CLASSIC ETHIOPIA

©Ethiopian Tourism Organization from $ * 6 NIGHT/7 DAY LAND ONLY 1769 This unique flying expedition of northern Ethiopia offers 3 unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting its 17 centuries per person based on of Christianity. double occupancy 2017 Departures INCLUSIONS • Six nights accommodation, with premium hotels in • Escorted English speaking guide and local guide at Sep 3; Oct 8; Nov 5, 12; Addis, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela attractions Dec 3, 16 • All entrance fees • 20 Meals:6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners • All transfers and visits according to the itinerary • Government tax • Boat Trip ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa - On arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to the Harmony Hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”. Continue to the Ethnological Museum. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis. Harmony Hotel (L,D) ©Ethiopian Tourism Organization Day 2: Bahir Dar - Board your early morning flight to Bahir Dar(not included) and drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls. The Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and teff, the prime ingredient for making injera, the national bread. After lunch board a cruise vessel on Lake Tana to visit the ancient monasteries. Visit two of the most accessible monasteries; Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Your hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tana. Kuriftu Resort (B, L, D) Day 3: Gondar - Drive to the ancient Imperial city, traveling through landscape of wide open fields punctuated by undulating hills and valleys. Gondar, is the former imperial capital, the “Camelot of Africa”. Visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church, whose ©Ethiopian Tourism Organization walls and ceiling are decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Goha Hotel(B,L,D) Day 4: Lalibela - Fly to Lalibela (not included). Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build a New Jerusalem after seeing a rampaged Old City, sacked by Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Lalibela’s churches are referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D) Day 5: Lalibela - This morning you will have a short drive to visit the exquisite church of Yimrhane Kristos. This is a masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone construction. Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D) ©Ethiopian Tourism Organization Day 6: Axum - Fly to the heart of ancient Ethiopia (not included) , the capital of the Kingdom of Axum. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals is the holiest site in Ethiopia. Consular Hotel (B,L,D) Day 7: Addis Ababa and Depart - Fly back to Addis (not included). Visit the ‘Merkato’, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Late this afternoon enjoy a “farewell dinner” and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Enjoy an Ethiopian Folkloric show before your transfer to the airport and late night flight home. (B,L,D) ©Ethiopian Tourism Organization

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share and based on departures stated above. Single supplements apply. Cancellation penalties apply please check our terms & conditions for full details. Prices are current as of Mar 23, 2017 and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. All pricing is strictly subject to availability. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 Book now: Africa Answers 866.427.2540 [email protected] www.africaanswers.com ETHIOPIA

©Ethiopian Tourism Organization ABOUT ETHIOPIA In Ethiopia, you will find both nature and culture. High mountains, lakes, waterfalls as well as arid deserts are among the natural attractions of Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s landscape impresses in both scale and beauty. Travelers are thrilled by the amazing backdrop of canyons, chasms, lakes, savannah plains and high plateaus. The towns of Axum, Gondar, Harar, as well as the rock churches of Lalibela attest to the power of human endeavor. Throughout the countryside, historical treasures range from ancient Aksumite tombs and obelisks to 17th-century castles. Often referred to as the Cradle of Humanity, the fossils of the oldest humans were discovered in northern Ethiopia. Outdoor lovers can trek in the Simien and Bale Mountains, descend into the depths of the Danakil depression to see an active volcano’s lava flow, or scale cliff faces to remote rock-hewn churches in Tigray. Rafting on the Omo River is a spectacular experience. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s best birdwatching destinations, with many endemic species. Inhabiting these landscapes is a wide variety of tribal peoples whose ancient customs and traditions have remained almost entirely intact. WEATHER LANGUAGE There are two seasons: dry season and rainy season. Dry season runs from The main language is Amharic, but English is widely spoken. October-May, with temperatures typically reaching a max of 80°F in the highlands and 105°F in the lowlands. Rainy season runs from June to September, DOCUMENTATION with the heaviest rains in July and August. Temperatures can be freezing in the Bale and Simien Mountains. Tourist visas can be purchased by US citizens on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for 50USD per person. (Subject to change without notice.) CURRENCY MEDICATIONS The birr is the unit of currency in Ethiopia. A yellow fever certificate is currently required to enter Ethiopia. Proof of Although there are ATMs in Addis Ababa which allow travelers to withdraw local vaccination against cholera is required if you have visited or transited a cholera- currency, due to power outages, it is not suggested to rely on this. Better to take infected area within 6 days prior to arrival in Ethiopia; polio and tuberculosis USD cash to change at hotels or banks. Take newer, post 2006 ‘big face’ bills in vaccines are also highly recommended. A malaria prophylactic is highly excellent condition. In villages and at markets, cash is required. Visa cards are recommended if you are traveling to the lowlands. Please note that Africa accepted at major hotels in Addis Ababa, other cards less so. Answers is not a healthcare provider: be sure to discuss all Ethiopia medical requirements with a travel doctor. PEOPLE Ethiopia’s population is highly diverse. Most of its people speak a Semitic or GETTING THERE Cushitic language. The Oromo, Amhara, Somali andTigreans make up more than Ethiopian Airlines is the preferred carrier to Ethiopia as all domestic fares are three-quarters (75%) of the population, but there are more than 80 different discounted for those who fly Ethiopian Airlines internationally. Africa Answers is ethnic groups within Ethiopia. Some of these have as few as 10,000 members. able to assist with bookings on Ethiopian Airlines.

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