About This Journey
A journey through the historical and cultural highlights of Northern Ethiopia. This 10-day tour takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the Simien Mountains, the archaeological treasures of Axum, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the medieval castles of Gondar. Accompanied by a French-speaking guide, you will discover the richness of Ethiopian civilization.
Tour Highlights
Visit the National Museum and Adewa Museum in Addis
Discovery of the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat)
Lake Tana cruise and monastery visits
Fasilides Castles in Gondar (UNESCO)
Debre Birhan Selassie Church with angel frescoes
Gelada Baboon observation in the Simien Mountains
Obelisks and tombs of Axum (UNESCO)
Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela (UNESCO)
Farewell dinner with traditional show
French-speaking guide throughout the tour
Guide Languages
Available languages for your tour guide
BOOK WITH 100% CONFIDENCE
Official Guarantees & Accreditations
Since 2006
Based in Addis Ababa
Local tour operatorETOA Member
Tour Operators Assoc.
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Buyer ProtectionDay by Day Itinerary
Your journey, mapped and detailed day by day
Day1
Evening arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport. Welcome by our team and transfer to the hotel.
Airport welcome
Transfer to hotel
Overnight: Sky Light Hotel
Day2
Morning flight to Bahir Dar. Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), known as "smoking water". Discovery of the city and its gardens along Lake Tana.
Flight Addis → Bahir Dar
Blue Nile Falls
Discovery of Bahir Dar
Overnight: Unison Hotel
Day3
Boat cruise on Lake Tana. Visit the Azwa Mariam and Dega Estifanos monasteries, richly decorated with medieval frescoes. Afternoon drive to Gondar.
Lake Tana cruise
Azwa Mariam and Dega Estifanos Monasteries
Drive to Gondar
Overnight: Hill Resort
Day4
Visit the Fasilides Castles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovery of Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel ceiling frescoes. Visit the Fasilides Baths.
Fasilides Castles
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Fasilides Baths
Overnight: Hill Resort
Day5
Drive to Debark, gateway to the Simien National Park. Short hike in the park to encounter Gelada Baboons ("bleeding-heart baboons"), endemic to Ethiopia. Overnight at the lodge in the park.
Drive to Debark
Hike in Simien
Gelada Baboon observation
Overnight: Simien Lodge
Day6
Descent from the Simien massif and drive to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Kingdom.
Descent of Simien
Drive to Axum
Spectacular landscapes
Overnight: Consular Hotel
Day7
Discovery of Axum: obelisk field, tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel, Church of St. Mary of Zion, said to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Axum Obelisks
Royal Tombs
Church of St. Mary of Zion
Overnight: Consular Hotel
Day8
Morning flight to Lalibela. Afternoon exploration of the northern group of rock-hewn churches: Bete Medhane Alem (largest monolithic church in the world), Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael.
Flight Axum → Lalibela
Northern church group
Bete Medhane Alem
Overnight: Mezena Lodge
Day9
Visit the southern group of churches: Bete Giyorgis (St. George's Church), carved in the shape of a Greek cross, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Gabriel-Raphael.
Bete Giyorgis (St. George)
Southern church group
Optional hike to Asheton Maryam
Overnight: Mezena Lodge
Day10
Return flight to Addis Ababa. Free afternoon for souvenir shopping or visit to Merkato. Evening: farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with Ethiopian dance show. Transfer to the airport.
Flight Lalibela → Addis
Traditional farewell dinner
Ethiopian dance show
Comfortable Stays Throughout Your Journey
Carefully selected accommodations that blend comfort with authentic local character.
4 Star
Sky Light Hotel
Addis Ababa
1 Night
Days: 1
4-star hotel in the city center with comfortable rooms, restaurant and quality services.
3 Star
Unison Hotel
Bahir Dar
1 Night
Days: 2
Comfortable 3-star hotel with views of Lake Tana.
4 Star
Hill Resort
Gondar
2 Nights
Days: 3, 4
4-star resort with panoramic views of Gondar and modern comfort.
3 Star
Simien Lodge
Simien National Park
1 Night
Days: 5
Unique lodge in the park offering an immersive experience in the Simien Mountains.
3 Star
Consular Hotel
Axum
2 Nights
Days: 6, 7
Comfortable 3-star hotel near the main sites of Axum.
4 Star
Mezena Lodge
Lalibela
2 Nights
Days: 8, 9
4-star lodge with views of the Lalibela mountains, close to the churches.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What is included and what is not
What's Included
- Private vehicle with English-speaking driver (fuel and allowance included)
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation as mentioned in double/twin room
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Day 1: dinner only
- Local English-speaking guide for visits
- Professional French-speaking guide (flights and allowance included)
- All entrance fees to mentioned sites
- Mineral water in the vehicle
- Farewell dinner on Day 10 (show included)
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights (3 sectors) – supplement $350 / person
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses (tips, purchases, etc.)
- Electronic visa fees
Available Departure Dates
Dec
15
2026
Dec 24, 2026
Guaranteed departure
11 places available
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you book
The dry season from October to March is ideal, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing.
The hikes are moderate, typically 2-3 hours on uneven terrain, but can be adapted to your fitness level. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for varying temperatures, sun protection, and a rain jacket if traveling during the rainy season.
Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary, typically breakfast daily and some dinners. Lunches are often at local restaurants at your own expense.
It is advisable to drink bottled or purified water throughout the trip. Avoid ice in drinks and raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.
