Ethiopia Spiritual Discoverer Small Group Tour

Home , Abune Petros, Adigrat, Axum, Debre Tabor

ETHIOPIA SPIRITUAL DISCOVERER SMALL GROUP TOUR

9 NIGHT/10 DAY LAND ONLY from $3685* Submerge yourself in the rich, deep history and culture of Ethiopia during this 10-day soul-touching experience. Visit many of the per person based on numerous churches and monasteries that have played their part in the brimming tale of this country’s religious and imperial history. double occupancy INCLUSIONS • Nine nights in lodges and/or hotels as per itinerary, all with en-suite bathrooms • All transport in a fully kitted-out safari minibus • Meals and activities as per the itinerary • Park entrance fees • Experienced & registered local guide. ITINERARY Day 1: Addis Ababa Following your arrival at Addis Ababa airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The safari begins in the afternoon with a brief tour around the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. You will visit Mount Entoto, the highest peak overlooking the capital, to experience the panoramic view and visit the Church of St Mary and the adjacent museum, a trove of imperial objects. Driving back to the city, you will visit both the National and the Ethnological Museum, as well as St. George’s Cathedral where Haile Selassie was crowned in 1930. Included is a stop at the Abune Petros Square, named after an Ethiopian bishop martyred there by the Italian fascists in 1936, to view the statue erected there. Other monuments include the Equestrian Statue of Emperor Meneilk II, erected in testimony of the Battle of Adwa in 1896. You will end your day in the city with a visit to Addis Mercato, the biggest open air market in Africa, covering several square miles and housing over 7000 business entities. [D] Accommodation: Jupiter Hotel or similar

Day 2: Axum Fly to Axum and visit the stelae (one of the UNESCO registered heritage sites), different archaeological sites, the bath and the palace of the Queen of Sheba, tomb of kings and churches like St. Mary of Zion. Legend indicates that the Ark of Covenant, was deposited here after it was brought from Israel by King Menelik I. [BLD] Accommodation: Yeha Hotel or similar

Day 3: Axum - Adigrat Drive to Adigrat enjoying the landscape that is found on your way to visit the first temple of Ethiopia, the Yeha temple and the Debre Damo Monastery Church. Entry is not allowed by female visitors. [BLD] Accommodation: Adigrat Agoro Lodge or similar

Day 4: Adigrat – Mekele Visit Tigray Churches such as Daniel Korkor, Debre Mariyam Korkor and Abreha We Atsbeha before driving to Mekele for your stay overnight. [BLD] Accommodation: Axum Hotel or similar

Day 5: Mekele - Lalibela On your way to Lalibela admire the spectacular view of Lake Ashenge, crossing sites like Ambalage, Alamata, Dild (look for the endemic Gelada Baboons), the Tekeze River, Tigray, Azebo/ Raya and Afar, the land of the Wollo people. [BLD] Accommodation: Panoramic View Hotel or similar

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 Oct 28, 2014 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 SPIRITUAL DISCOVERER SMALL GROUP TOUR

9 NIGHT/10 DAY LAND ONLY ITINERARY CONTINUED

Day 6: Lalibela On this day you will be visiting the first & second group of Lalibela rock hewn churches built in the 12th century and attributed to King Lalibela. There are no less than 1000 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela. Some are hidden in enormous caves, but it is exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locality. [BLD] Accommodation: Panoramic View Hotel or similar

Day 7: Lalibela – Gondar In the morning visit Naktule’ab church and then drive to Gondar which is the city of castes and churches, defined as the African Camelot. The historical site of Debre Tabor was the Ethiopian capital during the reign of Emperor Tewodros IV in the 19th century and is one of the most fertile lands in Ethiopia. Cross Fogera Valley, having lunch on the way and later have your dinner in a restaurant in town. [BLD] Accommodation: Gondar Taye Belaye Hotel or similar

Day 8: Gondar - Bahir Dar In the morning visit Gondar, which was Ethiopia’s third capital in the 17th and 18th century and is located at the foot of the Semien Mountains. The city’s unique imperial compound contains a number of castles built from 1632 to 1885 by the various Emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike any other in Africa, display richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia. The church of Debre-Berhan Sellassie, is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls and its interior is decorated with unique murals. Other treasures of Gondar include the 18th century palace of Ras Beit, the Bath of Fasildas, the ruined palace of the Queen Mentiwab Kuskuam church and the swimming pool of King Fassik which is used to baptize Christians during Ethiopian Epiphany on 19th of January every year. In the afternoon drive to Bahir Dar for overnight. [BLD] Accommodation: Abay Minch Lodge or similar

Day 9: Bahir Dar Bahir Dar is a decidedly attractive town with palm-lined avenues and pretty lakeside vista. Nearby Lake Tana, 5,400 feet above sea level, is one of the long hidden sources of the Nile. Take a drive to admire the Blue Nile Falls. The Tissiat Falls are 20 miles from where the Blue Nile leaves the lake, heading towards Khartoum. In the afternoon visit Lake Tana and embark on a boat trip of 3-4 hours to admire the beautiful monasteries of Asua Mariam and Ura Kidane Meheret. Lake Tana covers a surface of about 832 sq. miles and is dotted with more than 36 islands, many of which are the sites of monasteries and churches, some dating from the 14th century in the reign of Emperor Amde Tsion. [BLD] Accommodation: Abay Minch Lodge or similar.

Day 10: Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa Early in the morning, drive back to Addis Ababa. On the way visit the Amhara people and Blue Nile Gorge by crossing the bridge and continue to Addis through the rolling plains of the Shewan Plateau. Visit the ancient monastic center of Debre Libanos, founded in the 15th century and also the Portuguese bridge near the monastery. You will have a room to use during the day as this is the last day of tour. Your farewell dinner will be at a traditional restaurant which offers folkloristic dances. Afterwards you will be transferred to the Bole International Airport for your departure and homeward flight.[BLD]