and also the island monastery of Stephen (open only for men). O/n in Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.
Day 4: Visit the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Early in the morning after breakfast, head exploring the UNESCO registered world wonders of the rock-hewn churches (1st group). After lunch head for a visit of the remaining churches. O/n Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Mekelle
Head to Mekelle via the Sekota road. On the way visit the least visited but famous world-renowned cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos. O/n Axum Hotel.
Day 6: Visit the rock-churches of Tigray
After breakfast visit the nearby famous rock churches of Petros and Paulos, Medhane Alem Adi Kasho and back to Mekelle for overnight stay. O/n Axum Hotel.
Day 7: Drive to Axum
Drive Mekelle – Axum. On the way visit the Yeha Temple, Debre Damo Monastery, Abreha-Atsbeha rock church, Negash Mosque. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.
Day 8: Visit Axum
In the morning have a visit to Axum’s St. Mary of Zion church, Stele of Axum and the tomb there and the Bath of Queen Sheba. After lunch head to the Palace of Sheba, the Tomb of King Kaleb and his son (6thcentury), stone inscription of king Ezana. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.
Day 9: Drive to Semien Mountain National Park
In the morning have breakfast and drive to Debark, the biggest town before heading to the Park. En route admire scenic beauty of the Semien Mountains and also the Tekeze gorge where one can see incense trees. This is the site that is termed as the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes – The Roof of Africa. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.
Day 10: Semien Mountain National Park
Start driving from Debark to Sankaber, the head quarter of the park where one can observe the magnificent scenery, birds and game like an endemic Gelada Baboon and also drive to another quarter of the park, Geech which is the most scenic road and an important area to spot the endemic Walia Ibex. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.
Day 11: Drive from Semien Mountain National Park to Gondar
Drive from Semien Mountain National Park- Gondar. Along the road before getting to Gondar, visit the Felasha, Ethiopian Jew village and their handmade artifacts and attend the eve Epiphany celebration at the bathing pool of Gondar. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.
Day 12: Gondar
Attend the colorful religious celebration of epiphany festival and also visit the 17thcentury castles of Gondar together with the bathing castle of King Fasilades. Have a visit to the colorfully decorated church of Debre-Brehan Selasse. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.
Day 13: Drive to Bahir Dar
Drive back to Bahir Dar and make boat cruise on Lake Tana to explore the ancient medieval monasteries of Ura Kidanemheret. In the afternoon take lunch and proceed to the Blue-Nile falls. O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lodge.
Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa and departure
In the morning start driving back to Addis Ababa. En route admire the breath-taking Blue Nile gorge that is comparable to the grand canyon in USA and also visit the 13th century historical monastery of Debre-Libanos. Up on arrival be taken to do shopping. In the evening have traditional traditionally Dinner and show and be transferred to airport for departure.http://a6l.dc6.myftpupload.com