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St-Mary-Zion Church and Treasury |
The land of the fabled Queen of Sheba and home of the Ark of the Covenant, Ethiopia is a country of wonder and enchantment, with one of the richest histories on the continent of Africa. Axum with its amazing carved obelisks, Gondar with its castles and palaces, Lalibela with its remarkable churches carved out of the rock. Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, with its 37 islands and monasteries dating back to the 14th century. Ethiopia is as large as France and Spain combined and has so much to offer.
The high, rugged Simien Mountains in the north and the Bale Mountains in the south east are home to some unique wildlife and rich flora. In all, Ethiopia boasts eleven National Parks and four sanctuaries where almost 300 species of wildlife and more than 850 species of bird can be seen. |
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There are so many different and exciting possibilities. We recommend that you contact us for expert and friendly advice on planning your itinerary.
Of course we recognise that you may have already done considerable research before looking for a tour operator. We have therefore given a sample itinerary and price below but welcome requests for your own specific itinerary.
From accommodation only to a fully-inclusive air tour, we are happy to help. Just tell us what you want to do and leave the rest to us. Ethiopia is a big country and the possibilities are endless. |
Blue Nile Falls |
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The itinerary below is designed to maximise sightseeing on the Historic Route. Everything is completely flexible so if, for example, you would like to see other parts of the country, just let us know and we will give you a personal quotation.
This tour is based on set date scheduled departures but is also available as a tailor-made tour. Please ask for details of these and other itineraries. |
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Sample Itinerary
11 day tour Historic Route Addis Ababa-Axum-Lalibela-Gondar-Bahar Dar- Addis Ababa.
Day 1: Depart London Heathrow to Addis Ababa (overnight flight). Other UK departure airports are available (via Heathrow) at a supplement. Please ask for details.
Day 2: Arrival at Addis Ababa Airport
where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Two nights
accommodation in Addis Ababa. Day 3: In the afternoon will be a tour of the city with visits to the Entoto mountains for views over the capital, the National Museum and St George Church.
Day 4: Fly to Axum. Visit the obelisks (stelae), the church of St Mary of Zion, where legend has it that the Ark of the Covenant is deposited. Also see the palace of the Queen of Sheba and some archaeological sites. Overnight in Axum.
Stelae Axum
Day 5: Tour to Tigray rock-hewn churches. Overnight in Axum or Mekele.
Day 6: Scenic drive to Lalibela, often described as the eighth wonder of the world. There is the possibility of spotting gelada baboons at Dild en route. Two nights accommodation in Lalibela at Yemereha Hotel or similar.
Lalibela Church
Day 7: Full day visit to the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. In the late afternoon take part in the coffee ceremony at the hotel (an important part of Ethiopian culture).
Day 8: Fly to Gondar, known as the Camelot of Africa. Visit castles and churches including the Debre Birhan Selassie church (Light of Trinity) with its wonderful murals, the Emperor Fasiladas palace, the old Qusquam monastery, Empress Mentewab palace and others. Overnight in Gondar.
Emperor Fasiladas Palace
Day 9: Scenic drive to Bahar Dar. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to admire the beautiful monasteries around the lake, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Asua Mariam. Overnight in Bahar Dar.
Day 10: Morning visit to the Blue Nile Falls. Afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. If time permits, a visit to the Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. Dinner at a traditional restaurant with folkloric dances. Overnight accommodation in Addis Ababa.
Day 11: Depart Addis Ababa to London Heathrow.
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Price from £1,530 per person. Includes economy class flights with Ethiopian Airlines as per the itinerary. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority. Itinerary is based on price per person in a twin room. Please note that this price is subject to variation throughout the year and is intended as a guideline only. Please check at the time of booking for current prices. Whilst touring, price includes English-speaking driver-guide, accommodation in 2 or 3 star hotels, all meals (with non-alcoholic drinks) and entrance fees. In Addis Ababa, price includes accommodation in a 4 star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis except where specified. |
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