ETHIOPIA: AN ANCIENT DYNASTY ITINERARY:
DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa ("New Flower"), lies in
the central highlands at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet,
making it the third highest capital in the world. The capital is
rich in impressive monuments and colonial architecture scattered
among stretches of sun-bleached shacks. Transfer and settle in
your hotel after your long flight. Sheraton Addis Ababa D
DAY 3: Addis Ababa
There is time to relax before exploring the National
Archaeological Museum and meeting its famous guest, Lucy, whose
3.4 million-year- old bones may be viewed in replica. Continue
on to the Ethnographic Museum, an ideal place to start learning
about Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. This evening, join your
fellow travellers and Tour Director for a special welcome
dinner. Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D
DAY 4: Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar
Board a short flight to Bahir Dar where you are met and
transferred to your hotel. Then travel overland to the Blue Nile
Falls, known locally as Tissiat, meaning "Smoking Water." The
falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges 150 feet, giving
rise to picturesque stream clouds and rainbows. After taking a
break for lunch, you embark on a cruise of Lake Tana, the
largest highland lake in Ethiopia, to visit monasteries dating
back to the 14th century AD. Tana Hotel B L D
DAY 5: Bahir Dar/Gondar
Famous for its medieval castles and churches, Gondar was founded
in 1636 by Emperor Fasiladas as the royal capital of Ethiopia,
and is also known as "the Camelot of Africa". Explore Fasiladas
Palace, the Quskuam Church, and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church
(a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its walls and ceiling are
decorated with scenes of biblical lore and medieval history.
Goha Hotel B L D
DAY 6: Gondar
The Simien Mountains are a geographical marvel. Pinnacles that
rise from moon-like landscape are solidified lava, the last
remnant of ancient volcanoes. This is also the site of the
highest point in Ethiopia and fourth-highest in Africa, Ras
Dashan. Here you explore the escarpments of Sankaber and enjoy
the breathtaking view of the other side of the Simien Mountains.
Some of the resident species include the walia ibex, the gelada,
Ethiopian wolves and more than 50 species of birds, including
the lammergeyer, a large bird of prey. The lush scenery
immediately dispels any preconceived notions of a barren, dry
land. You also have the opportunity to visit a former Beta
Israel village where you meet with some of the remaining
Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture. Goha Hotel B L D
DAY 7: Gondar/Lalibela
Journey to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and a
center of pilgrimage for most of the country. This UNESCO World
Heritage Site is known as the "New Jerusalem " because of its
monolithic churches and rock-cut architecture. Roha Hotel
B L D
DAY 8: Lalibela
After breakfast, travel to the Monastery of Nakutoleab.
Located on the outskirts of the city, this monastery was hewn
out of a rock cave. Alternatively, you may choose to embark on a
mule trek up Mount Ashetone to pay a visit to the Ashetone
Mariam Monastery. After lunch, explore more of the cave churches
built by King Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giorgis.
Roha Hotel B L D
DAY 9: Lalibela/Axum
Explore what was once the Queen of Sheba's Palace. This massive
structure with finely mortared stone walls has its own
impressive drainage system. Continue on to the church of Saint
Mary of Zion which, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church,
houses the biblical Ark of the Covenant. Remhai Hotel B L
D
DAY 10: Axum/Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa and back to your hotel, with the rest of
the day at leisure. Relax, see the sights on your own or do a
little last minute shopping. This evening, join your fellow
travellers for a special farewell dinner, a perfect opportunity
to toast your journey, swap stories and share experiences.
Sheraton Addis Ababa B L D
DAY 11: Addis Ababa/USA or Canada
This morning, visit the Cathedral of St. George (Giorgis
Cathedral). Designed in the traditional octagonal shape, this
cathedral was built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory
over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa. The Cathedral houses
the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist
responsible for the stained glass windows of the Africa Hall. It
also houses a small museum in the compound. Continue to Holy
Trinity Cathedral, containing the thrones and tombs of the
emperors and members of the royal family. At the conclusion of
your sightseeing, return to your hotel where a dayroom is
provided for your comfort and convenience. This evening you will
be transferred to the airport where your departure flight
awaits.
Sheraton Addis Ababa (dayroom) B L D
DAY 12: USA or Canada
Connect with your homebound flight.
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