WONDERS OF ETHIOPIA AN EXCLUSIVE FULLY ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR FOR THE DISCERNING TRAVELLER 30 NOVEMBER TO 15 DECEMBER 2016, 15 NIGHTS 1 GROUP REF: AP17464 INTRODUCTION This fully escorted small group tour to Ethiopia encompasses all the historical and scenic highlights of this incredible country. One of the places where Christianity took an early hold, it still thrives now. Visits to ancient monasteries and churches combined with spectacular high mountains and the Blue Nile provide visitors with everlasting memories of an ancient land with a history stretching far back into the mists of time. Departing at the end of November this exclusive departure has been specifically put together using our extensive knowledge and experience of creating holidays to Africa, which we have been doing very successfully since the 1990’s. In addition to the African Pride tour leader who will accompany the whole of the tour from Heathrow, we utilise the services of our local partners in Ethiopia who provide a local and expert insight into the culture, history, flora and fauna of their stunningly beautiful country. Together they will ensure that your experience matches your expectation as you return filled with many precious memories. ACCOMMODATION Ethiopia’s tourist industry is in its infancy and the accommodation available is not the best Africa has to offer. The tour has been carefully planned to use some of Ethiopia’s best accommodation which ranges from a small intimate lodge to some of the more mainstream hotels that are the best in the area. All are well known and trusted by us and have been chosen using our first-hand knowledge and experience of the area to select the best places to stay. Descriptions of each property can be seen in the below itinerary. GROUP SIZE The group size will be between six and eight passengers thus ensuring a very personal experience avoiding the downsides sometimes experienced on a tour with a large number of travellers. A smaller number also allows for better interaction with your fellow travellers, the tour leader and guides. To enable each person to experience a different view throughout the tour, a seat rotation system will be in place and this will be co- ordinated by the tour leader. Touring vehicles used are appropriate for the number of people on the tour, the environment and the distances covered. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Addis Ababa, 1 night - City tour Bahir Dar, 2 nights - Monastery tour via boat and Lake Tana Gondar, 2 nights - Visit the Royal Enclosure & King Fasilides Pool Simien Mountains National Park, 2 nights - Tour the Simien Mountains, Gelada monkeys Axum, 1 night - Visit the Stelae Fields, museum and cathedral Lalibela, 2 nights - Tour the rock-hewn churches Bale Mountain National Park, 3 nights - Opportunities to explore this beautiful park Flights with Ethiopian Airlines WHO IS THE TOUR SUITABLE FOR? The tour is suitable for adult travellers (the tour is not planned with children in mind) and will suit people with a fair standard of mobility and fitness. Should any person/s have any mobility, disability or medical conditions then we would need to be made aware before a booking is made. Please refer to the Personal Health & Wellbeing section on page 18 for further details. WEATHER The weather in Ethiopia at this time of year is generally dry with pleasant, warm days but the nights do get cool especially as much of the tour is at a relatively high altitude. 2 GROUP REF: AP17464 ETHIOPIA - THE DESTINATION Located north of the main wildlife safari destinations of East Africa, Ethiopia offers the visitor a different palette on which to paint their own view of Africa. Incorporating all the colours of the rainbow the astounding eternal landscape and the warm, friendly people constantly conjure up scenes of timeless wonder and beauty in this most ancient of lands. Churches, monasteries, palaces abound with its Christian and regal past all demanding attention from visitors. Ethiopia is like nowhere else on earth, a truly magical experience. 3 GROUP REF: AP17464 Addis Ababa – This old city has seen a lot of activity and colour in its time and is now a mix of old and new. The capital of the country is located in the central highlands and has all that a modern city has to offer with the addition of some fascinating attractions including the ethnological museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and royal palaces along with old areas harping back to older times. Bahir Dar – Located on the southern shores of Lake Tana, the lake’s shores house some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the country being highly decorated inside with vibrant paintings of bible stories. Emperor Haile Selassie built a palace nearby which faces the lake and enjoying a view of the Blue Nile. Gondar – The capital of the country between the 17th and 19th centuries, Gondar’s ‘Royal Enclosure’ is an area where many castles have been built and is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. Nearby is King Fasilides Baths, a peaceful place and opened once a year for the public to partake of the waters in a form of rebaptism. Axum – Located in the far north and renowned for its many stelae (obelisks) and as the reputed home of the Queen of Sheba. Axum has a unique charm and is said to be the home of the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Viewing the old stelae, some now fallen to the ground, offers a window into a time long past and the devotion of the people who then lived, worked and worshipped on this land. Lalibela – Known around the world for its churches carved from the rock of the earth itself, Lalibela offers a scene like no other. The thirteen churches, most still used by worshippers, are a spectacular scene. This is an inspiring place and as the enormity of the task of building the churches, together with the spiritual aspects, make themselves known, you will be left in awe and wonder at the devotion needed to accomplish such feats. Bale Mountains – To the south east of the capital, this National Park is home to the endemic and endangered Ethiopian wolf. Whilst nothing can be guaranteed, sightings of these rare mammals are quite frequent so the chances are more than fair. The dramatic landscape, flora and fauna of the mountains provides visitors with an exceptionally diverse range of sights and sounds which will delight all who come here. 4 GROUP REF: AP17464 AFRICAN PRIDE ETHIOPIA ESCORTED TOUR Wed 30 Nov 16 Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at London Heathrow. Depart London Heathrow Airport 2015 hrs Flight ET701 with Ethiopian Air Lines in Economy Class Thu 01 Dec 16 Arrive Addis Ababa Bole International Airport 0525 hrs Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa, for a stay of 1 night Standard Room (Full Board Basis) Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa The Radisson Blu Hotel, is ideally located in the heart of the Ethiopian capital. A stylishly modern hotel, the Radisson Blu offers a vibrant feel and top-of-the-line amenities, including free high-speed, wireless internet access, flat-screen television and plush surroundings. Guests can also enjoy on-site international dining, a fitness centre and chic lounge. Four treatment rooms offer guests the utmost in relaxation at the Rainforest Day Spa. In the afternoon you will be collected from the hotel for a half day tour of the city. Addis Ababa is the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the African Union and home to over 100 embassies. You will visit the National Museum where the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy lie, along with the Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy a panoramic views of the capital from the Entoto Hills. Addis Ababa Addis Ababa remains the gateway to Ethiopia and provides a first taste and understanding of this remarkable country. It is a city of contrasts where thriving cosmopolitan areas sit alongside more traditional Ethiopian 5 GROUP REF: AP17464 buildings, whilst businessmen, city priests or a rural shepherd bringing his animals to market, bustle their way through its city streets. Set at the foot of the Entoto Hills, it is the world's third highest capital city offering plenty of fresh mountain air and at times cooler temperatures. A city tour provides you with an interesting, informative and essential introduction to what lies ahead in this unique country. Fri 02 Dec 16 Early morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight arrangements. Depart Addis Ababa Bole International Airport 0750 hrs Flight ET126 with Ethiopian Air Lines in Economy Class Arrive Bahir Dar Airport 0850 hrs Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Kuriftu Resort and Spa Lodge, Bahir Dar, for a stay of 2 nights Standard Room (Full Board Basis) Kuriftu Resort and Spa Lodge The Kuriftu Resort and Spa Lodge in Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of Blue Nile, enjoys cool off-shore breezes all year round, a breathtaking lake view expanse and a clever blend of native Ethiopian architecture and décor. The resort comprises 28 suites, a gigantic swimming pool with sunbathing terrace and a world-class gourmet restaurant looking out across the lake. The spa is especially designed to relax and unwind guests in this tranquil lakeside paradise. Bahir Dar and Lake Tana Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shores of Lake Tana and its palm lined avenues and pretty lakeside situation often results in it being described as the Ethiopian Riviera. Having some of the best tourist facilities in Ethiopia, it proves an excellent place to settle and relax for a few days.