Days 1-2: Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Arrive in Addis Ababa (“New Flower”), Ethiopia’s capital city. Located in the central highlands at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet, it is rich in impressive monuments and colonial architecture.

Transfer from the airport, and settle in to your hotel.
►Suggested hotel:
Sheraton Addis

Day 3: Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Relax this morning before visiting the National Archaeological Museum and meeting its famous guest, Lucy, whose 3.4 million-year-old bones may be viewed in replica. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum, which chronicles Ethiopia’s rich ethnic diversity.
►Suggested hotel:
Sheraton Addis

Day 4: Addis Ababa / Bahir Dar, ETHIOPIA
Board a short flight to Bahir Dar, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Travel overland to 328-foot-wide Blue Nile Falls (locally called Tissiat, or “Smoking Water”); the plunging falls give rise to picturesque steam clouds and rainbows. After lunch, embark on a cruise of Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia. There, visit monasteries dating back to the 14th century AD.
►Suggested hotel:
Kuriftu Resort

Day 5: Bahir Dar / Gondar, ETHIOPIA
Famous for medieval castles and churches that earned its nickname, “the Camelot of Africa,” Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiladas as the royal capital of Ethiopia. Explore Fasiladas Palace, the Quskuam Church and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, its walls and ceiling decorated with Biblical and medieval scenes; legend has it that the church was saved from marauding invaders by the timely intervention of a swarm of bees.
►Suggested hotel:
Goha Hotel

Day 6: Gondar, ETHIOPIA
The Simien Mountains are a geographical marvel, where pinnacles of solidified lava rise from a moon-like landscape. This is the site of Ras Dashan, the highest point in Ethiopia and fourth-highest in Africa; explore the escarpments of Sankaber, while soaking up the breathtaking panorama. Meanwhile, encounter resident species — the walia ibex, gelada, Ethiopian wolf — and more than 50 species of birds, the lammergeyer among them. On first glance, lush scenery dispels any preconceived notions that this is a barren, dry land.

While here, you also may visit Ethiopian Jews at a former Beta Israel village.
►Suggested hotel:
Goha Hotel

Day 7: Gondar / Axum, ETHIOPIA
Today, explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, a massive structure with finely mortared stone walls and an impressive drainage system. Continue to the church of Saint Mary of Zion; according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, it houses the Biblical Ark of the Covenant.
►Suggested hotel:
Yeha Hotel

Day 8: Axum / Lalibela, ETHIOPIA
Journey to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities and a center of pilgrimage for most of the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the “New Jerusalem” due to its monolithic churches and rock-cut architecture.
►Suggested hotel:
Mountain View Hotel

Day 9: Lalibela, ETHIOPIA
After breakfast, travel to Nakutoleab, a monastery hewn from a rock cave on the outskirts of the city. Proceed to the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including the well-preserved, Greek cross-shaped Bete Giorgis, which is situated in a deep trench with perpendicular walls.

Attend a time-honored coffee ceremony, observing the roasting and brewing process, which is done in a special jebena (clay kettle).
►Suggested hotel:
Mountain View Hotel

Day 10: Lalibela / Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Return to Addis Ababa and your hotel, where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.
►Suggested hotel:
Sheraton Addis

Day 11: Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
This morning, visit the Cathedral of St. George (Giorgis Cathedral). Designed traditionally in octagonal form, it was built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa. The cathedral houses the work of Afewerk Tekle, renowned Ethiopian artist behind the stained glass windows of Africa Hall. Explore the small museum on the grounds before continuing to Holy Trinity Cathedral, site of thrones and tombs of the emperors and royal family members.

Return to your hotel, where you may relax until your evening airport transfer and departure flight.
►Suggested hotel:
Sheraton Addis  (dayroom)

Day 12: Arrive Home
Connect with your homebound flight.