Duration
7-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
All-inclusive journey through the ancient heart of Ethiopia. Explore the legendary castles of Gondar, the stunning rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient island monasteries on lake Tana The Source of the blue Nile, and the sacred obelisks of Axum. This curated week-long adventure brings the epic history of the Aksumite Empire and medieval kingdoms to life, with every detail taken care of.
Plan snapshot
Duration
7-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Lake Tana, Gondar (City), Axum (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
1 years
Activities
game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Momona Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses hotels.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Budget hotel in Axum (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Bole Airport, your Addis Ethiopia Tours guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Your immersive city tour begins at 9:00 AM. Dive into Ethiopian culture at the National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy." Experience the vibrant chaos of Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market. Ascend Mount Entoto for breathtaking city views and insights into the city's origins. Finally, find tranquility at the historic St. George Cathedral, a beautiful octagonal church and national landmark. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Your adventure north begins with a scenic morning flight to the lush lakeside city of Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in local life with a visit to the vibrant marketplace, a sensory journey of colorful produce, traditional crafts, and the lively atmosphere of this highland community. In the afternoon, a serene boat trip awaits on the vast expanse of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the legendary source of the Blue Nile. We will sail to one of the lake's famous ancient island monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mihret or Azwa Maryam. Stepping inside these centuries-old circular churches, you will be surrounded by breathtaking, vivid frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints, offering a profound glimpse into Ethiopia's deep-rooted Orthodox Christian traditions. The peaceful journey across the water provides stunning views of the surrounding papyrus reeds and aquatic birdlife. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
After breakfast, we embark on a picturesque drive through the scenic Ethiopian countryside to the historic city of Gondar. Upon arrival, you will step into the legendary Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called "Africa's Camelot." This fortified compound houses a remarkable collection of five castles and palaces, built by a succession of Ethiopian emperors starting in the 17th century. Their enduring presence, having survived wars and even WWII air raids, stands as a powerful testament to the strength of a once-mighty empire. Later, we visit the revered Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a masterpiece of Ethiopian art. Its interior is adorned with vibrant frescoes, culminating in the world-famous ceiling where the faces of 104 angelic cherubs gaze down upon you in a breathtaking display of sacred artistry. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
A short morning flight transports you to the legendary city of Axum, the heart of a civilization that once rivaled Rome and Persia. Your exploration begins in the awe-inspiring Stelae Field. Walk among these towering, 2000-year-old granite obelisks, ancient marvels of engineering that served as monumental tombstones for Axum's elite. The sheer scale, especially that of the fallen Great Stele, will leave you spellbound. Next, we visit the modern and impressive Archaeological Museum, where a curated collection of artifacts—from ancient coins to royal inscriptions—brings the glorious Axumite kingdom to life. Depending on time, our tour may extend to other significant sites, such as the reputed Bath of the Queen of Sheba or the ruins of ancient palaces, each layer revealing more of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's profound history. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
After an early pickup, we journey towards Mekele through the dramatic Gheralta mountains. Here, we undertake a final, unforgettable adventure: hiking to the legendary rock-hewn churches. We will visit one or two of the most renowned, such as the breathtaking Abune Yemata Guh, perched precariously on a cliff face, or the expansive Mariam Korkor with its stunning views. This is a profound and active conclusion, combining physical effort with spiritual awe amidst stunning landscapes. We then continue to Mekele, where you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight back to Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
A morning flight takes you to the sacred town of Lalibela. In the afternoon, prepare to be astounded as you enter the legendary complex of eleven rock-hewn churches, a living UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest architectural marvels. Carved entirely from solid volcanic rock over 800 years ago, these monolithic structures are connected by a maze of tunnels and passageways. You will stand in awe before the magnificent Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), perfectly carved in the shape of a cross. Explore the otherworldly network of sanctuaries, including the massive Bet Medhane Alem, believed to be the largest monolithic church on earth, adorned with ancient crosses and intricate icon paintings that tell stories of deep faith and extraordinary craftsmanship. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Your final day offers an optional, profound start with attendance at the mesmerizing early morning mass in Lalibela, a powerful experience of chanting and ancient rituals. Afterwards, we complete our tour of the remaining rock-hewn churches before catching an afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. In Addis, we visit the renowned National Museum to meet "Lucy," our famous 3.18-million-year-old ancestor. The afternoon allows for optional souvenir shopping. The tour culminates in a festive farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you'll enjoy authentic cuisine while being entertained by vibrant cultural dancers and musicians from across Ethiopia. A final transfer to the airport for your late-night departure concludes this incredible journey. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Offered by
Established in 2015. At Addis Ethiopia Tours, we believe that travel has the power to create meaningful connections, foster cultural understanding, and leave a positive impact on both travelers and the local communities they visit. We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, supporting local businesses, and engaging in community development initiatives. We also cooperate with other listing platforms and are represented on the online African tour marketplace SafariBookings.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 6 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Momona Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Addis Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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