Ethiopian Odyssey

Fly to Addis Ababa

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Addis Ababa. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Addis Ababa

This afternoon, take a tour of the world’s third highest capital, with visits to the National Museum of Ethiopia, Ethnographic Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Enjoy a pre-dinner welcome drink and stay overnight at the Golden Tulip hotel (or similar). (L, D)

Adadi Mariam - Tiya stelae field

In the morning, visit Adadi Mariam, a striking, subterranean rock-hewn church less visited than those in Lalibela. Continue to the Tiya stelae field, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to 160 archaeological sites. Overnight at the Golden Tulip hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Lalibela

Fly to the town of Lalibela this morning, arriving in time for lunch at Ben Abeba restaurant. Then begin your tour of Lalibela’s rock-hewn, UNESCO-listed churches with a visit to the first group of six. The churches in this cluster lie in rock cradles, one behind the other. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest, resembles a Greek temple. In its corner are three symbolic graves representing the Biblical patriarchs of Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. Overnight at Mezena Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Lalibela

This morning, hike with mules up to the mountaintop monastery of Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). After lunch, you will visit the south-eastern cluster of Lalibela’s 11 rock-carved churches – smaller but more finely carved than those of the north. In the afternoon, experience Ethiopian hospitality during a traditional coffee ceremony. Overnight at Mezena Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Bahir Dar

Fly to the town of Bahir Dar, which means 'Beside the Sea' in the Amharic language – so named for its position on the southern shore of shimmering Lake Tana. Spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the peaceful jacaranda-fringed avenues, dotted with shops, restaurants and attractive architecture. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort Bahir Dar (or similar). (B, L, D)

Blue Nile - Lake Tana

In the morning, drive from Bahir Dar to the Blue Nile Falls, with sightseeing opportunities en route. The picturesque falls are known locally as Tissiat, which means ‘The Smoking Water’. This afternoon, take a relaxing boat trip, visiting two of the Lake Tana region’s prettiest monasteries, Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Maryam. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort Bahir Dar (or similar). (B, L, D)

Gondar

Today, drive to Ethiopia’s very own castle-filled ‘Camelot’, the medieval city of Gondar. Visit Fasilidas’ Bath, in which pilgrims still take a ceremonial plunge during the annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations. Overnight at Mayleko Lodge (or similar). (B,L,D)

Simien Mountains National Park

Set off on a scenic morning drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose rugged precipices and alpine valleys shelter all manner of interesting wildlife. This afternoon, drive to the Sankaber campsite for a hiking excursion up to the vertiginous Jinbar Falls. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for gelada monkeys as you go. Overnight at Simien Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Simien Mountains National Park

After a three-hour drive, arrive at the Chennek campsite for an exhilarating excursion in this biodiversity hot spot. You have the opportunity to explore on foot, admire phenomenal vistas and spot local fauna such as the endangered walia ibex, before settling down for a picnic lunch. Overnight at Simien Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Addis Ababa - Fly to London

Return to Gondar for a flight to Addis Ababa. There is time enough to visit bustling Mercato, Africa's largest open-air market, before catching your return flight home. Enjoy day-use of a room at the Golden Tulip hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Arrive in London

Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.