Book this 5-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour to see the country’s top UNESCO sites in one trip.
The trip begins with a flight to Bahir Dar, where you visit Lake Tana and its old monasteries. You explore the Blue Nile Falls, cross the Portuguese Bridge, and take a boat trip to the Zeghie Peninsula.
The next day, drive to Gondar, a UNESCO site known for its castles and the Timkat Festival site.
On the third day, visit Simien Mountains National Park, home to Gelada baboons and birds found only in Ethiopia. The journey continues to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches.
After exploring these churches, return to Addis Ababa by flight.
Detailed 5-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Bahir Dar
Start with a flight to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The lake has 37 islands, some of which held monasteries from the 14th to 19th century.
The area has a mild climate, with palm-lined streets, and serves as the capital of the Amhara region.
Drive about one hour to Tissisat for a morning walk to see the Blue Nile Falls and meet local people. Cross the Portuguese Bridge, built in the 17th century over the Nile. Then take a small boat to the other side of the river and return to your vehicle.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to the Zeghie Peninsula, then walk to two old 14th-century monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam, both good examples of old Orthodox church design.
Day 2: Drive to Gondar, Camelot of Africa
Head to Gondar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 185km away, passing through the Amhara region, the gateway to the Simien Mountains.
Gondar was the capital for many Ethiopian emperors from the 17th to 18th century, so the city has many castles. Visit some of these castles.
After lunch, visit the site where the Timkat Festival is held each year, one of the most important religious events in Ethiopia, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Day 3: Day Trip to Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with good views along the way.
The Simien Mountains are home to the rare Gelada baboon and birds found only in Ethiopia, such as the thick-billed raven and wattled ibis. See the Afro-montane forest, grasslands, and woodlands.
In the afternoon, return to Gondar for the night.
Day 4: Drive to Lalibela, Eighth Wonder of the World
After breakfast, drive to Lalibela, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the scenery of northern Ethiopia.
Lalibela is often called the “New Jerusalem” because of its many rock-hewn churches, seen as one of the Eight Wonders of the World. The churches are known for their design, carved directly from the rock.
Day 5: Visit Lalibela Churches, Then Flight to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, explore the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The northwestern group of churches includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Book this 5-Day Historical Ethiopia Tour today and see Lalibela’s rock churches, Gondar’s castles, and the Simien Mountains.
