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HISTORICAL ETHIOPIA
Historical & Cultural Safari |
| LOCATION:
Ethiopia |
| DAYS:
8 Days |
| FITNESS
LEVEL: Easy |
| SAFARI
HIGHLIGHTS: Limited Group Size * Addis Ababa * All
Accomodations in Africa * Bahir Dar * Gondar * Lalibela
* Axum * Complete Pre-Tour Documentation * Site of the
Arc of the Covenant * "Lucy" Site * Tour Bag
& Tags * All Meals Included * Transfers to & from
Airport Included * Internal Ethiopia Air * All Entrance
Fees Included * Professional English Speaking Guides * |
| "Rich
in history, the cradle of human civilization, Ethiopia
offers a land of many contrasts and extremes. Transport
yourself back in time in the rich ethnic history of the
people, the land and the spiritual sides that make Ethiopia
one of the most culturaly magnificient destinations in
the world." |
|
Package
Price
| Contact Born Free
|
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ETHIOPIA
Day
1 - Arrive in Addis Ababa
The name of the capital city of Ethiopia, in Amharic means “New
Flower”. Addis, which was founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is located
at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of Entoto
mountain chain. It enjoys an excellent climate all year round. Addis
Ababa is a pleasant city with side avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting
museums and one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known
as the “Merkato”. It also has a good number of restaurants, hotels
and discotheques. On your arrival you will be welcomed by our staff
then transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Hilton Hotel
(D)
Day
2 - Bahir Dar
After early breakfast transfer to Bole International Airport to
fly to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara National Regional State.
Upon arrival to the lakeside hotel called Tana Hotel, which is situated
in center of the city just nearby the Market place. After check-in
to your hotel, drive to the spectacular water falls called the Blue
Nile Falls. Tiss Abay is the small town where we leave the vehicle
behind and climb to the best vantage point of the falls, which vary
in depth depending on the season.
Tana Hotel
(BLD)
Day
3 - Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana,
the largest lake in Ethiopia. The lake is endowed with 37 islands
out of which 20 of them have got monasteries (some do not allow
females). This afternoon, you visit the Zege peninsula for its famous
14th century monasteries of Ura Kidanemihret, Azewa Mariam and the
island monastery of Kibran Gebriel (where only men are allowed)
for their wonderful 16th century mural paintings, crowns, crosses
and many old church treasures. On the way back to Bahir Dar you
visit the mouth of Blue Nile River where it begins its long journey.
Tana Hotel
(BLD)
Day
4 - Gondar
Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian empire, which
began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are
a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236
years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic
influences. In the afternoon, we visit the palaces, residences and
baths of Fasilidas; afterwards, we visit the church of Debre Berhan
Selassie (Light of the Trinity), which is located at the summit
of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated
with beautiful frescos.
Goha Hotel
(BLD)
Day
5 - Lalibela
After a relaxing morning, transfer to the airport to leave for Lalibela
which used to be called Roha until the end of 12th century. Today
visit the little town of Lalibela. The people have embraced the
remarkably excavated 12th century eleven rock hewn churches that
are registered as one of the world wonders. After lunch and a short
rest, visit the first group of the incredibly hewn out churches
that symbolize the New Jerusalem. While entering to each church,
you are kindly requested to take off shoes and dress modestly. This
behavior should be applied to all churches in Ethiopia.
Roha Hotel
(BLD)
Day
6 - Lalibela
This morning there will be optional excursion tour: After an early
breakfast trek, half way mule or horse ride, to the 13th century
rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam which stands over 3000 meters
high. The road is very steep and looks like a twisted rope hugging
the wall and has very beautiful scenery along this rewarding experience.
This afternoon, you will visit of the second group of churches,
an additional five, which includes one of the most beautiful and
monolithic cruciform churches of St. George. It is said to be the
the very symbolization of Noah’s Arc.
Roha Hotel
(BLD)
Day
7 - Axum
Early this morning you will have the option to attend the daily
mass which takes place in every church. Then, after breakfast at
the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. While
in Axum there will be a great many things to do. Including: Visit
the Archeological museum, the Zion Cathedral where the original
Arc of the Covenant is still found, the stele park which holds a
magnificent single block of stones that was erected in the 3rd century
and the ruined palace and Bath of the Queen of Sheba who was the
mother of King Menelik I in 950 BC and tombs of the early century
Kings.
Yeha Hotel
(BLD)
Day
8 - Addis Ababa/Departure
After a relaxing morning, transfer to Axum Airport and fly to Addis
Ababa. Depending on your time of arrival, you will have a short
time city tour of Addis Ababa that will include the National Museum
where the human ancestor Lucy is displaced. After a fare well dinner
party in a traditional restaurant & folklore house, you will
be transferred to the airport for return home or your next destination.
You will be provided a day room for today excursions.
Hilton Hotel
(BLD)
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