Itinerary: Historic Route and Harar by Flight

Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Fly to Bahar Dar. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the famous ancient island monasteries. Overnight in Bahar Dar.

Early morning visit the majestic Blue Nile falls. After lunch visit of the Bahar Dar town’s most popular open-air market and the viewpoint by the late emperor’s place. Overnight in Bahar Dar.

Fly to Gondar. Visit the 17th century Castles, the bath of Emperor Fasilidas, the monastery of Qwesquam and the icon rich church of Debre Berhan Silassie. Overnight in Gondar.

Visit Simien Mountains National Park, the Afro-alpine habitat plays host to many endemic species, including the walia ibex, gelada baboon, the extremely rare Ethiopian wolf, as well as several endemic species of birds. Overnight in Gondar.

Fly to Lalibela. Visit the first group of the rock-hewn churches comprising of: Bete Medehanialem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagel, and Bete Michael & Golgota, sharing the same roof. These groups of churches are surrounded by courtyards and trenches, so that they mimic normal buildings. Several of these churches are monolith ices or three-quarter – free from the surrounding rock on three or four sides a style of excavation that is unique in Ethiopia. Overnight in Lalibela.

After early breakfast you will have a half day mule ride to the Asheton Mariam church which was built by Na’akuto Le’ab who was one of the Zagwe Dynasty rulers. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the morning fresh air. In the afternoon visit the second group of churches in Lalibela consisting of five churches: Bete Emanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bet Gebriel- Rufael as well as the eleventh church and the carefully carved cross shaped Bete Giorgis.Overnight in Lalibela.

Fly to Axum. Visit the St. Mary of Zion cathedral where, legend has it, the original Ark of the covenant is housed, stelaes, tombs, museum, and palace. Overnight in Axum.

After breakfast drive to Yeha and go even further back in history as you explore the ruins. Yeha is believed to be the capital of Ethiopia before Axum. You will also stop at the Debre Damo monastery to climb to the plateau above for a visit (no women allowed) and proceed to Makele. Overnight in Makele.

Fly to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a leisure day of shopping at Merkato or a sight seeing tour of the city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Fly to Dire Dawa. Visit the traditional Kefira Market and the railway station. Drive to Harar and stay overnight.

After an early breakfast, take a city tour of Harar which includes it’s encircling wall, the Medhane Alem Church, the rich market place, the Grand Mosquee, one of over 90 mosques and shrines, and just after sunset, the Hyena men. Overnight in Harar.

Drive back to Dire Dawa & fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Take in more sight seeing of Addis Ababa before departure.