Day 1. Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, welcome by Marathon Ethiopia tour driver/guide and transfer to a hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival you will visit the National Museum where 3.4 million years old hominid skeleton (Lucy) is displayed, the trinity church and Merkato (the biggest open air market in Africa).

Overnight in hotel/Guest house.

 

Day 2. Addis Ababa-Bahirdar

Board short flight to Bahirdar, and transfer to hotel for check-in, and then drive about 32kms to discover the Blue Nile falls (locally called Tissiat, or “Smoking Water”); the plunging falls give rise to picturesque steam clouds and rainbows. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mehret & Azua Mariam.

Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 3. Bahirdar-Gondar

Morning, drive 172km to Gondar, city of castles and churches. Afternoon visit the castle compound of Emperor Fasilides, 17 century Debre Birhan Sellasie church (light of Trinity) famous for its mural paintings & King Fasiladas' bath and palace of Empress Mintewab.

Overnight hotel.

 

Day 4. Gondar-Axum

Early in the morning a short flight will take you to Axum, the house of giant obelisks. After check in to a hotel, you will visit the Stele of Axum, the Inscription of Ezana, Queen Sheba’s Palace, the Famous St. Mary of Zion Church, Ruins of Ancient Palaces (built until 4th Century A.D.) and the remaining archaeological sites.

Overnight hotel.

 

Day 5. Axum-Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela, the 8th wonder of the world, and in the afternoon visit the first and third group of rock-hewn churches consisting of Bet MEDHANEALEM, Bet MARIAM, Bet MESKEL, Bet DENAGIL, Bet MIKAEL/GOLGOTHA, and Bet GHIORGIS.

Overnight hotel

 

Day 6. Lalibela

Morning, visit Asheten Mariam church by mule. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet RAFAEL/GEBRIEL, Bet MERKORIOS, Bet EMANUEL, and Bet ABBA LIBANOS.

Overnight hotel

 

Day 7. Lalibela-Addis Ababa

Fly back to Addis, and arrive in Addis Ababa early afternoon and enjoy some shopping for souvenir. Depending on your flight time you will be taken to Ethiopian Traditional restaurant for a farewell dinner and to see Ethiopian cultural dance, then be transferred out to Airport for return flight back home.