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Niki Sando

Travel specialist

020 7808 6780

020 7808 6780

Lead Price
From £4950pp
Duration
12 days & 11 nights
Itinerary Type
Group Tour
Holiday Type
General Interest
Tour Highlights

Ethiopian Odyssey

With its unusual Orthodox Christian heritage and table-topping number of UNESCO sites, Ethiopia stands out from the crowd. It is one of the few countries in Africa to have never been colonised. This journey through Ethiopia’s historical and natural highlights, from rock-hewn churches to monkey-strewn mountains, reveals the influences that have shaped it into the enthralling destination of today.
Dates and prices

Itinerary

YEAR:
DAY 1: Fly to Addis Ababa
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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.

DAY 2: Addis Ababa
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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)

DAY 3: Adadi Mariam - Tiya stelae field
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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)

DAY 4: Lalibela
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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)

Accommodation: Mezena Resort & Spa
DAY 5: Lalibela
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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)

Accommodation: Mezena Resort & Spa
DAY 6: Bahir Dar
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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)

DAY 7: Blue Nile - Lake Tana
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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)

DAY 8: Gondar
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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)

Accommodation: Mayleko Lodge
DAY 9: Simien Mountains National Park
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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)

DAY 10: Simien Mountains National Park
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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)

DAY 11: Addis Ababa - Fly to London
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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)

DAY 12: Arrive in London
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Arrive in London

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

Sorry, this itinerary is not Available on the selected date
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The Cox & Kings signature experiences

  • Tour the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the 3-million-year-old bones of Lucy
  • Visit lesser-known Adadi Mariam, Ethiopia’s southernmost rock-hewn church
  • Experience the Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana from the water
  • Enjoy private access to a viewing point on the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains
  • Small group size – average 10 people (max 18)

Important information

Guaranteed departures
Where a tour date shows ‘Guaranteed departure’, this tour is guaranteed to run. For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Dates and prices
Unless otherwise stated, the tour prices and upgrade supplements are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin/double room. The online price is a guideline price; your final quote may differ due to flight availability, and you may be asked to pay a flight supplement.

What's included

  • 3-star accommodation
  • Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
  • Small group size - average 10 people (max 18)
  • International flights
  • Internal flights as specified
  • Transfers
  • Experienced local tour manager
  • 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 10 dinners
  • Welcome drink to meet the group & guide
  • Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
  • Festival departures including Timkat

Is your preferred tour date fully booked?

Please call or submit an enquiry about late availability.

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Small groups promise a more personal touring experience. That’s why Cox & Kings maintains a maximum group size of 18 guests on most tours, and an average of just 14.

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