10 Days Historical Ethiopia Tours

Day 01: Addis Ababa

Arrival at Bole International Airport. Enat Ethiopia Tours greets all guests regardless of arrival time. For morning arrivals, begin your tour after hotel check-in. Visit Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, and the Ethnographic Museum. Drive to Entoto Hills for panoramic views and visit Maryam Church. Stop at Sheromeda cloth market and explore Mercato or Sholla Market. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 02: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

Fly to Bahir Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, and visit two monasteries on the Zege Peninsula: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, or Bete Maryam. End the day with sunset views from Bezawit Hills. Overnight: Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 03: Bahir Dar – Gondar

Morning drive to the Blue Nile Falls (seasonal). Return to Bahir Dar for lunch, then drive to Gondar via Awra Amba village. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Lake Tana monastery — centuries-old spiritual heritage on Ethiopia’s largest lake.

Day 04: Gondar City Tour

Visit Kuskuam ruins, built for Empress Mentewab. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site with five castles from the 17th century. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 05: Gondar – Simien Mountains

Drive to Sankabar, gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy light hiking and spot endemic wildlife like the Gelada baboon. Overnight: Lodge/Camping (B, L, D)

Day 06: Simien Mountains – Axum

Scenic drive to Axum with stops at viewpoints. Arrive late afternoon in the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Axum’s stelae field — towering obelisks from Ethiopia’s ancient empire.

Day 07: Axum City Tour

Visit the stelae fields, including the 24-meter obelisk returned from Rome in 2005. Explore the Archaeological Museum and St. Mary Tsion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Visit additional tombs and sites as time permits. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 08: Axum – Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela. Tour the rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the mountainside over 800 years ago. Visit the largest monolithic church in the world and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and injera baking demo. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 09: Lalibela Excursion

Choose between a mule-assisted hike to Mount Asheton Monastery or a drive to Yemrehanna Kristos Church, built inside a cave. Continue touring Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10: Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa. Visit the Ethnographic or National Museum (home of “Lucy”). Optional souvenir shopping. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and dance. Transfer to airport for late-night departure. (B, L, D)

Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches — a spiritual marvel carved from living stone.
[/caption>

Lake Tana & Monasteries

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. Its islands and peninsulas host centuries-old monasteries filled with religious art and manuscripts.

Gondar’s Castles

Gondar was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia. Its Royal Enclosure showcases a unique blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian architectural styles.

Axumite Legacy

Axum was the center of an ancient empire that traded with Rome and India. Its stelae, tombs, and legends of the Ark of the Covenant make it a key historical site.

Lalibela’s Sacred Stone

Lalibela’s churches were carved directly into the rock in the 12th century. They remain active places of worship and are considered one of the world’s great architectural wonders.