Historic Northern Route: Lalibela, Axum, Gondar & Bahir Dar
Code / 1686
Step into the living past of Ethiopia with this 8-day journey through the country's most iconic historical towns. From sacred rock churches and ancient obelisks to royal castles and island monasteries, this tour offers an unforgettable immersion into Ethiopia’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural legacy — set against the breathtaking landscapes of the northern highlands.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Timeless Architecture
Marvel at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the monolithic stelae of Axum, and the medieval castles of Gondar.
Spiritual Heritage
Discover sacred sites central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, many still active today.
UNESCO Sites of Global Significance
Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving millennia of cultural memory.
Living Culture
Witness traditions, rituals, and local crafts passed down through generations — and still thriving.
Rich Landscapes
Explore highland villages, mountain monasteries, river valleys, and the vast calm of Lake Tana.
Community Encounters
Connect with villagers in Baregota, where local initiatives are reshaping the future of a remote community.
Authentic Flavors
Enjoy the distinctive cuisine of northern Ethiopia — spicy wats, fresh injera, and honey mead.
Archaeological Depth
Visit museums, ruins, and sacred relics that reveal Ethiopia’s ancient civilizations and early Christian roots.
Program
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and begin your exploration of the 12th-century rock-hewn churches — often called the "eighth wonder of the world." Walk through trenches and tunnels to discover Biete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and the striking Biete Giyorgis. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a rare cave church from the 11th century. Enjoy dinner at the iconic Ben Abeba restaurant, with sweeping views over the mountains.
Venture to a mountaintop monastery above Lalibela, where ancient relics and panoramic views await. After lunch, return to visit the remaining seven rock churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal, sip locally brewed tej (honey wine), and take part in a joyful dance performance.
Hike (or ride a mule) 8 km to Baregota Village, where Amlaku Teshome’s visionary work has transformed life through education and sustainable agriculture. Spend the night in a guesthouse or tent, surrounded by stunning scenery. The next morning, continue exploring the village — perhaps visiting a 1,000-year-old church and a vibrant local school — before returning to Lalibela.
Start the day with an optional Orthodox Mass before flying to Axum, one of Africa’s most ancient cities. Explore the Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral of Zion (believed to house the Ark of the Covenant), and the remarkable Stele Park. Visit the ruins of King Menelik I’s palace, dating back to 950 BC.
Arrive in Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital in the 17th century. Visit Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), a complex of castles and palaces, and step into the painted world of Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its angel-covered ceiling.
Drive to Bahir Dar, passing through mountain roads and rural villages. Experience the awe-inspiring Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tissisat ("smoking water"). Optional: hike to the base of the falls and cross the Nile in a traditional papyrus boat.
Take a morning boat trip across Lake Tana to explore the Zege Peninsula’s ancient monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Kibran Gebriel. After lunch, visit Bahir Dar’s local market and historic palace. Fly back to Addis Ababa for optional shopping at Merkato and a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. Airport transfer included.
Euro 990
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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