Across Kingdoms and Sacred Landscapes: The Essence of Northern Ethiopia
Code / 1678
This 10-day adventure takes you deep into the cultural and spiritual heart of Ethiopia. From island monasteries on Lake Tana to the rock-hewn wonders of Lalibela, and from the royal castles of Gondar to the legendary city of Axum — you’ll journey across time, landscapes, and civilizations. Along the way, you’ll meet local communities building new futures with ancient wisdom.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Why This Tour Matters
This journey isn’t just about visiting monuments. It’s about witnessing how the past lives on in the present — in the faith of a priest at sunrise, in the quiet strength of a village elder, and in the dreams of a student in a remote school. It’s a journey that invites connection, reflection, and awe.
This tour is more than a sightseeing trip — it’s a passage through some of the most revered and mystical sites in East Africa. Every step brings you closer to Ethiopia’s layered identity: a land where Christianity took root in the 4th century, where empires rose and fell, and where stories carved in stone continue to echo through generations.
Whether you’re drawn by the sacred, the historical, the natural, or the human — this journey offers them all, intricately woven together.
Program
Fly north to Bahir Dar and begin your exploration with a boat trip on Lake Tana, the second-largest lake in Africa. Visit Ura Kidane Mehret, a 16th-century circular church adorned with vivid murals and sacred relics.
In the afternoon, hike to the Blue Nile Falls — known locally as Tissisat (“the smoking water”) — a dramatic cascade surrounded by rainbows and mist. End the day with sunset views over the lake.
Drive to Gondar, once the capital of imperial Ethiopia. Visit the majestic Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure, and admire the sacred art of Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its angel-covered ceiling and rumored connection to the Ark of the Covenant.
Journey into Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO-listed wonderland of dramatic cliffs and rare wildlife. From Debark, drive to Sankaber for sweeping views and a chance to spot Gelada baboons or the stunning Jinbar Waterfall. Overnight in the highland town of Debark.
Travel to Axum, the ancient city of queens and kings. After lunch and check-in, begin your introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage Site — the cradle of Ethiopian civilization and a spiritual beacon for millions.
Visit the Temple of Yeha, built over 2,500 years ago and considered Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure. Back in Axum, explore the Stele Park, King Kaleb’s tombs, Ezana inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s palace and pool, and the Church of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Fly to Lalibela, a city of devotion carved in stone. Visit the first group of 12th-century rock-hewn churches, including Biete Medhane Alem, the world’s largest monolithic church, and the iconic Biete Giyorgis. Later, drive 45 km to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos, hidden in a forested hill. Dinner at the spectacular Ben Abeba Restaurant, suspended above the valley.
In the morning, hike or drive to a mountaintop monastery, home to ancient relics and panoramic views.
After lunch, visit the remaining rock-hewn churches. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dinner with traditional dishes, local honey wine (tej), and dancing.
Trek or ride mules to Baregota Village, where a local young man, Amlaku Teshome, turned a dream of education into a full-scale rural development project.
Visit agricultural projects, clean water systems, and the village school, and stay overnight in a basic but welcoming guesthouse or tents. The next morning, explore more of the community, including a 1,000-year-old church, before returning to Lalibela.
Fly back to the capital. Our staff will welcome you and assist with your hotel transfer. Take time to explore Addis — from local cafés to craft markets — or rest in preparation for your final day.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your return flight. Optional visits to Merkato Market, a local museum, or a traditional restaurant can be arranged depending on your flight schedule.
Euro 1.400
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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