10-Day Northern Ethiopia Historical Tour

Day 1: Jan. 04, 2025 – Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your Enat Tours representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation after your journey.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Jan. 05, 2025 – Addis Ababa Sightseeing

Visit the National Museum (home of Lucy), the Ethnological Museum, Trinity Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Entoto Hills. Explore Ethiopia’s cultural and historical heritage in depth.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 3: Jan. 06, 2025 – Fly to Lalibela & Ethiopian Christmas Eve Ceremony

Fly to Lalibela. After check-in, begin exploring the first group of rock-hewn churches — architectural marvels carved from volcanic rock. In the evening, join locals for the vibrant Ethiopian Christmas ceremony, surrounded by chanting pilgrims and candlelight processions.

Ethiopian Christmas Eve in Lalibela—where devotion meets timeless stone sanctuaries.

Overnight: Lalibela

Day 4: Jan. 07, 2025 – Lalibela Christmas Day Celebrations

Attend the early morning Ethiopian Christmas celebration at Bet Medhane Alem and surrounding churches. Spend the day exploring the remaining church cluster, each with its own architectural style and spiritual story.

Overnight: Lalibela

Day 5: Jan. 08, 2025 – Fly to Gondar & Explore Royal Sites

Fly to Gondar and tour the Royal Enclosure with its castles and palaces. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its winged cherub ceiling, and the bathing pool of Fasilides, an important site for the upcoming Timkat celebration.

Overnight: Gondar

Day 6: Jan. 09, 2025 – Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park and enjoy short hikes through jagged escarpments and afro-alpine terrain. Spot Gelada baboons and take in breathtaking views from panoramic lookouts.

Simien sunrise—where nature’s drama unfolds across sky-splitting peaks.

Overnight: Simien Lodge or campsite

Day 7: Jan. 09, 2025 – Hike Chenek Trail & Return to Gondar

Explore Chenek and hike to spot rare Wallia Ibex among high-altitude lobelias. Absorb dramatic views of cliffs and valleys before returning to Gondar in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Gondar

Day 8: Jan. 10, 2025 – Drive to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana Boat Cruise

Drive to Bahir Dar and enjoy lunch lakeside before boarding a boat to explore Lake Tana’s island monasteries. Discover ancient manuscripts and vibrant frescoes while cruising through Ethiopia’s sacred highland waters.

Lake Tana’s tranquil waters—where monasteries guard centuries of sacred tradition.

Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 9: Jan. 11, 2025 – Blue Nile Falls Excursion

Boat across Lake Tana to visit monasteries before heading to Tiss Abay to view the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”). Marvel at the roaring cascade and mist-filled ravine before returning to Bahir Dar for the evening.

Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 10: Jan. 12, 2025 – Fly to Addis Ababa & Farewell Celebration

Fly back to Addis Ababa for shopping and a farewell dinner featuring traditional music, dance, and Ethiopian cuisine. Reflect on the adventure before your airport transfer.

End of Tour