Arrive Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the city. Hilton Addis – 1-night (L, D)

Baher Dar
This morning, fly to Baher Dar, an attractive town on the shores of Lake Tana that boasts an almost tropical ambiance. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Of the vast lake’s 33 islands, 23 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest, some of which still forbid women to enter. Then see the stunning frescoes, ancient biblical manuscripts and old crosses of the monastery church of Ura Kidane Mihret. Return to Baher Dar for lunch before taking an excursion to spectacular Blue Nile Falls. The falls are known locally as “Tis Issat,” meaning “smoke of fire,” after the spectacular smoky bubbles of the falling waters. Kuriftu Lodge – 1-night (B, L, D)

To Gondar
Embark upon a scenic drive to Gondar, the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, founded in 1635 by the Emperor Fasilidas. Gondar is best-known for its collection of 17th century castles and palaces. This afternoon, visit the palaces, the library of Fasilidas’ son and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie, which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. Finally, explore the ruins of Kuskuam Church and the nearby palace. Taye Hotel or Goha Hotel – 2-nights (B, L, D)

Simien Mountains Excursion
Explore the wild beauty of Simien Mountains National Park. The road to the park passes through mountainous areas boasting amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies. These river valleys are home to the Walia ibex and troupes of mischievous Gelada baboons, which are endemic to Ethiopia. After a picnic lunch in the park, visit the former village of the Felasha (African Jews) who have now migrated to Israel. (B, L, D)

To Axum
Fly to Axum, founded at least three centuries before the birth of Christ. Axum was the capital of the Axumite dynasty, one of the oldest African empires — and the city represented a crucial connection between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. It is also the site of the Cathedral of Tsion Maryam (Saint Mary of Zion), which was founded in the 4th century and is still considered the home of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Visit this cathedral, where the Ark of the Covenant is reputed to be stored; the palace of the Queen of Sheba; and a field of carved monoliths from pre-Christian times. The most controversial of the stelae, the Obelisk of Axum, was stolen by Italian forces in 1937 during Italy’s conquest of Ethiopia, and has only recently been returned and restored. Remhai Hotel or Yeha Hotel – 1-night (B, L, D)

To Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, once the thriving capital of a medieval dynasty. Legend tells that in this town, once called Roha, a mother saw her baby in a cradle surrounded by a dense swarm of bees. She called her son “Lalibela,” meaning “the bees recognize his sovereignty” — and he went on to build many of the stunning stone churches, painstakingly hewn from the rock more than 800 years ago, for which the town is renowned.After lunch, discover these wonders of the world, many of which still hold religious services. Spend the following day on further explorations of this monumental site. Tukul Lodge or Mountain View Hotel – 2-nights (B, L, D)

Depart Addis Ababa
Return to Addis today. This afternoon, you can visit the biggest open-air market in Africa. Or perhaps take an excursion to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the last resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Late this afternoon, head to the airport for your onward flight. (B, L)