Includes: Addis Ababa meet and greet service and airport assistance, domestic flights Addis Ababa-Axum-Lalibela-Gondar-Bahir Dar-Addis Ababa and associated airport taxes, all ground transportation by 4x4 landcruiser, accommodation including all meals, excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, entrance fees for all sites, services of an English speaking guide, porterage.

Excludes: International airfares to/from Addis Ababa and any associated airport taxes, drinks, gratuities, travel insurance, visas, health requirements, all items of a personal nature and any service not specified.

Important Note:
All prices are subject to change due to airfare increases or any other unforeseen circumstance.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - (Daily departures). Arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, where you are met and assisted by our experienced, English speaking agents. Transfer to the Axum Hotel, or similar, for overnight including dinner.

Day 2 - Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum, the holiest sanctuary, and oldest capital, of Ethiopia. After settling into your hotel depart on a city tour including a visit to the ancient stelae (obelisks) and the national museum - widely rated as Ethiopia's best. In the afternoon visit the ruins of the Palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba and the tombs of ancient Axumite kings and queens. It's worth visiting some of the local shops in Axum for exquisite locally made clothing and jewellery. Overnight at the Remhai Hotel, or similar.

Day 3 - After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches dating back 600 years. This is the most important stop on the historical route and from the air the 11 churches, carved into the rugged mountainside, present an awesome spectacle. Afternoon excursion to the most spectacular of the churches. Overnight stay at the Lal Hotel, or similar.

Day 4 - Fly from Lalibela to Gondar. In the afternoon a city tour of Gondar including a visit to the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand. Overnight at the Goha Hotel, or similar.

Day 5 - Transfer to the airport and fly to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. The afternoon is spent visiting isolated monasteries by boat. There is good birding in the lush forest surrounding much of the lake. Overnight at the Papyrus Hotel, or similar.

Day 6 - An excursion to the thundering Blue Nile Falls. Along the walk to the falls, birding is excellent. After lunch, a city tour of Bahir Dar, which has one of the most popular markets in the country. Overnight at the Papyrus Hotel, or similar.

Day 7 - Transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping and sightseeing in the capital. Overnight at the Axum Hotel, or similar.

Day 8 - Transfer to Bole International Airport where your tour ends.