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7-Day Finding of the True Cross Meskel Festival Tour

Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

7-Day Finding of the True Cross Meskel Festival Tour

4.8 / 5 · 54 reviews Offered by Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel 7-Day

Overview

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians commemorate the Meskel festival, also known as the Finding of the True Cross, as an important liturgical feast. It honors Saint Helena's fourth century discovery of the True Cross, the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified by Saint Hele. The Ethiopian calendar marks the holiday on September 27th (or 28th in a leap year). The Ethiopian calendar. Discover the Simien Mountains and Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar, as well as the rock-hewn cathedrals of Lalibela.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

7-Day

Route

Addis Ababa (Day 1-2) to Addis Ababa (City)

Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP

Country & park

Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park

Style

Mid-range shared safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

On request

Activities

game drives & boat trip

Accommodation

Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals

Day 1: Breakfast & Lunch Included; Day 2: Meals at Own Expense; Breakfast & Lunch Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

Solo travelers

Can join this group tour

7-Day Finding of the True Cross Meskel Festival Tour
Simien Mountains National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Sep 25, 2026 $2,838 USD $2,354 USD
Click a Rate to Request a Quote USD - USD

Before booking

Important To Know

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 of all ages. Children under 13 receive a discount.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

Quote flow

Request Guidance

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Ethiopia
Start Addis Ababa (Day 1-2)
Day 3 Bahir Dar (City)
Day 4 Gondar (City)
Day 5 Simien Mountains NP
Day 6 Lalibela (Town)
End Addis Ababa (City) (Day 7)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses hotels.

Shared tour

On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.

Scheduled departures

This tour starts on fixed start dates only.

Can be customized

You can request changes to this tour.

Suitable for single travelers

Single travelers can join this group tour.

Suitable for all ages

This tour is suitable for children of all ages.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & minivan
Getting around: minivan, bus, boat & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Cassiopeia Hotel

Day 1-2

Cassiopeia Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City)

Day 1: Breakfast & Lunch Included; Day 2: Meals at Own Expense

Cassiopeia HotelCassiopeia HotelCassiopeia Hotel
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included +3 Photos

Day 3

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included +3 Photos

Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included

Breakfast & Lunch Included

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included +3 PhotosJacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included +3 PhotosJacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included +3 Photos
Goha Hotel

Day 4-5

Goha Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City)

Day 4: Meals at Own Expense; Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Goha Hotel
Maribela Hotel

Day 6

Maribela Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Maribela HotelMaribela HotelMaribela Hotel

Day 7

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day By Day

Tour step

Arrival

You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival of Addis Ababa and sightseeing

Day 1

Arrival of Addis Ababa and sightseeing

Arrival Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time make sightseeing in Addis, Visit the National Museum that exhibits numerous antiquates, historical relics, archaeological and pale-ontological objects including the 3.2 million year old skeleton of Lucy; Mercato – biggest open market of its kind in Africa and the commanding panoramic view point Mount Entoto and St George cathedral church. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Cassiopeia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Meskel Festival

Day 2

Meskel Festival

Starting around 3:30 P.M you will attend the colorful processions of the eve of Ketera The Meskel festival, also known as the Finding of the True Cross, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. It commemorates the discovery of the True Cross, the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, by Saint Helena in the fourth century. The festival is celebrated annually on September 27th (or 28th in a leap year) according to the Ethiopian calendar The Eve Bonfire (Demera): The highlight of the festival is the lighting of a large bonfire, known as the Demera, which symbolizes the revelation of the True Cross. According to tradition, Saint Helena had a dream instructing her to light a bonfire, and the smoke would lead her to the location of the cross. This event is re-enacted with a ceremonial bonfire, often adorned with flowers. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals at own expense Drinks not included

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Cassiopeia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 3

Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

This morning, depart for the airport for your journey to Bahir Dar. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Bahir Dar is located on the south shore of Lake Tana, near the Blue Nile River. Settle down and refresh up before taking an afternoon boat excursion to several of Lake Tana's islands, which are home to some of the world's oldest churches and monastic sites. Visit the 14th-century monastery Ura Kidane Mihret, which is well renowned for its painted maqdas and collection of crosses and crowns. This afternoon, travel to the hamlet of Tis Isat to visit the Blue Nile Falls, a stunning cascade formed by a dam along the river just outside of town. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Bahir Dar to Gonder

Day 4

Bahir Dar to Gonder

After breakfast, drive Bahir Dar north to Gondar. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the ancient city of Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals at own expense Drinks not included

Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

Day 5

Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

In the morning you will drive from Gonder to Siemen Mountain. The Semen national park is register as UNESCO world heritage site. The highest mountain in Ethiopia Ras Dashen is also found in the semen national park. The park is home of mountainous and wild animal species like the Walya Ibex and Chelada baboon which are endemic in Ethiopia. This is an ideal place to do some trekking to the most beautiful place with panoramic views. Up on arrival you will hike up to Senkaber and will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Flt To Lalibela

Day 6

Flt To Lalibela

In the morning, take the flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Maribela Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Day 7

Lalibela to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After visit, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After noon, you will have shopping refreshment at the hotel then in the evening there will be farewell dinner with cultural food, traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport after a memorable experience in Ethiopia. Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tour step

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Included

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)

Excluded

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

Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Getting There

This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel
Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel logo

Offered by

Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel

4.8 operator rating 54 reviews

Liyu is an Amharic word which means “unique” in English. Liyu Ethiopia Tours is established to promote and market Ethiopia as a major tourist destination in the world. Liyu Ethiopia in the tourism sector carries the objective of maximizing the satisfaction of its customers through its professional and experienced staff, who are always ready to render courtesy and personalized service in all areas of its operations. If you are planning a tour to Ethiopia, contact us for expert recommendation and

Office In

Ethiopia

Size

10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)

Tour Types

Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day

Destinations

Ethiopia

Traveler feedback

Reviews

4.80 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Ten unforgettable days in Ethiopia

Etiopia is my 86th visited country. Our group of ten girls and one men has chosen Liyu Ethiopian Tours as one of my friends recommended me Yhun Ejigu. I am usually sceptic reading reviews this and that one is the best but I can guarantee Yhun is the best with abilities you can not learn in schools. Although he can not understand Hungarian he could read sighns on our face and our bodylanguage and reacted immediately. Ethiopia is safe, wonderful, heart touching, a must to see. We will never forget our memories and Liyu Ethiopian Tours, without them the ten spent days wouldn’t be so fantastic that it was. We are very thankful.

The group with Yhun, the best guide ever
Lalibela
Diversity
Dalol

Tunde Toth · Hungary

Verified

The tour operator shared his deep knowledge and love for Ethiopia with hunor and heart.

Liyu Ethiopia Tours & Travel has the perfect team to make you fall in love with Africa — especially with Ethiopia’s ancient culture, breathtaking nature, and fascinating tribes. Our 10-day tour was not only perfectly organized but also thoughtfully tailored to our needs. The guides were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and had a great sense of humor. The drivers were kind and professional, and we felt safe throughout the entire journey. Traveling with Liyu Ethiopia Tours was pure joy — full of adventure, unforgettable experiences. We came home with thousands of photos — but even more, with beautiful memories and new friends. It was the trip of a lifetime!

Photo by Anita Darida-Sarkozi
Photo by Anita Darida-Sarkozi
Photo by Anita Darida-Sarkozi
Photo by Anita Darida-Sarkozi

Anita Darida-Sarkozi · Hungary

Verified

Liyu - more than a tour and travel company

Having been let down at 7am on the day of a tour by another provider, I signed up to do a cooking class. This was so worthwhile. It is not simply about just the food, you get a glimpse into the life and living of the inhabitants of Addis. Liyu Ethiopia Tours were excellent hosts. I was collected from my hotel at 10am, communication was excellent. A young gentleman called Oli collected me from my hotel with a driver. For young man his knowledge of food, ingredients and Ethiopian food was extraordinary, and really added to my experience. In summary a tour round Sola market to walk through the food quarter, which is really insightful and then to his family home for a simply brilliant time learning how to cook with the ingredients we had just purchased. The watchful of Gran was a real bonus too. I cannot speak too highly of this. Book this tour for a real experience above and beyond cooking.

Photo by Ade
Photo by Ade
Photo by Ade

Ade · United Kingdom

Verified

Reliable, kind, knowledgeable and extremely professional

This is my second time traveling with Yhun from Liyu agency. After booking an extremely successful trip to the north of Ethiopia, this time we toured Addis. Yhun knows all the less-visited spots, and can accommodate a visit in both rain and sunshine. He is very pleasant, extremely reliable and I wholeheartedly recommend him. But I won't tell you all the sector places he took me- you have to come and find out for yourselves....

Yhun and I during are Addis adventure
Yhun and I during are Addis adventure

Dr. Raya Leibowitz · Israel

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

Are rates charged per person?

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

Which currency is this tour priced in?

This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).

Can children join this tour?

This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 13 receive a discount.

Can the itinerary be customized?

You can request changes to this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City). Meals: Day 1: Breakfast & Lunch Included; Day 2: Meals at Own Expense

Where does this tour start and end?

This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa

Are airport transfers included?

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

How does the quote request work?

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel, not SafariBookings.

This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.

If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.

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.

This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel.

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From

$1,925 to $2,035 pp (USD)

From

$2,354.00