Classical Highlights
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E THIOPIA ’S CLASSICAL HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 13-27, 2018 TOUR LEADER: CHRISTOPHER BRADLEY ETHIOPIA’S CLASSICAL Overview HIGHLIGHTS From the Queen of Sheba to the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie in the Tour dates: September 13-27, 2018 20th century, Ethiopia has carved out for itself a unique identity among African nations. It was one of the first Christian countries in the world and Tour leader: Christopher Bradley still has a Christian majority. This classic itinerary has been devised for travellers to witness the remarkable legacy of Ethiopia's unique history. Tour Price: $8,435 per person, twin share Our tour moves in a circle from the capital, Addis Ababa. Our first stop is Single Supplement: $1,180 for sole use of Bahar Dar, close to the source of the Blue Nile, where we visit Lake Tana double room and the Tississat Falls. At Gondar, the 18th and 19th-century capital, we visit an amazing series of castles and palaces. Continuing towards Axum, Booking deposit: $500 per person we spend a night in the spectacular Simien Mountains and bushwalk in the national park. We visit archaeological sites in the ancient capital of Recommended airlines: Emirates Axum that was home to the Queen of Sheba and, reputedly, the Ark of the Covenant. Our final stop is the spectacular rock-cut churches of Lalibela, Maximum places: 20 one thousand years old and truly world-class sites, before our return to Addis Ababa. Itinerary: Addis Ababa (3 nights), Bahar Dar (2 nights), Gondar (2 nights), Simien Mountains (1 Ethiopia is not a well-developed travel destination. Outside the capital night), Axum (3 nights), Lalibela (3 nights) hotels are fairly basic and essential services, such as hospitals and telecommunications, are limited. The section of the tour around Axum and Date published: March 12, 2018 Lalibela is at an altitude of 2,000 – 2,600 metres so a reasonable level of physical and respiratory fitness is required. An open mind and a preparedness to accept last-minute changes to the travel program are required to participate in this tour. Your tour leader Christopher Bradley has an Honours degree from Liverpool University and specialises in the history and art of the Middle East and North Africa. He first visited Ethiopia in 1977 and returns regularly to lead his own tour itineraries, searching for the hidden gems of this fascinating country. He lectures to ADFAS, universities and the Royal Geographical Society, and has travelled and worked in the Red Sea Region for over 40 years. We asked Chris about his passion and fascination for Ethiopia, “When I ask which country has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa, nobody has ever guessed Ethiopia. The answer is a shock to most people, many of whom still consider that all Ethiopia could offer is war and famine. The modern Enquiries and country has progressed tremendously since those problems of the 1980s and according to Nasdaq is now one of the top five fastest growing bookings economies in the world. But this is not at the expense of their heritage, for example highland Ethiopia is a combination of remarkable man-made For further information and to Christian structures, set into the most stunning natural scenery. The secure a place on this tour stories of the saints painted across church walls are a weave of please contact Jamal Mediterranean reality, African paganism and local myth. But before them, Fairbrother at Academy Travel there’s the Queen of Sheba…” on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email [email protected] Tour Highlights LALIBELA’S ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES Admire Lalibela’s eleven extraordinary monolithic rock-cut churches, a unique set of monuments unique to the region. Shrouded in mystery as to their method of construction, legend states that angels appeared to King Lalibela and commissioned the churches. Men toiled throughout the day and angels worked through the night excavating the solid rock from top to bottom to create the cross shaped edifices. KINGDOM OF AXUM Discover the ancient Ethiopian Kingdom of Axum and the significant role it played during its zenith in the 3rd century when King Ezana converted the country to Christianity. It is believed by Ethiopians to be the location of the Ark of the Covenant. We explore the Stele Park containing 120 stone funerary monuments, representing palaces and decorated with astral imagery, windows and stone doorways. SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains National Park on the northern edge of the central plateau of Ethiopia. Enjoy the region’s natural beauties and inspiring views with a walk along gentle ridges overlooking precipitous cliffs, deep gorges and canyons. Encounter rare endemic species such as the Gelada Baboon, Simien Fox and a variety of birds such as the bearded vulture. PAINTED MONASTERIES Cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile and Tississat Falls, to the Zege Peninsula. Wander through forest and the endemic coffee plantations to the exquisitely decorated monasteries of Mahal Girgiss, which contain beautifully crafted manuscripts, and to Ura Kidanemehret, painted with vibrant scenes and stories from the Old Testament. THE ROYAL CITY OF GONDAR Uncover the ‘Camelot’ of Africa in Gondar, the royal and ancient historical city of Ethiopia, and home to emperors and princesses who led the country from the 12th century until the last decade of the 20th century. We explore the complex of palaces and structures in the imperial quarter including the two-storey palace of Emperor Fasilidas’, reputedly the work of an Indian architect. Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D. Thursday September 13 Arrival in Addis Ababa Tour leader Chris Bradley and your local tour escort will meet you on arrival at Addis Ababa airport shortly after the arrival of the Emirates flight from Dubai. After a coach transfer to the hotel and time to check in and freshen up, we meet Chris in the lobby for a tour briefing and dinner in the hotel. Overnight Addis Ababa (D) Friday September 14 Exploring Addis Ababa This morning we enjoy an orientation tour of the capital city, including Ethiopia’s National Museum. On exhibit are the remains of a 3.2 million year old australopithicus afarensis skeleton, better known as ‘Lucy’, as well as a collection of the colourful regalia of former emperors. We visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a flamboyant mixture of architectural styles and the final resting place of Ethiopia’s last emperor, Haile Selassie. In the cathedral gardens are the tombs of many patriots who died fighting the Italian occupation, including the grave of British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. This afternoon we make a special visit to the Fistula Hospital and Hamlin College of Midwives, established by Australian gynaecologist Catherin Hamlin and her late husband. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Addis Ababa (B, L, D) Saturday September 15 Bahar Dar An early start this morning for our flight to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Bahar Dar is beautifully situated along the southern shore of Lake Tana, often referred to as the ‘watershed of Africa’ and a magnet for some of Africa’s colourful birdlife. A drive through the countryside, followed by a 40-minute walk, brings us to Tissisat Falls, where the Blue Nile River drops over the edge of a lava flow. Towards sunset we visit a viewpoint to see the source of the Blue Nile as it flows out of Lake Tana. Dinner is in the hotel. Overnight Bahar Dar (B, L, D) Sunday September 16 Lake Tana This morning we board a boat on tranquil Lake Tana to reach the Zege Peninsula. After walking through small villages and coffee plantations we visit the isolated church of Mahal Girgiss, which contains beautifully crafted manuscripts, and Ura Kidanemehret, the most well-known of the peninsula’s monasteries. Local churchmen will explain the wonderful Coptic artwork and religious stories, which often differ from more familiar biblical versions. Some of these churches have treasuries where religious memorabilia and ancient artefacts are kept. Overnight Bahar Dar (B, D) Monday September 17 Gondar Leaving Bahar Dar we drive 185 kms around the shoreline of Lake Tana to reach Gondar in historic Begemder Province, and a former 17th–18th century capital of Ethiopia. After lunch we visit the World Heritage-listed Royal Enclosure, containing numerous restored castles and palaces. The most impressive of these is Fasilidas’ Castle, reputedly the work of an Indian architect. Also within the grounds is Iyasu’s Palace, once sumptuously decorated with gilded Venetian mirrors and goldleaf and Dawit’s Hall, where many religious ceremonies and lavish entertainments took place. Overnight Gondar (B, L, D) Tuesday September 18 The royal Enclosure and Qusqwam Today we enjoy a more expansive city tour, including the delightful Fasilidas’ Baths where sections of the walls are enveloped by tree roots, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church, with its painted ceiling of angels’ faces. We also see the Qusqwam ruins, built by Empress Mentewab in the 18th century after the death of her husband, Emperor Bakafa, and visited by Scottish adventurer James Bruce soon after completion of his journey to discover the source of the Blue Nile. Overnight Gondar (B, L, D) Wednesday September 19 Drive to Simien Mountains Leaving Gondar we drive out to the remains of a Felasha village, abandoned only recently by its Jewish inhabitants, thought to be the direct descendants of Emperor Menelik, who reigned almost 3,000 years ago. Approaching the Simien Mountains the landscape is a rugged mixture of jagged peaks and deep gorges, sparsely populated by farmers and herders.