The Classic Historic Route Of Ethiopia
About this tour
This tour includes Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and Addis Ababa. Bahir Dar offers the beautiful Blue Nile Falls, Gonder has ancient castles and churches, Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches, the Simien Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, and Addis Ababa is the bustling capital with numerous museums and cultural sites. This itinerary will give you a well-rounded experience of Ethiopia's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met by your guide, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin your city tour of Addis Ababa, exploring its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere. Your first stop will be at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to an extensive collection of historical artifacts, including the famous fossil Lucy, which is estimated to be over 3.2 million years old. The museum also features exhibits on Ethiopia’s ancient civilizations, royal relics, and traditional art. Next, you will visit St. George’s Cathedral, an octagonal church built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa. Inside the church, you will find beautiful religious paintings, stained glass windows, and a museum that showcases artifacts from Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and the country’s historical struggles. Following your visit to St. George’s Cathedral, you will head to Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Here, you will experience the bustling energy of local traders selling a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, coffee, and traditional Ethiopian crafts. This market provides a great opportunity to witness the daily life of Addis Ababa’s residents. After exploring Merkato, you will drive up to Entoto Hill, the highest point in Addis Ababa, offering panoramic views of the city. This area is historically significant as it was the original capital of Ethiopia during the reign of Emperor Menelik II. While on Entoto Hill, you will visit Entoto Maryam Church and Emperor Menelik’s Palace, where you can learn about the early history of Addis Ababa. Before concluding your city tour, you will take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an important cultural experience that showcases Ethiopia’s deep-rooted coffee heritage. You will watch as fresh coffee beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in a traditional jebena (clay coffee pot) before being served in small cups, offering you a taste of Ethiopia’s world-famous coffee. After a full day of exploration, you will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Addis Ababa, preparing for the next day’s journey into Ethiopia’s historical wonders.
Day 2: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Lalibela, Ethiopia
In the morning, transfer to Bole International Airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel before starting a full-day exploration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, visit the Northern Church Cluster, including Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, Biete Golgotha, and others, known for their intricate carvings and religious significance. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Southern Church Cluster, featuring Biete Gabriel-Rufael, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Abba Libanos. End the day at the iconic Biete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), the most famous of Lalibela’s churches, carved in a perfect cross shape. In the evening, return to your hotel in Lalibela for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 3: Lalibela, Ethiopia to Gondar, Ethiopia
In the morning, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel before beginning your city tour. Your first stop will be at the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 17th-century castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Explore the well-preserved castles, ancient libraries, and the banquet hall, often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa." Next, visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceiling covered with angelic faces and intricate biblical murals. This church is considered one of the finest examples of Ethiopian Orthodox art. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Fasilides’ Bath, a historical pool used for the annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations. If time allows, visit Kuskuam Palace, built for Empress Mentewab, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, return to your hotel in Gondar for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Gonder, Ethiopia to Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
In the morning, depart from Gondar and drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and jagged peaks. Upon arrival, you will begin exploring the breathtaking scenery with opportunities for short hikes and wildlife spotting. The Simien Mountains are home to unique wildlife, including the Gelada baboons, often seen in large groups grazing on the highland grasslands. You may also spot the Walia ibex, an endemic species of wild goat, and various birds of prey soaring above the cliffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while taking in the panoramic views of the rugged mountains and vast plateaus. Afterward, continue your exploration with additional scenic viewpoints before driving back to Gondar in the late afternoon. Return to your hotel in Gondar for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the next leg of your journey.
Day 5: Gondar, Ethiopia to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
In the morning, depart from Gondar and drive to Bahir Dar, a scenic journey through the Amhara highlands with beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have some time to relax before your afternoon excursion. In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile River. During the boat trip, visit one of the lake’s historic island monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its stunning murals, ancient manuscripts, and religious treasures. Along the way, enjoy the tranquil scenery and spot pelicans and other bird species. After the boat trip, return to your hotel in Bahir Dar for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the next day's adventure.
Day 6: Bahir Dar, Ethiopia to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In the morning, visit the local market in Bahir Dar, where you can explore vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, coffee, spices, and woven textiles. This is a great opportunity to experience local daily life and purchase unique souvenirs. In the afternoon, transfer to Bahir Dar Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy some last-minute shopping, visiting places like Shiro Meda for traditional Ethiopian textiles or local souvenir shops for coffee and handmade crafts. In the evening, experience a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner, where you can enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by live music and dance performances showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage. After dinner, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international flight, marking the end of your incredible 6-day historical tour of Ethiopia.
What's included
This price is applicable only if you use Ethiopian Airlines for your international flight, as it qualifies you for a discounted domestic fare. If you choose another airline, an additional charge of €165 will be added to the total price.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia