Historic Root – surface and flight (12 days & 11 nights)
Day 1. Addis –Bahirdar
Early in the morning, depart north to Bahirdar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.
O/n BahirDar (hotel)
Day 2. Bahirdar
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive to see the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. O/n Bahirdar hotel
Day 3- Bahirdar to Gonder
After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
O/n Gondar Goha hotel
Day 4. Gonder – Simien Mountain
Early morning departure to Sankaber in the Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the ‘bleeding heart baboon’ due to the red patch of skin on its chest. O/n Simien Mountains (lodge)
Day 5. Simien mountain –Aksum
After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay or Shire , proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. O/n Axum Sabean hotel
Day 6. Aksum city tour
Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. O/n Axum Sabean hotel
Day 7. Aksum –Gherealta
After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. O/n Hawzien Gherealta lodge
Day 8. Visit Gherealta churches
In the morning, visit the beautiful church of Abune Yemata Guh. It takes walk around 30 minutes from the parking area. It’s hidden church but most incredible as well it has amazing paintings and clergy men, believes the paintings are from 6thc A.D. Stop for lunch in the lodge on the way back and continues in the afternoon to see the oldest church in the world , Holy savour church /medhanialem Adikoshu/. O/n Hawzien Gherealta lodge
Day 9. Gherealta – Mekelle
After breakfast , drive 12 km west of hawzien to see Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor they are located each other in the same mountain .Minimum takes an hour and 30 minuites to reach on top .On the way back visit Abreha and Atsibeha church, stop in wukro for lunch then drive to Mekelle .
O/n Mekelle planet Hotel
Day 10. Mekelle – Lalibela
Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela.
O/n Lalibela Sora Lodge
Day 11 .Visit Lalibela churches
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the North western Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bete Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. O/n Lalibela Sora lodge .
Day 12 Fly to Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home of the 3 million year old skeleton “Lucy.” Optional souvenir shopping, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.