Today after breakfast we undertake a city tour to get an impression of this 5 mill metropole which host also the headquarters of the AU (African union).  The tour ends with a visit to the National Museum where we learn more about the origin of mankind.  After lunch we transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Bahir Dar.  We are met by our guide, briefed and transferred to Kuriftu Lodge on the shores of Lake Tana for dinner and overnight.

Flight: 1hr 15 minutes

Activities: city tour, museum visit

Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort

Meal Plan: HB

In the morning, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (which does not allow entry for women.)  After lunch, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike around the area. In the late afternoon we return to Barhir Dar, just in time to drive up to Haile Selassie’s old palace to watch the sunset over the Blue Nile.  For dinner and overnight we return to our hotel.

Driving: 117km

Activities: boat ride, Blue Nile Falls hike

Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort

Meal Plan: HB

After breakfast, drive to Gondar, appreciating the landscape of the Amhara tribe on the way. Gondar is known for the walled Fasil Ghebbi fortress and palace compound, which were once seat of Ethiopian emperors. Dominating it, is the immense 17th-century castle of Emperor Fasilides, which combines Portuguese, Indian and local architectural styles. Outside the complex is Debre Berhan Selassie church, with an interior of elaborate murals, including a ceiling of faces. After visiting these historic sites and a lunch at the city center we drive to Goha Hotel for dinner and overnight overlooking the city.

Driving: 6km

Activities: Fasil Ghebbi fortress, Debre Berhan Selassie church

Accommodation: Goha Hotel

Meal Plan: HB

Today we have a long drive before us. The 350km road is tarmacked. It is a good alternative as it gives some insight into the life of the Ethiopian Amhara rural population. We will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as we travel through this dramatic landscape. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Panoramic Hotel and enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets.  Dinner and Overnight will be at the Panoramic hotel.

Driving: 350km

Activities: sight seeing  

Accommodation: Panoramic Hotel

Meal Plan: HB

After breakfast, we visit the first group of the 11 rock-hewn monolithic churches. This world-famous rock-hewn churches were built by King Lalibela in the early 13th Century.  One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. Most travel writers describe these churches as the "eighth wonder of the world". These remarkable edifices were carved out of a solid rock, in a region where the ragged landscape still protects the churches. After lunch we visit a local village to learn more about the life of the people in this sparse mountainous land. For dinner and overnight we return to our hotel.

Accommodation:  Panoramic Hotel

Driving : 

Activity: Sight seeing  

Meal plan: B, L, D

After breakfast we undertake a morning excursion along a rocky path through a beautiful mountainous landscape to the Asheten Maryam Monastery. The trek can be made by foot or mule. We drive the first part up to the carpark at 3000m with incredible view over Lalibela below. After a 30 minute walk we arrive at the highest Monastery in Ethiopia at 3100m.  We return for lunch to Lalibela town and visit another spectacular monastery – The Yemrehana  Kritos – about 40 km north of Lalibela town. The church is located inside a large natural cavern on a hill in northern Ethiopia, set in a spectacular landscape of juniper trees, predating the famous nearby rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by almost a century.  For dinner and overnight we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Panoramic Hotel

Driving: 100 Km, Time: 3 to 4 hours

Activity:  Sightseeing, 2hour hike 

Meal plan: B, L, D

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Addis.  After an optional lunch, a 30 - 45 min drive will take us up to the historic Entoto Mariam (St. Mary) Church and Museum. From here we will be able to see the vast parts of Addis Ababa from an impressive viewpoint. After exploring the historic church, we head towards King Menelik's palace, whose empress founded Addis Ababa. The palace was established when Menelik moved from Ankober to Addis. The palace and museum both testify to the simple taste Emperor Menelik and Empress Taitu had.  We conclude the day with a traditional dinner with live music and traditional dances.  Overnight will be at the Friendship Hotel.

Accommodation: Friendship Hotel 

Flight: 1 hr 15 minutes 

Activity:  Sightseeing 

Meal plan: B, L, D

Our todays destination is Awash National Park in the East of Addis Ababa.  A 3 hours’ drive takes us just in time for lunch to the Awash Falls Lodge. The 75 000 ha Park is mostly covered by shrub savannah and open grassland, with exception of the left shore of the Awash River, which is a dense gallery forest and home to several species of wildlife such as Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, the tiny Salt Dik-Dik, the lesser and greater Kudus, Warthogs, Defarsa waterbuck, Anubis and Hamadryas baboons, Colobus and Grivet monkeys, Leopards, Lions, Golden Jackals, and, Servals Cats. After lunch we embark on a game drive and return for dinner and overnight to the lodge. 

Accommodation:  Doho Lodge

Driving: 230 Km, Time: 3 hours

Activity:  game drives

Meal plan: B, L, D

We leave Awash National Park and drive further East for at least 4 hours. We arrive just in time for lunch at Hara Ras Hotel.  The major beauties of Harar are its colorful people and its unique atmosphere. It's a pleasure to walk around the city, look at the people and bargain at the markets. As a centre of commerce, which it used to be, Harar feels like a place where people live and let live. We have opportunity to visit the hyena man the Feeding wild hyenas outside the walled city.  Dinner and overnight will be Harar Ras hotel.

Accommodation:  Harar Ras Hotel

Driving: 344Km, Time: 3 hours

Activity:  sight-seeing 

Meal plan: B, L, D

We stroll with an eloquent guide through the 16th century walled city of Harar, the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. As we walk through in the narrow alleyways of city paths passing through its colorful houses we visit Sheriff Museum (former Ras Teferi Honeymoon house) and Harari National Cultural Center.  We also see the home of Arthur Rimbuad, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a "gun-runner" during the 19th century. Meals and overnight will be at the Harar Ras Hotel.

Accommodation:  Harar Ras Hotel

Driving: 10km

Activities: cultural encounters 

Meal plan: DB

Today we check out for a drive to Dire Dawa where we board a flight to Addis Ababa. Here we shall connect with our onward international departure flight.