FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA ©Ethiopian Tourism Organization from $ * 9 NIGHT/10 DAY LAND ONLY 3689 Welcome to the beauty of Ethiopia’s Historic Route! The magnificent cultures and landscapes are indicative of an extraordinary per person based on past. It has left a mark on the land, the people, and their monuments. In this fascinating land, the past comes alive in the form double occupancy of strange and beautiful monuments and ruins built centuries ago in what used to be one of the greatest kingdoms of the world. Moreover, it is a past that began as the cradle of mankind. This tour follows in the footsteps of the legendary Queen of Sheba to discover 3,000 years of Ethiopia’s history and culture. INCLUSIONS • One night Hyatt Regency Hotel, Addis Ababa • 18 Meals: 9 breakfast and 9 dinners including farewell • Two nights Kuriftu Resort, Bahir Dar dinner (flight schedule permitting) • One night Gondar Hills Hotel • Transfers in air conditioned minibus or coaster bus • One night Simien Lodge • All entrance fees • Two nights Sabean Hotel, Yeha • Boat trip on Lake Tana • Two nights Tukul Village Hotel, Lalibela • English-speaking, qualified national tour guide ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa - Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driven to your hotel. Take a city tour of Addis Ababa, including the National Museum, the Piassa, the Mercato, and the view from Mount Entoto. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar - Drive to Bahir Dar through the Great Blue Nile Gorge with a stopover at various small towns like Dejen, Chancho, and Goha Tsion. Day 3: Lake Tana to Blue Nile Falls and Bahir Dar - Take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th century island monasteries. The 37 islands of Lake Tana shelter 20 monasteries - surviving remnants of an old, contemplative tradition. After lunch visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Day 4: Bahir Dar to Gondar - Drive to Gondar through the beautiful countryside scenery of Fogera to arrive at Gondar around lunchtime. Founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635, Gondar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its many medieval castles and the design and architecture of its churches. This afternoon, you will tour the city. Day 5: Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park - Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park to trek among troops of endemic Gelada Baboons and explore the surrounding area of Sankaber, part of the Simien Mountains National Park. Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park to Axum - Drive to Axum through the beautiful scenery of the Simien Mountains, to the Limalimo Lodge in the Tekeze River Gorge. Have a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees at the Tekeze River Gorge. Day 7: Axum - Today visit the ancient city of Axum. This is the birthplace of the Ethiopian civilization and the last resting place of the Holy Ark of the Covenant. Visit the ancient city of Axum and explore the ancient steles and the ruins of the palace of Queen of Sheba and its major attractions. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the pre-Christian temple of Yeha. Day 8: Axum to Lalibela - Transfer to Axum Airport for your flight to Lalibela. After checking into the hotel, you will drive to the site of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, often referred to by many as one of “the living wonders of the world”. In the evening, there will be a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony prepared at a local house. Day 9: Lalibela - In the morning, take a mule ride, and/or walk to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery. Continue your journey into Ethiopia’s long and marvelous history with a visit to other of Lalibela’s remarkable churches. Their architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed! Day 10: Lalibela to Addis Ababa - Transfer to Lalibela Airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Flight schedule permitting, there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner party with a traditional buffet and local drinks. After the party you will be transferred to Addis Ababa airport for the flight home. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share and based on departures Sep 12, Oct 10, Oct 24, Nov 14 and Dec 19. Single supplements apply. Cancellation penalties apply please check our terms & conditions for full details. Prices are current as of May 29, 2019 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. Book now: Africa Answers 866.427.2540 [email protected] www.africaanswers.com.