Tour Code: ITO-401/15
Tour name: Combination tour
Duration: 19 days/18 nights
Transport: surface
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Meet with our representative at Bole international airport then transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Drive Bahirdar
Early in the morning we will drive to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos on the way visit DebreLibanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge which is one of the old bridges in Ethiopia, overnight: -Hotel
Day 3: City tour of Bahirdar
In the morning, cross Lake Tana by boat to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gebrele (not allowed for women). After lunch drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike. Drive back to Bahir Dar, take a short city tour, including the old palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the view point where the Blue Nile and Lake Tana meet for the sunset.
Day 4: Drive to Gondar
Early in the morning, after breakfast drive to Gondar. On the way, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of the Amhra tribes. Check in to your hotel, after lunch you will start city tour of Gonder, visit the castles of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Silassie church, which is one of the most famous churches in Ethiopia.
Day 5: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Buyit Ras. You will begin a short 3-4 hour trekking from BuyitRas to Sankober, which will help you to acclimatize to the altitude. At Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and endemic Gelada baboons. Overnight Semen lodge/camping.
Day 6: Trekking in Simien Mountain National Park
Start you trekking from Sankober, by walking through a valley which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours, overnight camping.
Day 7: Trekking in Simien Mountain National Park
After having early breakfast depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo which is 3926meter, here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeyers. Overnight camping, total trekking time 7 – 9 hours
Day 8: Drive to Axum
Early in the morning, start driving to Axum, on the way you will enjoy the spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. You can also visit the Gelada baboons, which are endemic to the Ethiopia. We will stop for lunch at Adiarky, and then proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum the oldest capital of Ethiopia, overnight Hotel.
Day 9: City tour in Axum
Today we will spend the whole day visiting the historical sites of Axum, including the Queen of Sheba’s palace, King Bazen’s tomb, and the famous Stele ten back to Hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Mekelle
After breakfast drive to Mekele. On the way, you will visit Yeha, which has the oldest temple in Ethiopia and Debre Damo, where you will climb up a rope 15 meters to the cliff-top monastery. (Only men are allowed to enter the monastery) If time allows, you can also visit some of the rock-hewn churches in Tigray region, such as Abraha Atsbeha and Wukiro Chirkos, check in hotel.
Day 11: Drive to Lalibela
Early in the morning, after breakfast, drive to Lalibela en route stop on one of the town to visit market place, overnight hotel.
Day 12: Visit the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Today, visit the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, overnight hotel.
Day 13: Visit churches Outside Lalibela
Early in the morning, take a hike to the Asheton Maryam monastery, set on the mountain overlooking the town of Lalibela. After lunch drive to Yemrahane Kirstos monastery or relax in hotel.
Day 14: Drive to Kombolcha
En route visit market places in one of the towns and visit Haik Stfanos island church, check in Hotel.
Day 15: Drive to Awash
In the morning, continue driving to Awash via Bati, passing through the Yangudi-Rassa National Park on your way, overnight hotel or Awash Falls Lodge.
Day 16: Visit Awash National Park
Early morning out for game drive and meet sun rise, back for breakfast after that out to hot spring and visit Kereyou village, late afternoon drive to Metehara to visit Hyena cave, then back to hotel or lodge.
Day 17: Drive to Harar
In the morning, drive to Harar arrive late afternoon after check in to your hotel/guesthouse visit the Hyena man.
Day 18: City tour of Harar
Early in the morning you will have city tour of Harar and in the afternoon drive to Nazreth, overnight hotel.
Day 19: Drive back to Addis Ababa and departure
En route visit crater lakes in Debre Zite then have shopping and early dinner and transfer to airport to fly back home.