14 Days Historic Route and Tigray
Day 1: Arrival Addis Ababa (L, D)
You will be met on arrival at Bole International Airport and driven approx. 20 mins to your hotel in central Addis Ababa, the Saro Maria. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is located 2,500m above sea level in the Entoto mountain chain. It enjoys a warm climate all-year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. It is a pleasant city, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. It also boasts Ethiopia’s best restaurants! Depending on time of your arrival, we’ll arrange for a short tour of the city this afternoon, starting with the Holy Trinity Cathedral – the final resting place of Haile Selassie, and Ethiopia’s second most prominent place of worship after Axum’s Temple of St Mary of Zion – followed by a visit to the National Museum, where cultural and archaeological relics, including a plaster cast of "Lucy," the 3.2 million-year-old Hominid, are displayed. Time-permitting, the tour will typically end with a visit to Addis Ababa’s central market, the largest of its kind in East Africa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Tigray
Transfer to the airport after breakfast to catch the morning flight to Mekele (07:45-09:10), where you will be met on arrival by your guide and driver. Your tour of Tigray begins with a visit to the dramatic Church of Michael Imba, an early cruciform and semi-monolithic church that is typical of the churches found in the region. Situated on a small hill, reaching Michael Imba involves an easy walk up a rocky incline, followed by a short climb down to the church entrance, which is carved into the rock below surface level. From Michael Imba, continue to Wukro, stopping for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, and then on to Abreha & Atsbeha, one of the most dramatic of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Dedicated to the famous kings of Axum, the two brothers and 4th-century Christian converts Abreha & Atsbeha, this church is renowned for its magnificent 17th-century murals. The tour will typically end with a visit to Wukro Churkos, to the north of Wukro town – an early cruciform and semi-monolithic church with remarkable interior adornments, similar in style to Michael Imba. All three churches share Axumite architectural qualities that support the claim that these are the earlier of the rock-hewn Ethiopian churches and certainly pre-date the rock churches of Lalibela. Later in the afternoon, check-in and supper at Gheralta Lodge.
Day 3: Exploring Gheralta region (B, L, D)
After breakfast at Gheralta Lodge, drive and walk to several nearby rock churches, including Debre Maryam Korkor and Abune Yemata (optional). Maryam Korkor is located on a high hill and involves a lengthy trek to reach its summit (approx. 1.5 hours up, one hour down), but it’s worth it for the marvellous view. Built into the cliff-face, Abune Yemata is known as the most difficult church to reach in Ethiopia and possibly in the world, involving a steep rock climb. In the afternoon, stop for a simple coffee ceremony in a local coffee bar, then visit a village market or school. Lunch will be at a local restaurant between the church visits. Late afternoon, return to Gheralta Lodge.
Day 4: Gheralta region and on to Yeha and Axum (B, L, D)
After breakfast at Gheralta Lodge, depart with your guide and driver for Axum, stopping en route to visit the ancient Temple of Yeha. A Sabean construction, Yeha is reputedly the oldest standing stone structure in Ethiopia, dating back to around 700BC. Several days a week, there is also a colourful market at Yeha. On arrival in Axum check into Yared Zema, or similar. Evening at leisure.
Day 5: Axum (B, L, D)
Ethiopian tradition holds that the royal city of Axum was founded in the 10th-century BC as the royal seat of the Queen of Sheba. Commence your tour of the ancient city with a visit to the dramatic Stellae Field. Finish your explorations with a visit to the Church of St Mary of Zion, Ethiopia’s holiest site.
Day 6: Axum – Lalibela (B, L, D)
Catch the early flight from Axum to Lalibela. On arrival, visit the Monastery of Nakuto Leab. Spend the day visiting the first group of the 11 famous 12th-century monolithic churches of Lalibela. Stay tonight in Tukul Village lodge.
Day 7: Lalibela (B, L, D)
Visit Asheton Maryam Monastery in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the second group of churches in Lalibela.
Day 8: Gondar (B, L, D)
Late morning flight to Gondar. After lunch, tour Gondar Castle, Fasiladas’ Bath, and other historic landmarks. Overnight at Goha Hotel.
Day 9: Simien Mountains Excursion (B, L, D)
Drive into the Simien Mountains (~2 hours). Explore the scenery and wildlife including Gelada baboons and Walia ibex. Overnight at Simien Mountain Lodge.
Day 10: Simiens to Gondar (B, L, D)
Further exploration in the Simiens in the morning, then return to Gondar in the afternoon. Overnight at Goha Hotel.
Day 11: Bahir Dar (B, L, D)
Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church in the morning. Drive to Bahir Dar (approx. 180km). Check-in at Avanty Blue Nile Hotel.
Day 12: Lake Tana (B, L, D)
Half-day boat trip on Lake Tana to explore island monasteries: Ura Kidanemihret, Azewa Mariam, and Debre Mariam. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls. Return to hotel.
Day 13: Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa (B, L, D)
Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a traditional dinner with live music before airport transfer.
Day 14: International departure (-)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
“Travel through time in Tigray — where ancient monuments, rock-hewn churches, and rich history await at every turn.”