Ethiopian Odyssey

Ethiopia: Ancient Civilisation & Dramatic Landscapes

Small Group Tour – 2025
Meal Key: B – Breakfast | L – Lunch | D – Dinner | N – No meals

Overview

The only African country never to be colonised, Ethiopia stands apart with its rich Orthodox Christian traditions, preserved even as its neighbours embraced Islam in the 7th century. This journey explores one of the world’s oldest cultures through ancient capitals, rock-hewn churches, imperial castles, dramatic highlands, and sacred monasteries—an enthralling expedition through a land little explored by tourists and shaped by layers of profound history.

Day 1: Fly to Addis Ababa

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Meals: N

Day 2: Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, the world’s third-highest capital city.
Afternoon city tour including:

• Ethnographic Museum
• Holy Trinity Cathedral
  Enjoy a pre-dinner welcome drink.
  Accommodation: Golden Tulip Hotel (or similar)
  Meals: L, D

Day 3: Fly to Mekelle • Drive to Hawzien

Morning flight to Mekelle.
Short tour of Mekelle, including Bete Yohannes. En route to Hawzien, visit:

• Wukro Cherkos
• Abraha Atsbeha (rock-hewn churches)
  Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge (or similar)
  Meals: B, L, D

Days 4–5: Axum

Drive to Axum and stay 2 nights.
Visit:

• Tombs of King Kaleb & Gebra Meskel
• Queen of Sheba’s Palace & Swimming Pool
• King Ezana’s Stone
• Axum Stele Park
• St Mary of Zion Cathedral & Chapel of the Tablet (said to house the Ark of the Covenant)
• Axum Museum
  Accommodation: Sabean Hotel (or similar)
  Meals: B, L, D

Days 6–7: Lalibela via Gondar

Fly to Lalibela via Gondar.
Explore the UNESCO-listed 11 rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Church of St George.

Optional excursions:

• Morning trek to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting)
• Visit to Nakutelab Cave Church
  Afternoon: Explore the south-east cluster of churches.
  Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (or similar)
  Meals: B, L, D

Days 8–9: Gondar • Simien Mountains

Fly to Gondar, then visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famous for its angelic ceiling murals.

Continue to Simien Mountain Lodge for a 2-night stay.

• Evening talk on gelada monkeys
• Drive to Chennek to see the rare walia ibex
• View gelada monkeys, walk to a scenic waterfall, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
  Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Gondar

Return to Gondar for a 1-night stay.
Visit:

• Castles of Emperor Fasiladas
• Queen Mentuab’s Palace
  Accommodation: Mayleko Lodge (or similar)
  Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Gorgora • Lake Tana • Bahir Dar

Drive to Gorgora, visiting the Debre Sina Mariam Monastery.
Cross Lake Tana by boat to visit:

• Narga Selassie Monastery
• URA Kidane Mihret
• Azwa Mariam on the Zege Peninsula
  Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort & Spa (or similar) – 2 nights
  Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: Blue Nile Falls • Bahir Dar

Morning visit to the Blue Nile Falls (Tissisat).
Afternoon:

• Visit the Bezawit Palace
• Explore Bahir Dar market
  Optional: Spa treatments at the resort.
  Meals: B, L, D

Days 13–14: Fly to London via Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa and take a short visit to the Mercato.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant.
Late-night transfer to the airport for return flight to London.
Meals: B, L, D (Day 13), N (Day 14)