Ethiopian Odyssey

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Niki Sando
Travel specialist
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Ethiopian Odyssey
Itinerary
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.
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
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
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