North flying and driving - 9 days

Experience beautiful landscapes and local life on a driving tour. Combined with flying means shorter travel times so you can experience even more.

Day 1

Arrive in Addis Ababa (the capital city of Ethiopia) and embark on sightseeing including the Trinity Cathedral, the National and Ethnographic museums and the Merkato (the largest open-air market in Africa). Stop for lunch at Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant for your introduction to enjera (the Ethiopian staple food). Overnight hotel.

The National Museum in Addis Ababa houses the famous 3.2 million old fossil of Lucy

Day 2

Fly to Axum and visit Axum including its archaeological sites and the church of Maryam Tsion, which houses the Ark of the Covenant. Axum was the capital city of Ethiopia from the 1st to 10th century A.D. At present it is regarded as the holiest city in Ethiopia as it was here Christianity was introduced in the 4th century. Overnight hotel.

The granite obelisks of Axum are evidence of the greatness of the Ancient Ethiopian civilization. The fallen obelisk is the single largest piece of rock ever carved by a human being.

Day 3

Drive to Debark (260kms) across the land of the Tigray people with stop to appreciate way of life and scenery. The last part the drive regarded one of the most scenic in Ethiopia. Overnight hotel.

Day 4

Drive into the Simen Mountains National Park one of the earliest natural attractions in the world registered as a world heritage by UNESCO. You will walk to appreciate its breathtaking landscape and see its unique fauna and flora, including the endemic Gelada Baboons. In the afternoon drive to Gondar (150kms). Overnight hotel.

The “Roof of Africa” is the other name of the Simen Mountains

The endemic Gelada Monkeys are one of flagship species of the Simen Mountains NP

Day 5

In the morning visit the 17th and 18th century castles and the church of Debre Birhan Sillasse, famous for its murals. After lunch drive to Bahir Dar, situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Overnight hotel.

The 17th century castle of Fasiledes at Gondar

The church of Debre Birhan Sillasse is known as the Sistine Chapel of Ethiopia

Day 6

Drive to the Blue Nile Falls. In the afternoon you will have boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit one of the churches famed for its murals. Overnight hotel.

Day 7

Drive to Lalibela (300kms) with stops on the way to view local life and scenery. Overnight hotel.

Carved out of a single sold rock, the 12th century rock-hewn church of Bete Gyorgis at Lalibela is likely to be the most photographed church in Ethiopia

Day 8

This day is dedicated to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches dated from the 12th century. Lalibela is also known as the second Jerusalem. Overnight hotel.

Day 9

In the morning fly to Addis Ababa. You will have a chance to do some shopping for coffee and other things. Fly out of Addis this evening or the following day.