North Ethiopia: Lalibela, Gondar & Bahirdar – 3 Days
Tour Highlights
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Explore Lalibela’s 12th-century rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
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Visit Gondar’s royal castles, ancient churches, and historic bathhouses.
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Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, visiting ancient island monasteries.
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Witness the Blue Nile Falls, one of Africa’s most breathtaking waterfalls.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Lalibela
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela.
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Full-day exploration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved directly from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela. These eleven medieval monolithic churches are still active places of worship and are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Overnight stay in a hotel in Lalibela.
Day 2: Lalibela – Gondar
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Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar.
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Afternoon city tour of Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia. Visit:
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The Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO site home to 17th- and 18th-century castles.
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Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling of painted angels.
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Fasilides’ Bath, historically used during Timket (Epiphany) celebrations.
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Overnight stay in a hotel in Gondar.
Day 3: Gondar – Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa
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Early morning drive to Bahir Dar (180 km).
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Boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and source of the Blue Nile. Visit ancient island monasteries such as:
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Tana Qirkos, believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant for over 800 years after it was brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I.
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Other monasteries dating back to the 14th century, adorned with beautiful wall paintings and holding sacred Ethiopian treasures like royal crowns, manuscripts, and relics.
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Afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls (35 km south of Bahir Dar). Known locally as “Tis Issat” (the smoking water), this 45-meter-high waterfall offers stunning views, especially during or after the rainy season.
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Evening flight or return to Addis Ababa.
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights