ITINERARY

November 1, 2027 – Depart the USA for Ethiopia – Depart from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) aboard your international flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Relax and enjoy your overnight journey as you prepare to discover one of Africa’s most historically and culturally significant destinations.

November 2, 2027 – Welcome to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and assisted with arrival formalities before transferring by private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. After checking in, enjoy time to relax and recover from your international flight. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a special Welcome Dinner, offering an introduction to Ethiopian hospitality and cuisine. Overnight: Addis Ababa.

November 3, 2027 – Discover Addis Ababa: History, Culture & Traditions – After breakfast, begin a full day of sightseeing in Ethiopia’s fascinating capital. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to important archaeological discoveries, including the famous fossil remains of Lucy. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the country’s most significant religious landmarks, before exploring the Ethnological Museum, where exhibits highlight Ethiopia’s diverse peoples, traditions, and cultural heritage. If time permits, visit a local market or artisan center to discover traditional crafts and handmade products. Conclude the day’s experiences with an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an important expression of the country’s hospitality and social traditions. Overnight: Addis Ababa.

November 4, 2027 – Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar: Lake Tana & Historic Monasteries – Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city located along the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. Upon arrival, embark on a private boat excursion across the lake to visit historic island and peninsula monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret and other accessible religious sites. Discover centuries-old religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sacred artifacts, and architectural treasures that reflect Ethiopia’s remarkable Christian heritage. Return to Bahir Dar following an enriching day of cultural and spiritual discovery. Overnight: Bahir Dar.

November 5, 2027 – Bahir Dar to Gondar: Ethiopia’s Royal Heritage – After breakfast, depart for Gondar, a historic city once celebrated as the imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, explore the magnificent Royal Enclosure, also known as Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkable castles, palaces, and fortified structures constructed during Ethiopia’s imperial era. Visit Fasilides’ Castle, one of the most recognizable landmarks within the complex, and continue to Fasilides’ Bath, an important historic and ceremonial site associated with Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. Learn about the royal dynasties, architectural influences, and cultural achievements that helped shape this extraordinary city. Overnight: Gondar.

November 6, 2027 – Gondar: Sacred Churches & Historic Treasures – Enjoy breakfast before continuing your exploration of Gondar’s rich religious and architectural heritage. Visit the beautiful Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its magnificent painted ceiling depicting rows of angelic faces and its exceptional religious artwork. Continue to Qusquam Monastery, associated with Empress Mentewab, and discover additional historical and spiritual landmarks that reveal the important role Gondar played in Ethiopia’s religious and imperial history. Your guide will provide insight into the traditions, artistic achievements, and enduring faith of the Ethiopian people. Overnight: Gondar.

November 7, 2027 – Simien Mountains: Spectacular Landscapes & Wildlife – Following breakfast, depart on a scenic excursion to the magnificent Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic escarpments, breathtaking mountain scenery, and remarkable wildlife. Travel through picturesque highland landscapes with opportunities to stop at accessible viewpoints and enjoy panoramic photographs. Weather and wildlife conditions permitting, observe the fascinating gelada monkeys, an endemic Ethiopian primate species frequently seen grazing in the highlands. This excursion will be planned as a comfortable sightseeing experience, with minimal walking and no strenuous hiking, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace. Return to Gondar after a memorable day surrounded by Ethiopia’s natural beauty. Overnight: Gondar.

November 8, 2027 – Gondar to Lalibela: The Sacred City of Rock-Hewn Churches – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary religious and historical destinations. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time and flight schedules, enjoy an introductory orientation to the historic town and its remarkable collection of medieval rock-hewn churches, which were carved directly into the surrounding volcanic rock. Learn about Lalibela’s importance as a pilgrimage destination and its enduring place within Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The remainder of the day is available for relaxation and preparation for the fascinating discoveries ahead. Overnight: Lalibela.

November 9, 2027 – Lalibela: The Magnificent Rock-Hewn Churches – Following breakfast, begin a guided exploration of Lalibela’s world-famous rock-hewn churches, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among Africa’s most remarkable architectural and religious achievements. Visit important churches within the complex, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, Bete Gabriel-Rufael, and Bete Amanuel, subject to site access and local religious restrictions. Discover the extraordinary engineering techniques used to carve these sacred structures from solid rock, admire ancient religious artwork, and learn about the spiritual traditions that continue to make Lalibela an active center of Ethiopian Christian worship. Overnight: Lalibela.

November 10, 2027 – Lalibela: Church of St. George & Cultural Discovery – After breakfast, continue your exploration of Lalibela with a visit to the iconic Bete Giyorgis, or Church of St. George, celebrated for its distinctive cross-shaped design and remarkable construction. Explore additional accessible churches and historical sites recommended by your local guide, allowing time to appreciate the religious significance, architecture, and traditions associated with these sacred landmarks. The sightseeing program will be conducted at a comfortable pace, with opportunities for rest and reflection. Later in the afternoon, enjoy time to browse local shops and artisan markets featuring traditional Ethiopian crafts, textiles, religious artwork, and handmade souvenirs. Overnight: Lalibela.

November 11, 2027 – Lalibela to Aksum via Addis Ababa: The Ancient Aksumite Kingdom – Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Aksum, with a connection through Addis Ababa, subject to available flight schedules. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin discovering one of Africa’s most important ancient civilizations. Visit the Northern Stelae Park, where towering carved stone monuments testify to the achievements and engineering skills of the powerful Aksumite Kingdom. Learn about Aksum’s historical importance as a center of trade, culture, and early Christianity, and enjoy an introduction to the archaeological treasures that make this region an essential destination for travelers interested in African history. Overnight: Aksum.

November 12, 2027 – Aksum: Ancient Monuments, Archaeology & Sacred History – After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive guided exploration of Aksum’s remarkable archaeological and religious heritage. Once the capital of a powerful ancient kingdom, Aksum played an important role in international trade, early African civilization, and the spread of Christianity. Today’s sightseeing program will include the following significant historical and sacred sites, subject to access and local conditions:

• Northern Stelae Park: Discover the monumental carved obelisks that symbolize the engineering and artistic achievements of the ancient Aksumite civilization.
• Aksum Archaeological Museum: Explore artifacts and historical exhibits that provide insight into the kingdom’s political, commercial, and cultural development.
• King Ezana’s Inscription: Examine an important historical monument associated with King Ezana and the rise of Christianity in the Aksumite Kingdom.
• Ancient Palace and Archaeological Sites: Visit surviving ruins and archaeological locations connected with Aksum’s royal and imperial history.
• Royal Tombs: Learn about the ancient burial traditions and monumental architecture associated with the kingdom’s rulers.
• Church of St. Mary of Zion: Discover one of Ethiopia’s most revered religious sites, traditionally associated with the Ark of the Covenant. Access to individual church buildings and sacred areas is governed by religious regulations. Overnight: Aksum.

November 13, 2027 – Aksum: Additional Historical Discoveries & Cultural Experiences – Following breakfast, continue exploring Aksum and its surrounding historical landscape, allowing additional time for important archaeological sites, religious landmarks, and cultural experiences not fully covered during the previous day’s program. Depending on local conditions and the recommendations of your guide, the day may include additional ancient ruins, historic churches, traditional communities, and opportunities to learn more about the customs and daily life of the region. Time will also be available for shopping, photography, and personal reflection. Gather with fellow travelers for a special Farewell Dinner, celebrating the experiences, friendships, and discoveries of your Ethiopian journey. Overnight: Aksum.

November 14, 2027 – Aksum to Addis Ababa: Departure for the USA – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa, where you will connect with your international return flight to the United States. If flight schedules and connection times permit, enjoy some additional free time in Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping or relaxation before departure. Your journey concludes with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s ancient civilizations, sacred traditions, extraordinary landscapes, and welcoming people.

Inclusions

International Air Transportation

• Round-trip international economy-class airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD) or New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), subject to confirmed flight arrangements.

Accommodations & Meals

• Four-star hotel accommodations throughout the program, subject to availability and local hotel classifications.
• Daily breakfast.
• Three lunches.
• Welcome Dinner.
• Farewell Dinner.
• Two additional dinners.

Transportation & Domestic Flights

• All required domestic flights as specified in the itinerary.
• Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Comfortable, air-conditioned ground transportation throughout the program, where available.
• Transfers between airports, hotels, and scheduled sightseeing locations.
• Assistance with domestic airport transfers and check-in.

Sightseeing & Guided Experiences

• Professional English-speaking guides throughout the program.
• Local guides at major historical, archaeological, and religious sites.
• Private boat excursion on Lake Tana, including visits to accessible historic monasteries.
• Scenic Simien Mountains excursion, emphasizing accessible viewpoints, comfortable sightseeing, and minimal walking.
• All scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.
• Required permits, conservation fees, church entrance fees, and other mandatory charges associated with included activities.

Exclusions

• Travel insurance, including medical, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation coverage.
• Ethiopian visa fees and any other applicable entry-document expenses.
• Optional tours, excursions, or activities not specifically listed in the itinerary.
• Meals and beverages not expressly identified as included.
• Alcoholic beverages and personal refreshments.
• Personal expenses, including shopping, laundry, telephone calls, and incidental hotel charges.
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel personnel, and other service providers, unless expressly included in the final tour agreement.
• Any additional services or arrangements not specifically identified under Tour Inclusions.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Accessibility and Physical Considerations: Ethiopia’s historic churches, archaeological sites, and religious landmarks may involve uneven terrain, stone pathways, steps, narrow passages, and changes in elevation. Although the itinerary is designed with a comfortable sightseeing pace and the Simien Mountains excursion will emphasize vehicle-based sightseeing, some locations may not be fully accessible to travelers with limited mobility. Participants should review their individual mobility needs with Xodus International Group before registration.