This morning we depart Addis to drive to Debre Markos for a cisit to the scenic Blue Nile Gorge, comparable in scale to the Grand Canyon.  We’ll also visit the largest monastery in Ethiopia, Debre Libanos Monastery (13th Century AD) where you can see the beautiful mosaics by the famous Ethiopian Artist, Afework Tekle. Continue to check in to our hotel for the evening.

Today we continue to drive on towards Bahir Dar with a stop at the iconic Blue Nile Falls. Known locally as ‘Tis Abay’ meaning ‘Great Smoke’, the Blue Nile Falls are a testimony to Ethiopia’s natural beauty. The Blue Nile Falls are the most dramatic falls anywhere on the Nile river system. 

Continue to visit a cultural market in Bahir Dar before we drive in the late afternoon to Bezawit Hill, for a panoramic view of the town of Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and the outlet of River Nile from its source.

Continue to check into our hotel in Bahir Dar.

This morning we enjoy a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body – Lake Tana (3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th Century AD). These monasteries are famous for their colourful murals and collection of manuscripts.

This afternoon drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar – the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. Check into our hotel in Gondar for an overnight rest.

Today we have a full day to visit many of the local sights. We’ll visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’, the church of Quskuam Mariam (17th century AD), the residence of Empress Mintwab and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie, famous for its wall and ceiling paintings. 

This morning its a drive from Gondar to Debark (the headquarters of the Simien Mountain National Park). After checking into the park it’s 36 km farther to the Simien Mountains to visit this breathtaking beautiful part of Ethiopia.  We’ll have the chance to spot for of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia, including the Gelada Baboon. Drive back to Gondar in the late afternoon.

This morning we drive from Gondar to Lalibela, home of the incredible hand-carved 12th century rock churches of King Lalibela, through the scenic Wollo Mountains visiting the Amhara people.  Continue to check into our hotel in Lalibela for three nights.

Today we will undertake a full day to visit the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela, which are unofficially regarded as ‘eighth wonder of the world’.  In the morning we’ll visit six churches that are grouped as first group of churches, and in the afternoon visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela. These churches are Ethiopia’s top tourist attraction and are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the morning we’ll take an ancient form of transport as we ride mules to the hilltop semi monolithic church of Asheton Mariam (13th century AD).  Continuing to the top of the hill we will be rewarded with the wonderful scenery of the area. This afternoon we will enjoy a typical Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Depart this morning to drive from Lalibela to Dessie, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Wollo Mountains.  Check into our hotel for the evening.

Depart this morning to drive back to Addis where this evening there is a farewell dinner party at one of the  traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and taste the variety of Ethiopian food.

Late transfer to the airport or extra night in Addis available on request if needed.