Tour overview

Day 1

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterward, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 2

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection 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 out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 3

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. Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.

Day 4

Today is an early morning departure to Sankober 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. Overnight in the Simien Mountains (Simien Lodge) or in Debark (Giant Lobelia Hotel).

Day 5

Today you will go further into the mountains for more scenery and wildlife viewing. In the morning, depart for Chenek, where you will have opportunities to admire the local wildlife, such as the gelada baboons, lammergeyers, and the rare endemic Walia ibex. After the visit, return to Gondar overnight at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.

Day 6

In the morning, proceed driving to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 7

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern 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 – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way, you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only), and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha at Sunnyside Hotel/Tekle Hotel.

Day 9

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way, you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.