(A UNIT OF NOVA GROUP OF COMPANIES)

NOVA TRAVEL

Ethiopian Odyssey-14 Days

Itinerary-14 Days

Day 1: Fly to Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa. (N)

Day 2: Addis Ababa

Arrive in the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon city tour, including the Ethnographic Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral. Overnight at the Hotel. (L, D)

Day 3: Fly to Mekelle • Hawzien

Morning flight to Mekelle. Short tour of Mekelle, including Bete Yohannes. Drive to Hawzien. En route, visit the rock-hewn churches of Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha. Stay overnight at the Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Axum

Morning drive to Axum via the Temple of the Moon at Yeha and the monastery of Aba Germia to visit the museum, which contains a collection of ancient manuscripts. A lunch stop will be taken at Adwa. Stay 2 nights at  Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Axum

Morning excursion to the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebra Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent stele (obelisks). Afternoon visit to the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the Chapel of the Tablet, said to contain the Ark of the Covenant, as well as the Axum Museum. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Fly to Lalibela

Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. The site features 11 rock-hewn churches. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Lalibela

Morning walk up to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit the cave church Nakutelab, which is accessible by car. Afternoon visit to the south-east cluster of churches. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Fly to Gondar • Simien mountains

Fly to Gondar, located at the foot of the Simien mountains. Drive to the Lodge and stay for 2 nights. Evening documentary on gelada monkeys, endemic to this area. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Chennek • Simien mountains

Morning scenic drive to Chennek, home to the endemic walia ibex. Stop to view gelada monkeys and take a short walk to a waterfall. A picnic will be arranged in a scenic spot. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Gondar

Drive to Gondar and make a short visit to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie to see its murals. Stay 1 night at the Lodge. Afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Gorgora • Zeghe peninsula • Bahir Dar

Drive to Gorgora and visit the monastery of Debre Sina Mariam. Cross Lake Tana by boat and visit Narga Selassie. Continue to URA Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam on the Zeghe peninsula. Stay 2 nights at the Resort. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Blue Nile Falls • Bahir Dar

Visit the Blue Nile Falls at Tissisat. Afternoon visit to the Bezawit Palace and the market in Bahir Dar. Optional spa treatments available. (B, L, D)

Days 13-14: Fly back home via Addis Ababa

Morning flight to Addis Ababa. En route to your hotel stop for a short visit to the Mercato (open-air market). Day room at the Hotel Addis Ababa. Transfer to the airport. Fly back home.           (B, L, D) Arrive the next day. (N)