Captivating, unparalleled and simply awesome are apt words to describe the wonders found on the historical circuit in the northern region of Ethiopia, whether its the castles and churches of Gonder and Lalibela, or the plateaus and canyons of the Tigray and Simien Mountains. This tour will give you an unforgettable 13 days, or if your time is limited you could consider the 8 day option.

Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa.
City tour including the National Museum, the Ethnological Museum which was part of the late emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. Also the Merkato, the biggest open- ir market in Africa.

Day 2: Drive from Addis to Debre Markos.
Enroute visit the 13th century monastery of Debre Libanos, and the 16th Century Portugese bridge.

Day 3: Drive Debre Markos – Bahir Dar.

Day 4: Boat trip on Lake Tana to Zege peninsula.
Visit two of the two churches, including the 16th century Ura Kidane Meret monastery. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which drop about 45m down the outlet of the Blue Nile.

Day 5: Drive to Gonder.
Once the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century. Known as the ‘Camelot of Africa’ there are several medieval castles and churches. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and marvel at its ceiling, decorated with paintings of beautiful winged angels. Fasilada’s Palace has been impressively restored to its former glory, as has the charming sunken pool known as Fasilada’s Bath.

Day 6: Drive Gonder – Axum.
With the dramatic Simien mountain as a backdrop.

Day 7: Visit Axum.
Including the St Mary of Zion church (believed to house the Arc of Covenent), the ancient Axum obelisks (stelae) – including the world’s tallest-, the tomb of King Kaleb and other archeological sites.

Day 8: Drive Axum – Mekele.
En-route visit Yeha, the first capital city of Ethiopia, with ruins dating back to the 5th century B.C. and then on to Mekele, capital of the Tigray region.

Day 9: Drive Mekele – Lalibela.

Day 10: Visit Lalibela’s.
12th century rock-hewn monolithic churches. Not only Ethiopia’s top attraction, but one of Christianity’s most important historical sites. Lalibela was the capital of the Zagwe Dynasty in the 12 and 13 centuries.

Day 11: Drive Lalibela – Kombolcha.
Through the highlands of Tigray.

Day 12: Drive Kombolcha – Addis.

Day 13: Addis.
Time to shop at (or just experience!) the Merkato – Addis’s huge market. Then a farewell dinner including traditional music and dancing.
Transfer to the airport and departure in the evening.