Today, we will explore the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, where history, culture, and culinary delights await. Your tour includes a mix of museums, markets, and religious landmarks, offering a comprehensive look at the city's unique charm.

Museums

Begin your tour with a visit to two of Addis Ababa's most notable museums. The National Museum of Ethiopia houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including the famous fossilized skeleton of "Lucy," one of humanity's oldest known ancestors. Next, head to the Ethnographic Museum, located within the beautiful Haile Selassie Palace, which offers a deep dive into Ethiopia's diverse cultural heritage.

Market

No visit to Addis Ababa is complete without wandering through Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Here, you can experience the bustling atmosphere, vibrant colors, and rich scents of the market as you explore stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and traditional crafts.

Churches

Explore the religious heritage of Addis Ababa with a visit to St. George's Cathedral. This iconic church, known for its distinctive octagonal shape, also houses a museum showcasing a collection of religious icons and artifacts. The cathedral itself is a testament to Ethiopia's rich religious history and architectural prowess.

 Today we will take an hour-long flight to Bahir Dar, a charming town perfect for relaxation and scenic views of the lake. Known for having some of the best weather in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar is an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat. Your adventure begins with a boat trip on Lake Tana, where you'll visit the island monasteries, experiencing a profound sense of tranquility.

You will explore several historic sites, including Azwa, Ura or Mehal Zege, Kibran Gabriel, and Entos Eyesus, gaining insight into the ancient Christian heritage of the region. Among these, Ura-Kidane Mihret stands out as the largest and most impressive monastery on the peninsula, nestled near one of the most beautiful and secluded inlets.

While at Lake Tana, Mango Park is a must-visit spot to observe pelicans and enjoy the serene lakeside environment.

For dinner, indulge in misr wot, a delectable red lentil stew. This dish is a wonderfully flavored mix of split red lentils slow-cooked with spicy berbere powder, onions, garlic, and either vegetable or olive oil, offering a delicious taste of Ethiopian cuisine.

Today, a three-hour drive takes us to Gonder, the medieval capital of Ethiopia, known for its extensive royal enclosure filled with castles, palaces, houses, and outbuildings.

Among these, Fasiladas's Palace is the oldest and perhaps the most impressive. As you explore, you will see various ruined buildings, including the remains of a bathing pool, a chancellery, and a library built by Fasiladas's son. The site also offers peaceful, shady spots perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.

Next, continue to Birhan Selassie, one of Ethiopia's most famous churches, renowned for its beautiful 17th-century paintings.

For a taste of traditional Ethiopian cuisine, try Shiro wot, a mouth-watering stew made from ground chickpea powder, slow-cooked with Ethiopia’s spicy berbere powder. This dish is sure to delight your palate.

Today, we will drive to the Simien Mountains, and Simien Lodge, located at Buit Ras. This lodge, said to be the highest hotel in Africa at an altitude of 3260 meters, offers breathtaking scenery as part of the magnificent Simien Mountains. The landscape features stunning mountains, a dramatic range, and a spectacular escarpment to the north of the campsite.

The area is known for its wildlife, including the endemic gelada baboons, as well as common jackals and klipspringers. Birdwatchers will also delight in spotting species such as the wattled ibis.

Before arriving at Chenek, you will stop at a breathtaking viewpoint at 4070 meters. This viewpoint, a gap in the precipitous cliff, offers stunning views of the steep mountain faces to the west and the lowland areas below.  Take in the expansive views back toward Imet Gogo, which are especially beautiful in the light of dawn and dusk. Enjoy watching the Gelada baboons that surround your lodge, then take an afternoon drive back to Gonder.

Today, we will visit Lalibela, where you will feel as though you've stepped back seven centuries into a medieval kingdom. Alvares, the early 16th-century Portuguese writer, described the edifices here as unparalleled and unmatched anywhere else in the world. In Lalibela, you will be awe-struck by the remarkable rock-hewn churches—monolithic, semi-monolithic, and cave churches—constructed over seven centuries ago.

After checking in, begin your exploration with the northern cluster of churches, known as the earthly Jerusalem. These include Bete Medhani Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, and Bete Golgotha/Michael. In the afternoon, continue to the heavenly Jerusalem cluster, visiting Bete Gebriel and Rufael, Bete Mercurious, Bete Amanuel, Bete Aba Libanos, and finally, the iconic Bete Giorgis.

For dinner, savor traditional Ethiopian dishes at one of the local restaurants. Enjoy Gomen, a dish of stewed collard greens slow-cooked with olive oil and garlic, and Fosolia, a healthy and flavorful string bean dish sautéed with oil, carrots, and onions.

Today, we will venture to Abuna Yoseph and Hudad, a trekking project designed to benefit local communities through trekking and accommodation facilities. Enjoy tasty meals prepared by local villagers and watch the sunset over the mountains.

Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony, chat with the local people, and enjoy a drink at sunset while taking in the world from a cliffside vantage point.

You will walk for about four hours each day, staying in lodges where you can savor delicious meals such as injera with wat (stew), lentils, and chickpeas. The terrain is mostly level and follows the escarpment. Although the altitude may initially slow you down, you will become acclimatized over time. For the uneven, rocky ground, especially on descents, good walking shoes or boots are recommended for safety and comfort.

Today, we head back to Lalibela to explore the city a bit more in depth. We might even witness some religious celebrations.

Afterwards, we fly back to Addis for a farewell dinner.

Today, after breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Ethiopia.

Thank you for joining us and have a safe trip back home!