This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well. Starting the tour in Addis we will fly to Gondar with its medieval castles and then fly to the World Heritage town of Lalibela one of the most visually stunning parts of the whole country.
Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport (Google Map)
Expected departure at 10:50 AM
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and fly to Gondar.This, the “Camelot of Ethiopia”, is a city noted for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. Between 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia’s capital city and it remains one of the country’s richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty, with plenty of both Islamic and Christian influence in the cities’ architecture. Built at around 2,500 metres above sea level, Gondar commands spectacular views over surrounding farmlands and on a clear day, even to the gleaming waters of Lake Tana 35 kilometres to the south.
We will spend the first portion of the afternoon exploring the Castle Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with its impressive buildings. The oldest and most impressive structure is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Some of the other royal buildings visited on this tour include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa and the palace of this king’s wife.
Thereafter, we take some time to view the Church of DebreBirhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly coloured ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels, before ending off at the tranquil royal bath (more of swimming pool really!) of King Fasilidas .
Meals– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and fly to Lalibela.
Lalibela is home to the 12th century hand-carved rock churches of King Lalibela ,after whom the town is named.
Lalibela is truly an ancient world and includes 11 magnificent, medieval, rock-hewn churches, dimly lit passageways, and hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock underlying this remote Ethiopian town and constructed almost a millennia ago by the Zagwe dynasty. Today that world still remains, frozen in stone, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch at the hotel we will begin an afternoon’s exploration at the first group of churches of Lalibela which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’
The first groups of churches are:
The twin churches of BeteDebreSina and Golgotha with Selassie Chapel
BeteMedhaneAlem (the house of the Redeemer of the World)
Bete Mariam (the house of St. Mary)
BeteMeskel (the house of Cross)
BeteDanagil (the house of Virgins)
In the afternoon, we will visit and photograph the second and third group of Lalibela’s churches.
Bete Gabriel — Raphael (The house of Archangels)
BeteMercurious (House of Mercurious)
BeteLehem (the chapel of Bethlehem)
Bete Emanuel (the house of Emanuel)
Bete Aba Libanose (the house of Aba Libanose)
BeteGhiorgis (the house of St. George)
The final church, BeteGhiorgis is the most spectacular of all Lalibela’s churches.
Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa, where this incredible journey in the land of Abyssinia unfortunately comes to an end.
Depend on your arrival; you will have a short time shopping in a Grand Market called Merkato, you can choose to sample some of the best coffee in the world in the Piazza (old town), explore the National Museum and Archaeological Museum (home to the 3.5 million year old remains of Lucy) or explore the largest open air market in.
Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
END OF TOUR AND DEPARTURE
