Ethiopian X-mass tour to the Historic Route (Surface + Flight) - 11 days and 10 nights

Tour Description

December 29, 2012-DAY 1: Arrival Addis Ababa
up on arrival be meet by the staff of Off-Road Ethiopia Tour and proceed for city tour of Addis Ababa. Lunch break. Continue the city tour. O/n Dream Liner or Siyonat Hotel. ( B & D)

December 30, 2012-DAY 2 : Addis Ababa-Bahir Dar
After breakfast proceed driving to Bahir Dar. En route visit to the 13th century monastery of Debre-Libanos and admire the Blue-nil gorge that is comparable to the Grand Canyon in the USA. O/n home land hotel or Abay Minch lodge (B & D)

December 31, 2012-DAY 3: Bahir Dar
After breakfast take an hour flight in the morning to the city of Bahir Dar, presently acting as the capital for the Amhara people. Bahir Dar is set by the side of Lake Tana at an altitude of 1,830m. Above seas level. Up on arrival head for boat trip on lake Tana, the biggest Lake in Ethiopia to visit the island monastery of Ura Kidanemheret, which is the most colorful from the nearest available. After lunch break head to the breath-taking Blue Nile falls. (B & D). O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lode

January 01, 2013-DAY 4 :Bahir Dar-Gonder
After breakfast head to Gondar. En route admire the scenery of the road. Up on arrival have lunch break and then continue to explore the 16th-17th century Castle compound and the bathing pool of King Fasilades constructed by King Fasilades and his successors. Also visit to the basket market of Gondar. Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel ( B & D)

January 02, 2013-DAY 5 : Gonder-Simien National Park
Early in the morning drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains and en route visit to the Ethiopian Jews village at Weleka admire the scenic beauty of the road. Up on arrival in Sankaber, the head quarter, visit the colony of Gelada Baboon and also admire the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding. Simien Park hotel in Debark (B & D)

January 03, 2013-DAY 6: SEMIEN MOUNTAINS-AXUM
Drive from Chenek to Axum. On this day admire the scenic beauty of the environ around the Lima limo twist. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel (B & D)

January 04, 2013-DAY 7: AXUM
In the morning Have a visit to Axum’s Mary of Zion church, Stele of Axum and the tomb there and the Bath of Queen Sheba. After lunch head to the Palace of Sheba, the Tomb of King Kaleb and his son (6th century), stone inscription of king Ezana. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel (B & D)

January 05, 2013-Day 8- AXUM - MEKELLE
drive Axum- Mekelle. On the way visit the Yeha Temple which is more than 2,800 years old and was a site of worship for the moon god (which was a cult of the then Southern Arabia), Debre Damo monastery (open only for men), the first monastery established in the 6th century by the 9th saints who are believed to come from Syria, Abreha-Atsbeha rock church and Negash Mosque, the first mosque where persecuted followers of Prophet Mohammed hide. O/n Axum Hotel. (B & D)

January 06, 2013-DAY 9- MEKELLE - LALIBELA
In the morning after a visit to the Museum of Mekelle, head to Lalibela via the Sekota road. On the way visit the least visited but famous world-renowned Cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos. In the evening attend the eve celebration of Ethiopian x-mass at the cliff of the rock-hewn churches. O/n Tukul village or Mountain View Hotel or Jerusalem Guest house (B & D)

January 07, 2013-DAY 10- LALIBELA
Early in the morning after breakfast visit the mass for the celebration of Ethiopian x-mass (Gena). Then head exploring the UNESCO registered world wonders of the rock-hewn churches. In the morning cover the 1st groups only which are 6 in number and represent the earthly Jerusalem. After lunch head for a visit of the remaining 2nd group of churches which represent the heavenly Jerusalem and the 1st group which is the cross-shaped church of St. George and is the highlight of the visit to Lalibela. O/n Jerusalem Guest house or Tukul village or Mountain View Hotel (B & D)

January 08, 2013-DAY 11- LalibelaQADDIS ABABA
Take the morning flight back to Addis Ababa. Up on arrival have time of shopping. In the evening have complementary traditional dinner with live cultural dancing show and be transfer out to airport for departure

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