Day 1 - Washington DC Depart Washington Dulles International
on morning flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Day 2 - Addis Ababa Arrive to Addis Ababa in morning. Check
into hotel in Addis Ababa, a name which means “new flower.” The city was founded
in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and his consort Queen Taytu. Addis Ababa is the
continent's diplomatic capital with over seventy embassies and consular offices
and the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is
a lively city rich with beauty and culture. Begin our tour with a drive up to
Mount Entoto. The panorama from the peak is breathtaking. Enjoy a visit to
Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all the churches. Visit the
Ethnological Museum, an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia's rich
ethnic diversity. The museum has an impressive array of religious crosses,
triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassie's bedroom and bathroom. Dinner
and overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 3 - Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar This morning fly to Bahir Dar,
a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in
Ethiopia. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and
monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. Upon arrival in
Bahir Dar, check in to hotel. Then enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the
13th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, the most famous of the Zege
peninsula monasteries with a very beautiful painted maqdas. Later in the day,
embark on a city tour of Bahir Dar, visiting the market, the palace of Emperor
Haile Selassie (view point only—as it is not permitted to enter), Weyto Villages
and the deacon school at Trinity. Dinner and overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 4 - Bahir Dar/Gondar In the morning fly to Gondar. Upon
arrival, check into hotel. Gondar was the first capital of the Ethiopian Empire,
which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. Gondar is referred to as the
Camelot of Africa. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various
emperors over the course of 236 years. Visit the royal enclosure containing six
castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels, raisedwalkways and several
smaller buildings. Take a tour of the bathing palace of King Fasilidas. Later,
proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its walls and
ceilings decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Dinner and
overnight in Gondar.
Day 5 - Gondar/Lalibella Fly to Lalibela, described as the
eighth wonder of the world, for two days of touring what is considered to be one
of the holiest cities in Ethiopia. Lalibela, with its beautiful rock hewn
churches, is on the UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites. Start our exploration
with the twelve majestic rock-hewn churches. Begin with the breathtaking Bette
Giorgis church, carved in the shape of a cross and set apart from the other
church groupings. Other churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete
Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha and Bete Mikael. Dinner and overnight in
Lalibela.
Day 6 - Lalibela Today we will visit the church of Yimrhane
Kristos. This exquisite church, a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone
construction is renowned for its interior decoration, its beautiful wooden
coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions with both figurative and
geometric motifs. Drive back to Lalibela. In the afternoon, we will visit the
remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Day 7 - Lalibela/Axum We will be transferred to the airport
for the flight to Axum. Once the center of a great empire, and the seat of
learning for the ancient Ge'ez language and literature, Axum is the prime
historical site in the North of Ethiopia. Take the city tour of Axum that
includes: the Stelae Park, St. Mary's Church, the Sanctuary Chapel which is the
repository of the ‘Ark of the Covenant,' the Coronation Yard, Queen of Sheba's
palace ruins, Axum Museum to view its impressive array of regional art
crafts—some dating back more than 2,000 years, and the quarry where the stelaes
used to be made. Today we will attend a service with our local brothers and
sisters. Dinner and overnight in Axum.
Day 8 - Axum/Addis Ababa Take the return flight to Addis
Ababa. Enjoy day at leisure. This will be our opportunity to go back to the
market to shop, or visit the United Nations Conference Center on our own. In the
evening, enjoy a “farewell dinner” where we will taste various national dishes,
and watch dances of various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. A traditional coffee
ceremony will also be served. We will then be transferred to the airport for our
flight home.
Day 9 - Washington DC Today our journey ends with memories
that will last us forever. Arrival in the USA the same day.