Northern HistoriC Route – 8 days

Travel through time in the Northern historic route of the Ethiopian highlands. First, starts from Bahir Dar and the source of the Blue Nile river. Then, proceed to Gondar and be enchanted by the castles compound built by the Kings of Ethiopia over 400 years ago. From here, enjoy an unforgettable day trekking in the Simien Mountains National Park and be amazed by the constructions found in Axum, home to the Ark of the Covenant.

End your journey in Lalibela with its stunning eleven rock-hewn churches, considered as one of the Eight Wonders of the World.

Aside from the architectural skills proved by Ethiopians through time, you will be able to enjoy the lifestyle of the charming local people and the marvellous wildlife. Thus, if this is your first time travelling to Ethiopia, we highly recommend you to keep it simple and start here.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE

• Lake Tana Monasteries
• Blue Nile falls
• Royal Enclosure in Gondar
• Trekking around the Simien Mountains
• Lalibela rock-hewn churches
• Axum stelae fields

Day 1
Fly to Bahir Dar. Visit the local market and take a boat trip on the Lake Tana to visit the monasteries of the Zege Peninsula. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a hike in the surroundings. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel)
Day 2
Drive to Gondar and visit the UNESCO Royal Enclosure, a group of castles from the 17th century. In the afternoon, visit the Debre Birhan Selassie church and the Fasilides bath area. Overnight in Gondar (hotel)
Day 3
Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park for trekking with overnight at the Simien Lodge or camping
Day 4
Drive to Axum through the Tekeze Valley, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum (hotel)
Day 5
City tour in Axum with visits to the Archeological Museum, the tombs, the stelae field and the Maryam Zion church. Overnight in Axum (hotel)
Day 6
Fly to Lalibela and visit the stunning rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel)
Day 7
Trek to Asheton Mountain and visit a 13th century rock-hewn monastery. In the afternoon, take part enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn how to bake injeera, the Ethiopian delicious stapple food. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel)
Day 8
Fly to Addis Ababa with time to do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell traditional dinner with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour