Title: CLASSIC NORTH HISTORICAL ROUTE Tour Code: VETF205 Duration: 13 days/ 12 nights Transportation: surface-4x4 Group size: Max. 15, Min. 2, Avg. 10, please contact for individual or other group size rate Tour dates and Price per Adult: Please have a look on the price detail section (bottom of page) for what is included
Introduction Ethiopia is one of the most exciting countries in Africa, a nation that is overflowing with history and culture yet quietly keeps its charms to itself, devoid of the visitors one might expect. This tour explores Ethiopia???s historic northern region with a taste from the incredible simian mountain scenery and trekking. The tour includes jewels of the country ??? enchanting Lalibela with its amazing 11th century rock cut churches. We spend time exploring both the main churches and lesser known ones - the region of Tigray ??? similar to Petra with churches hewn out of the surrounding landscape, but many feel far more spectacular, with many churches built halfway up almost inaccessible cliff faces. We spend time learning about the history of the ancient Axumite Empire at Axum and travel to ???Africa???s Camelot??? ??? the wonderful castles and palaces of Gondar. Ethiopia???s natural beauty reveals itself in the Simien Mountains, where we walk amidst some of Africa???s most captivating scenery, looking for endemic Gelada baboons. We will also visit the isolated island monasteries on lake Tana, home to treasured religious artifacts and strong monastic traditions. This two week tour gives a fantastic insight into the cultural heritage of this spectacular nation.
Tour Highlights Historical and cultural immersions, Gorgeous gorges, National Parks, bird life, Crater lakes, Villages, traditions and customs, Boat safari, Museum and Village visit, local market visit, archaeological site visit...
Day-to-day program
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means 'New Flower' in Amharic. At an elevation of 2400m, the third highest capital in the world, theclimate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present. Statues from the imperial times coexist with placards from the former Marxist Regime all over the city. We will visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of ???Lucy???, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. We will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals, Mercato- the biggest open market in Africa and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.
Day 2: Drive to Bahir Dar in Ethiopia. Continuing to Bahir Dar we will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight stay Hotel
Day 3: Bahir Dar ???Boat Trip on Lake Tana and drive to Tiss Abay
Day 4: Drive to Gondar to visit the castle and the church Day 5: Gondar ??? Simien Mountains You stop for an early lunch in the market town of Debark. Then head off to Sankaber to see the spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. There are particular good views between Michibi and Sankaber and do Look out for the gelada baboons. Overnight Camping /Hotel
Day 6: Drive to Axum Drive through the remarkable Tekezze Gorge to the earliest capital of Ethiopia ??? Axum through the Semien mountain national park escarpments.
Day 7: Axum Overnight stay Hotel
Day 8: Drive to Hawzen via Adigrat Overnight stay lodge Day 9: Rock- Hewn churches of Tigray-Mekele Day 10: Drive to Lalibela through Ankober
Day 11: A Visit to the Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela In the afternoon we will visit the remaining five southeastern group churches in Lalibela. Although smaller in number and in size than the northwestern groups, the south eastern cluster offers not only one of Lalaibela???s most finely carved churches but also some intrigue, with various historians debating whether some churches had past as prisons and palaces. The names of the church are Bet Gabriel-Rufaiel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanuel, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Giyorgis.
Day 12: Drive to kombolcha Drive from Lalibela passing through the historical town of Wuchale via Woldia to Kombolcha. The drive to this old town situated below craggy hills is going to be gentle and scenic. En-route we pass through Dessie which is a major transportation hub to Lalibela. Our stop at the little town of Hayk for beautiful views over Lake Hayk will be worthwhile. We continue driving for our overnight stay in kombolcha.
Day 13: Final journey back to Addis Complimentary farewell dinner party from VIVA ETHIOPIA will follow in one of the most renowned cultural restaurant in Addis to test the cultural food and drinks, enjoying dances from the different ethnic groups. The tour ends at the end of the farewell dinner party on day 11. You may choose to fly out that same evening/night or you have the choice of spending one ...End of tour...
Extension to HARAR & AWASH National Park for 400.00$ Standing on the east wall of the Great Rift Valley, the medieval walled Islamic city of Harar is famous for its historical and cultural sites. The dominant features are the traditional Harari house; the childhood home of late Emperor Haile Selassie; the exciting open market that presents medley of people and culture; the Rimbaud House named after the French poet who lived there in 1880 and the hyena-feeding ritual - where, after dark, the legendary Hyena Man feeds meat by hand - and mouth - to the wild hyenas that haunt the city's fringes. How will the Extension blend with the Program? Day 13: Kombolcha/Awash N.P We will drive through the Yangudi-Rassa National Park, home to the very rare African wild ass. Overnight in Awash. The Awash National Park, Lying in the lowlands at the east of Addis Ababa and striding the Awash River, the Awash National Park is one of the finest reserves in Ethiopia. Overnight in Awash fall lodge Day 14: A visit in Awash N.P - Drive to Harar Early in the morning we will visit the Awash National Park, with wonderful birdlife, hot springs, and the Awash waterfalls. After our break with nature, we continue to Harar for overnight. Harar is a place apart. With its 368 alleyways squeezed in to just 1sq km, it???s more reminiscent of Fez in morocco than it is of any other Ethiopian city. Its countless mosques and shrines, coffee ???scented streets, animate exciting market place - probably the most colorful in Ethiopia, crumbling walls and charming people will make us feel like we???ve floated right out of the 21 century and back though time. Harar is considered to be Islamic forth most Holy city after Makah, Medina and Jerusalem. . Overnight stay Hotel Day 15: In Harar After breakfast we will visit The City Wall, the Gates and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari Gegar houses, the colorful Muslim and Christian markets (known for basketry). After lunch visit the Hareri museum, Rimbaud House, a fine traditional house dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harer. Finally we will visit the traditional Hararie house within the famous walled city & the hyena-feeding ritual. Overnight stay Hotel
Day 16: Journey Back to Addis ...End of tour...
Remarks: Start/End: Tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa. Upon arriving in Addis ABABA You will be introduced with your guide and driver and then you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. A detailed itinerary and map would be provided for every member. Flexibility: This itinerary is subjected to certain degree of flexibility and change as per the group interest and ground conditions that may prevail. Fixed departures: the fixed departures are designed in a way to meet with the colorful market days Accompanies: Experienced group leader, Expert 4x4 drivers, local guides, Boat men, scout, Village leaders. Communication: mobile telephone will be provided to communicate with our base in Addis Ababa. Group Size: Max. 15, Min. 5 please contact for individual or other group size rate Transport: Fully insured 2010/11 Nissan patrol and/or Toyota land cruiser and 2010 Double AC Toyota HIACE minibuses for city tour. Three group members in one 4x4 basis. Accommodation: This tour assumes four star accommodations in Addis and the best available greener outside of Addis Ababa. The names of the Hotels used would be disclosed upon inquiry. This tour also assumes twin bed room arrangement. My Own Room: please do advice while booking if you are seeking a single room arrangement throughout the trip. Personal activities: please write to us your personal interests and more activities you want to add in this tour and we would be very happy to incorporate it. Local Currency: Ethiopian Birr.
Price includes:
Price excludes
A final copy of your Trip Details, local cost over view, Joining Instructions, Emergency Contact, What to Take, Checklist, Money Exchange, confirming prices and other practical information available upon inquiry. |