Ethiopian Odyssey — NEW!
Journey through Ethiopia and discover the layers of history of this breathtakingly beautiful country. Your explorations here are a heady mix of the sacred and the historical as you discover the wonders of the ancient cities of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum.
Itinerary
Arrive in the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon city tour, including the Ethnographic Museum, HolyTrinity Cathedral and the Mercato. Hilton Hotel or similar – 1-night (L, D)
Fly to Mekelle, then drive to Hawzien. En route, visit two rock-hewn churches. Gheralta Lodge – 1-night (B, L, D)
Morning drive to Axum, the center of early civilization in Ethiopia and reputed home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Yeha Hotel or similar – 2-nights (B, L, D)
Morning excursion to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebra Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent stelae (obelisks). In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, the Ark of the Covenant and Axum Museum. (B, L, D)
Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. Created as the ‘new Jerusalem’ by King Lalibela in the 12th century, Lalibela is still home to 11 rock-hewn churches, most of which are still used for worship today. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Mountain View Hotel or similar – 2-nights (B, L, D)
Choose a hike or a scenic drive this morning; then explore the southeast churches. (B, L, D)
Fly to Gondar, Ethiopia’s first capital, located at the foot of the Simien Mountains. Afternoon visit to the church of Debre Berhan Selassie and see its murals. Simien Mountain Lodge – 2-nights (B, L, D)
Morning scenic drive to Chennek, 3,620 meters above sea level and home to the endemic Walia ibex as well as klipspringers and bushbucks. En route, pass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Ethiopia; stop to view gelada monkeys and take a short walk to a waterfall. A picnic will be arranged in a scenic spot. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)
Drive to Gondar and take an afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. Goha Hotel – 1-night (B, L, D)
Drive to Gorgora and visit the monastery of Debre Sina Mariam. Cross Lake Tana by boat and stop off at various island monasteries, including Daga Istafanos. Continue to the Zeghe peninsula and visit Ura Kidhane Mihret and Azuwa Mariam. Kuriftu Resort & Spa – 2 nights (B, L, D)
Visit the Blue Nile Falls atTissisat.Afternoon visit to the Bezawit Palace and the market in Bahir Dar. Optional spa treatments available. (B, L, D)
Fly to Addis Ababa in the morning. This evening, savor a festive dinner. Hilton Hotel or similar – 1-night (B, L, D)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
- Visit Axum
- Explore Lalibela’s churches
- Cruise Lake Tana
- Search for gelada baboons
- See the castles of Gondar
13 DAYS & 12 NIGHTS
Addis Ababa, Hawzien, Axum, Lalibela, Simien Mountains, Gondar & Bahir Dar
2012 Dates:
Jan 8
Single Supplement
Jan 22;
Feb 12; Apr 15
Single Supplement
Aug 12
Single Supplement
Sep 15; Nov 27
Single Supplement
Oct 14
Single Supplement
2013 Dates:
Jan 7
Single Supplement
Feb 10; Mar 24
Single Supplement
Prices From:
$4,890
$830
$4,720
$830
$4,550
$830
$4,855
$830
$4,635
$830
Prices From:
$4,890
$830
$4,720
$830
Note:
Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
Accommodation, breakfast daily as noted, entrance fees, and all transfers and touring as noted in itinerary with local English-speaking guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.