North Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Axum, Geralta Rock Hewn churches & Mekele – 11 Days

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Northern Ethiopia Tours
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North Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Axum, Geralta Rock Hewn churches & Mekele – 11 Days

Duration11 days Transport typeFlight and Surface DestinationsAddis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Axum, Geralta Rock Hewn churches & Mekele

Tour Highlights

Explore the world-famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the ancient city of Axum, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Discover the island monasteries of Lake Tana and witness the Blue Nile Falls.
Walk through the medieval castles and churches of Gondar.
Climb to Debre Damo Monastery—accessible only by rope.
Visit Gheralta’s rock churches, some of Ethiopia’s oldest religious sites.
Enjoy sweeping landscapes, ancient temples, bustling markets, and cultural immersion.

Arrival at Bole International Airport. Meet your guide at the exit gate holding a welcome sign with your company’s logo.
Transfer to your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a city tour of Addis Ababa:
- Visit the National Museum, home of the fossil “Lucy” and other archaeological treasures.
- Stop by Holy Trinity Cathedral, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and royal tombs.
- Explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
- Drive up to Entoto Mountain (3,000 meters) for a panoramic view of Addis.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Begin your journey north along Ethiopia’s historic route.
Stop at Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century.
Descend into the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge, a breathtaking geological formation.
Continue through fertile farmland, especially known for Teff cultivation.
Arrive in Bahir Dar. Overnight stay in Bahir Dar.

Morning boat excursion on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and source of the Blue Nile.
- Visit ancient island monasteries such as Tana Qirkos, believed to have hosted the Ark of the Covenant for 800 years.
- Discover medieval treasures: illuminated manuscripts, royal regalia, and religious art.
Afternoon drive (35 km) to visit the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”).
- Witness the powerful cascade plunging into a 45-meter-deep gorge.

Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s 17th-century royal capital.
Afternoon sightseeing:
- Tour the Royal Enclosure, with its impressive collection of castles.
- Visit Fasilides’ Bath, used during the Timket celebration.
- Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its painted ceiling of angelic faces.

Overnight in Gondar.

Drive along the scenic Woreta-Woldia road with stops at villages such as Awra Amba, known for its unique social structure and gender equality.
Enjoy views of rugged mountains and dramatic gorges en route.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Explore all eleven medieval rock-hewn churches built in the 12th century under King Lalibela.
- Highlights include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), and more.
- These monolithic churches are considered one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world.
Overnight in Lalibela.

Fly from Lalibela to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire.
City tour of Axum:
- Visit the Stelae Park, with massive granite obelisks.
- Explore the ruins of ancient palaces, tombs of kings, and the Archaeological Museum.
- See St. Mary of Zion Church, where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be kept.

Overnight in Axum.

En route to Hawzen, visit:
- Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure (dated around the 8th century BC).
- Debre Damo Monastery, located atop a cliff and accessible only by climbing a leather rope. (Note: women are not permitted inside the monastery but can view it from the base).
Continue to Hawzen, located in the heart of the Gheralta Mountains.

Overnight in Axum.

Full-day excursion to the Gheralta mountain range to visit some of Ethiopia’s earliest rock-hewn churches, many carved between the 4th and 10th centuries.
- Visit spectacular sites such as Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor, known for their stunning views and architecture.

Overnight in a lodge in Hawzen.

Visit additional rock-hewn churches en route to Mekele, capital of the Tigray region.
Afternoon city walk in Mekele to explore the local market and get a feel for modern Ethiopian urban life.

Overnight in Mekele.

Morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
Time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music and dance performances.
Transfer to the airport for your international departure.