Introducing Ethiopian Odyssey
From Ancient Churches to Majestic Landscapes
Embark on a captivating expedition through Ethiopia’s ancient wonders, tailored for the passionate historic enthusiast. This immersive tour unveils the country’s rich cultural heritage, from the bustling city of Addis Ababa to the enchanting rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the royal castles of Gonder, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Axum and Harar.
Along the way, we’ll delve into the majestic Simien Mountains National Park, visit isolated churches on Lake Tana, and explore the fascinating Tigray rock churches. From remarkable architecture to mystical landscapes, this journey will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of Ethiopia’s enduring historical legacy.
Highlighted Destinations
Begin your journey in Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, where a city tour takes you to the Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the oldest coffee roaster, Tomoca.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Africa’s largest ranges, with opportunities for scenic walks and encounters with endemic wildlife.
Explore the ‘Camelot of Africa’ and marvel at the royal castles and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, offering a glimpse into Ethiopia’s regal past.
Witness the architectural marvel of the rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most extraordinary religious sites.
Uncover the mysteries of ancient Axum, visiting the stelae, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, and the legendary Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
Venture to the Gheralta area and discover the hidden treasures of the Tigray region, where ancient churches carved into cliffs await exploration.
Experience the surreal landscapes of this otherworldly region, including the colorful Dallol area and the salt flats, accompanied by breathtaking sunsets.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel.
This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets. Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia’s history, culture, and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes.
Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family. We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, but they also offer other fine coffees.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
DAY 2: FLY TO GONDER, & DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
This morning, board a short flight to Gonder and upon arrival, you drive to the Simien Mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s largest ranges. More than a dozen peaks are higher than 3600 meters, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia.
Simien’s landscapes vary from plateaus, escarpments, and steep gorges to rolling hills and pinnacles. Enjoy an afternoon walk around the lodge, amid the breathtaking alpine sceneries. This will help you to acclimatize your body to the altitude.
Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 3: EXPLORE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Your day is spent exploring the Simien Mountains National Park and watching for its endemic residents, including the elusive Walia ibex, the endangered Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada, a primate we’ll get to know better alongside field researchers.
We’ll also look for a variety of birds, such as the powerful, cliff-nesting lammergeyer.
Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 4: DRIVE TO GONDER & SIGHTSEEING IN GONDER
A scenic drive returns you to Gondar- famous for its medieval castles and churches. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilades as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and is also known as “the Camelot of Africa”.
Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Gondar. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles, built by various kings and a queen over the course of 236 years. You will visit the Royal Enclosure, among these the Castle of Fasiledes, the oldest and probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area.
We continue on to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The interior of Debre Berhan Selassie idecorated with beautiful murals, cherubs, and paintings. It is rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight in Gonder.
DAY 5: FLY TO LALIBELA & VISIT THE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES
From Gonder, a short flight takes you to Lalibela, home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. It is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. Lalibela is the 8th wonder of the world; 11 rock-hewn churches have been cut out of a solid red volcanic rock, some completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves and a complex series of tunnels and narrow passageways connect the churches.
Lalibela indeed offers a great opportunity for any traveler. After check-in and having your lunch in your hotel, the afternoon will be devoted to visiting the first group (or the north-western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
Overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 5: FLY TO LALIBELA & VISIT THE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES
From Gonder, a short flight takes you to Lalibela, home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. It is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. Lalibela is the 8th wonder of the world; 11 rock-hewn churches have been cut out of a solid red volcanic rock, some completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves and a complex series of tunnels and narrow passageways connect the churches.
Lalibela indeed offers a great opportunity for any traveler. After check-in and having your lunch in your hotel, the afternoon will be devoted to visiting the first group (or the north-western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
Overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 6: EXPLORE MORE ROCK CHURCHES
After breakfast, drive to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good road passing through the most dramatic landscape of the countryside. This exquisite church is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction style. It is renowned for its interior decoration, its beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons, and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs.
Drive back to Lalibela. In the afternoon, you will visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which include the churches of Bet Gabriel – Rafael, Bet Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Then you will continue your visit to the cruciform-shaped Bet Giorgis, the most beautiful church here. Its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. It is one of the newest and best-preserved churches.
Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 7: FLY TO ADDIS & EXPLORE SIGHTSEEING
This morning you fly back to Addis and tour more of the city. Visit the National Museum, with its many archaeological findings, including the famous complete fossil remains of 3 million-year-old “Lucy.”
Explore the Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in the world, and wander the vast range of goods and artifacts. You will have time for shopping.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
DAY 8: DEPART FROM ADDIS ABABA
Depending of your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home. Thanks for vacationing with Sawla tours.
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don’t know where to begin, we’re eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we’ll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
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