12-Day Northern Ethiopia Historic Tour Ethiopia
A 12-day Northern Ethiopia historic tour sounds like a fantastic adventure. Northern Ethiopia is known for its rich history, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Upon your arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour Embark on a city tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Visit the National Museum, where you can see the famous fossilized remains of Lucy, a hominid dating back millions of years. Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the vibrant Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.
Day 3: Bahir Dar and Lake Tana Fly to Bahir Dar, a city located on the shores of Lake Tana. Take a boat trip on the lake to visit some of its ancient monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Day 4: Blue Nile Falls and Gondar In the morning, visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, also known as “Tis Issat” or the “Smoking Water.” Afterward, drive to Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Explore the Royal Enclosure, which includes several castles and palaces dating back to the 17th century.
Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park Embark on a day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy breathtaking views of the dramatic landscapes, spot endemic wildlife like the Gelada baboon, and hike to the stunning viewpoints.
Day 6: Axum Fly to Axum, an ancient city that was once the capital of the Aksumite Empire. Visit the famous obelisks, St. Mary of Zion Church, and the ruins of ancient palaces and tombs. Axum is also believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
Day 7: Lalibela Fly to Lalibela, home to the famous rock-hewn churches. Explore the remarkable monolithic churches, carved out of solid rock, including the iconic Church of St. George. Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
Day 8: Lalibela Continued Continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, such as the Church of St. Mary and the Church of Emmanuel. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and learn about the fascinating history and architecture of these ancient churches.
Day 9: Aksumite Ruins and Yeha Temple Fly back to Axum and visit the Aksumite ruins, including the Tomb of King Kaleb and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Then, drive to Yeha to visit the ancient Temple of Yeha, one of Ethiopia’s oldest standing structures.
Day 10: Tigray Rock Churches Drive to the Tigray region and explore the rock-hewn churches hidden in the mountains. These churches offer a unique and adventurous experience, as you’ll need to climb steep cliffs to reach them. Enjoy the stunning views and the spiritual ambiance.
Day 11: Debre Damo Monastery and Return to Addis Ababa Visit the Debre Damo Monastery, a 6th-century monastery located on a cliff. Only men are allowed to enter, and they must climb a rope to reach the monastery. Afterward, drive back to Addis Ababa and spend the night.
Day 12: Departure On your last day, you’ll have some free time to explore Addis Ababa or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Please note that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it according to your preferences and time constraints. Enjoy your trip to Northern Ethiopia and have a wonderful time exploring its historic treasures!
