Tour overview
Please note: conditions in northern Ethiopia can change, so we currently run this route on request. Contact us before booking flights and we will confirm the latest situation.
Journey through the cultural and historical heart of northern Ethiopia on this immersive eight-day tour.
Begin in Addis Ababa, where museums, churches, monuments and lively markets introduce you to Ethiopia’s history and modern capital. Continue to Bahir Dar for a boat trip across Lake Tana, visits to historic island monasteries and an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls.
Travel onward to Gondar, Ethiopia’s former royal capital, to explore the castles and palaces of the Royal Enclosure, Debre Birhan Selassie Church and the historic Bath of King Fasilidas.
The journey also includes an adventure into the Simien Mountains, where dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls and wildlife such as Gelada baboons create one of the tour’s most memorable experiences.
Finish in Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Explore both groups of churches, visit the iconic Bete Giyorgis and hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery for beautiful views over the surrounding highlands.
Throughout the journey, experience traditional Ethiopian food, coffee, honey wine, music and local hospitality while learning about the country from knowledgeable local guides.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Addis Ababa’s museums, churches, monuments and markets
- See the famous Lucy fossil at the National Museum
- Take a scenic boat trip across Lake Tana
- Visit historic monasteries near Bahir Dar
- Experience the Blue Nile Falls
- Explore Gondar’s Royal Enclosure and medieval castles
- Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church
- Discover the historic Bath of King Fasilidas
- Hike in Simien Mountains National Park and spend a night in the mountains
- See Gelada baboons and possibly Walia ibex
- Visit Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches
- Hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery
- Experience Ethiopian food, coffee, tej, music and dance
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at your convenience. You will be welcomed on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
At 6:00 PM, meet your guide for a welcome briefing, followed by an optional welcome dinner.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 2: Explore Addis Ababa
Begin your exploration of Ethiopia’s capital with a scenic drive to Mount Entoto, where you can enjoy panoramic views across Addis Ababa.
Visit the National Museum to see Lucy, one of the world’s most famous early human fossils. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious landmarks.
Explore Merkato, often described as one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and see important city landmarks including Meskel Square, the Lion of Judah Monument and the Yekatit 12 Memorial.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar and Explore Lake Tana
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, a relaxed lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana.
Enjoy a scenic boat trip across the lake to visit historic monasteries, including Azwa Maryam and Betre Maryam.
Later, travel to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tississat, meaning “the water that smokes.”
In the evening, enjoy a local dinner featuring tibs, one of Ethiopia’s popular meat dishes.
Overnight: Bahir Dar
Day 4: Drive to Gondar
Travel by road from Bahir Dar to Gondar, stopping at historic Guzara Castle along the way.
In Gondar, explore the Royal Enclosure, a remarkable complex of castles, palaces and royal buildings constructed by Ethiopian emperors.
Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its colourful religious paintings, and see the historic Bath of King Fasilidas.
Finish the day by tasting tej, Ethiopia’s traditional honey wine.
Overnight: Gondar
Day 5: Simien Mountains Adventure
Drive north from Gondar towards Simien Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Along the way, visit Wolleka, a former Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) village, and learn about the history of the local community.
Enjoy a hike near Sankaber Camp and the Jinbar Waterfall while taking in dramatic mountain scenery. Look out for Gelada baboons and, with some luck, the endangered Walia ibex.
Spend the night in the mountains, where the evening light and the sunrise over the escarpment are unforgettable.
Overnight: Simien Mountains
Day 6: Simien Morning and Fly to Lalibela
Rise early for the best light of the day and another chance to see Gelada baboons on the escarpment.
Drive back to Gondar (about 3 hours) for your flight to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s famous rock-hewn churches.
On arrival, begin exploring the first group of churches, including:
- Bete Medhane Alem
- Bete Maryam
- Bete Denagel
- Bete Meskel
- Debre Sina
- Bete Golgotha
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and learn more about Lalibela’s cultural and religious importance.
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 7: Asheton Maryam and Lalibela Churches
Hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery, located in the mountains above Lalibela. Enjoy beautiful views across the surrounding highlands and learn about the monastery’s history.
In the afternoon, continue exploring Lalibela’s churches, including:
- Bete Gabriel-Rufael
- Bete Merkorios
- Bete Amanuel
- Bete Abba Libanos
Finish at Bete Giyorgis, the iconic cross-shaped Church of St. George.
Enjoy dinner in Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 8: Return to Addis Ababa
Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
Visit the Ethnological Museum, located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Afterwards, enjoy free time for shopping, relaxing or exploring the city independently.
In the evening, enjoy an optional farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian music and dance, then transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your departure flight. An extra night in Addis Ababa can be arranged on request.
Included
- Accommodation
- Daily breakfast at your hotels
- Domestic flights
- Airport transfers
- Private transportation
- Lake Tana boat trip
- Entrance fees
- Local guides
- Simien Mountains fees and guide
- Drinking water
Not included
- International flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Lunches, dinners and drinks, including the optional welcome and farewell dinners
- Tips