Ethiopia is the epitome of the entire sub-Sahara ecosystem where rare indigenous animals roam free, birdlife abounds and colorful wild flowers and native plants carpet the land. Ethiopia is a nation comprised of more than 80 different ethnic groups, the heritage and traditions of each blending to form a unique and colorful mosaic. Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating to the very beginning of mankind. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba, a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdom sand ancient mysteries. Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa, has a heritage dating back to the first century AD. Traders from Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt knew of the riches of what is now Ethiopia, and by the first century AD, Axum was the capital of a great empire.
This realm became one of the first Christian lands of Africa. Late in the 10th Century, Axum declined and a new Zagwe dynasty, centred in what is now Lalibela, ruled the land. Axum, Lalibela and Gonder now provide the greatest historical legacy. It was in the 16th century that the son of the great explorer Vasco Da Gama came to Ethiopia. He found a land of many kingdoms and provinces beset by feuds and war. In the 19th Century, under the leadership of the great Emperor Menelik, the country's passage to modernization began. The following are some of Ethiopia's historical attractions.
AXUM - Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links in the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire flourished 3,000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent stelae or obelisks, the graves of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary bath of the Queen of Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was built based on an earlier 4th Century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum houses are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors.
DEBRE DAMO -Some 76 km from Axum is the monastery of Debre Damo, which is said to have the oldest existing intact church in Ethiopia. Local tradition says that Abune Aregawi, one of the nine Saints, built the church in the 16th Century. The Monastery of Debre Damo can only be reached by rope pulley. It is worth noting that the monastery is closed to women.
YEHA - Some 55 km east of Axum is the 5th Century B.C temple of Yeha. Its massive walls house Judaic relics and historic artifacts.
Lalibela King Lalibela is credited with the foundation of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th Century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. These remarkable edifices were carved out of solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism. The 11 man made churches are found in and around the town of Lalibela. Other churches are reached by a 45-minute drive by 4x4 vehicles, or a three hour mule ride. The venue for some of the most famous church festivals in Ethiopia, a visit during the great celebrations of Timket (Epiphany) is particularly rewarding.
Bahar Dar is a small town set on the south-eastern shore of Lake Tana, where local fishermen still use papyrus boats. It is just 30 km from the spectacular Tisisat Falls. Here the Blue Nile creates "Smoking Water" an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below. From Bahar Dar you can explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, or on its many Islands. These include Dek Stephanos with its priceless collections of icons, the remains of several medieval emperors, Kebran Gabriel and Ura Kidane Mehret with its famous frescoes. The colourful local market at Bahar Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers.
Gonder was the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia and is notable for its medieval castles and churches. The City's unique imperial compound contains a number of castles built between 1632 and 1855 by the various emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike others in Africa, display a richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia. Other treasures of Gonder include the 18th century palace of Ras Beit, the bath of Fasilades, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals.
HARAR -Dating back to 1520, the city of Harar is an ancient and holy city. Always an important trading centre, the city is famous for its ancient buildings, its great city walls and with 99 mosques, the town is also known as a centre of Muslim learning. The city is noted for its superb handicrafts that include woven textiles, basket ware, silverware and handsomely bound books. Harar has been a place of pilgrimage from all over the world for many years.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - ADDIS ABABA Transfer to airport for flight to Addis Ababa and meet one of our representatives in the airport and Transfer to hotel. Overnight Ghion Hotel
Day 2 - DEBREMARKOS Drive to Debre Markos with visits to Entoto Hills/Entoto Maryam Church, Chancho/Durba/Muga Gorge, Blue Nile Gorge with Portuguese Bridge and Debre Libanos Monastery, church in Debre Markos. Overnight Tourist Hotel
Day 3 - BAHIRDAR Drive to Bahirdar, photo stops for topography and up on arrival in Bahirdar drive to the Blue Nile falls 30kms away from Bahirdar, visit the villages and evening back to Bahirdar. Overnight Tana Hotel.
Day 4 - BAHAR DAR/LAKE TANA Full day in Bahirdar- Cruise on Lake Tana to Zeghe Peninsula and Ura Kidane Mehret, to visit the Murals of the 14th C, Kibran Gabriel Monastery for the parchments and different crosses of ancient Christian times and ancient books, and Weyito Market Overnight Tana Hotel
Day 5 - GONDAR Drive to Gondar--- Visit Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, Royal Enclosure of King Fasilidas, Fasilidas’ Baths, Kusquam Complex with Palace of Empress Mentewab, Overnight Goha Hotel.
Day 6 - SANKABER Excursion to Semien Mountains National Park (World Heritage Site by UNESCO) to visit its exceptional natural beauty which includes superb scenery, endemic fauna and flora. Among other endemics it is here that the Gelada Baboon (bleeding heart Baboon) is found. Overnight Semien Park Hotel
Day 7 - AXUM Drive to Axum through the escarpments of the semien mountain National park and the beautiful valley of Tekeze. Overnight Yeha Hotel.
Day 8 - AXUM Full day in Axum ---- We will see the remarkable stelae or obelisks, the largest single pieces of stone standing anywhere on the world, castles of former monarchs, the Axum Museum and Mariam tsion Church, built on the site of Ethiopia's first church AD, and palace of Sheba and the Gundit stelae field, King Ezana’s inscriptions and the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel . Overnight Yeha Hotel
Day 9 - ADIGRAT Drive to Adigrat- en route visit Debredamo monastery the first sub Saharan Christian church - -Yeha Temple- a pagan temple of the 5th C BC and Aba Garima Monastery -Overnight Hohoma Hotel.
Day 10 - TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES Drive to Gerhalta Mountains-and visit the famous rock churches of Tigray Yohannes Makudi, Dugum Silassie and Mariam Korkur Churches- Overnight Axum Hotel .
Day 11 - TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES Drive to Astbe-and visit Micheal Imba and Micheal Debre selam rock churches. Overnight Axum Hotel.
Day 12 - LALIBELA drive to Lalibela –visit the famous cave church-Yimrahine Kirstos-which means in English-let Christ lead us –a church which was built in the time of Zaguwe dynasty. And after dinner go to church to attend the mass prayer of the eve of Christmas. Overnight Roha Hotel
Day 13 - LALIBELA Full day in Lalibela- and Visit the first group of churches and second group of churches and Bete Giorgis Church. Overnight Overnight Roha Hotel
Day 14 - DESSIE Drive to Dessie and en route visit the medieval time monastery called Nakutola’ab near Lalibela. Overnight Lalibela hotel .
Day 15 - ADDIS ABABA In the morning drive to Addis Ababa en route visit Haiq Estifanos Monastery and in the evening After having Ethiopian traditional dinner and dance in one of the renowned restaurant of Addis Ababa You will be transferred to the Air port for your departure home
EXTRA INFORMATION
High lights Historic Route: Rich History, monuments, churches, monasteries, castles, Rock churches, palaces, mural paintings Lake Tana and falls, villages, people and landscape, active …and more Accommodation: 3-4 stared accommodation Temperature: Average Daily High temperature is 25°C and Daily Low temperature is 8°C in most of the town stated in the itinerary in the month of August Clothing and other items: light clothes-shirt, khakis, sun-hat, sunglasses, Fur Jacket for night, UV protection, torch and spare batteries, Meals: Restaurant and Hotel meal.Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance. - One bottle of water per day per person. - No teeth brush, tooth paste, hair shampoo and shower Gel provide at all Hotel. Visa: in Bole international airport. See more details on. Travelers who are citizens of North America, European and Asian Countries will get visa up on Arrival
