11 Days Northern Ethiopia Historic Sites

Day 01: Arrival and City Tour – Addis Ababa

Enat Ethiopia Tours welcomes all guests at Bole International Airport. For morning arrivals, begin your tour after hotel check-in. Visit Trinity Cathedral, the 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 (Flight)

Fly to Bahir Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana 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 (Drive)

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site with five castles from the 17th century. Explore Debre Birhan Selassie Church, known for its angel-covered ceiling. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Gondar’s Royal Enclosure — a fortress of Ethiopian imperial legacy.

Day 04: Gondar – Simien Mountains

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

Day 05: 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)

Day 06: 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 07: Axum – Tigray Churches – Hawzen

Journey through the Tigray landscape to Debre Tsion Abune Abreham Monastery, carved from living rock. Continue to Yohannes Makudi Church, nestled between sandstone cliffs. Arrive in Hawzen for overnight. Overnight: Hotel/Lodge (B, L, D)

Tigray’s rock-hewn churches — spiritual sanctuaries carved into cliffs.

Day 08: Tigray Churches – Mekelle

Hike to Abune Yemata Guh, perched atop a mountain with ancient 3rd-century paintings. After lunch, drive to Mekelle, stopping at local markets along the way. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 09: Mekelle – Lalibela

Full-day scenic drive to Lalibela (7–8 hours). Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy sunset views from your hotel terrace. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10: Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches

Tour Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, carved over 800 years ago. Explore monolithic and semi-monolithic structures, passageways, tunnels, and religious art. Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Lalibela’s sacred architecture — carved from stone, steeped in faith.

Day 11: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Departure

Visit remaining churches in Lalibela. Fly to Addis Ababa. Optional half-day city tour and farewell dinner with cultural music and dance. Transfer to airport for late-night departure. (B, L)

Lake Tana & Monasteries

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. Its island monasteries preserve centuries-old manuscripts and religious art.

Gondar’s Imperial Legacy

Gondar’s castles reflect a blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian architecture. The Royal Enclosure is a symbol of Ethiopia’s imperial strength.

Tigray’s Cliffside Churches

Tigray’s churches are carved into sandstone cliffs, accessible only by foot or rope. These sacred spaces offer breathtaking views and spiritual solitude.

Lalibela’s Living Heritage

Lalibela’s churches remain active places of worship. Their intricate carvings and underground passages make them one of the world’s great architectural wonders.