Highlights: Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Simien Mountains, Gondar
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Morning:
- Arrive in Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport).
- Check into your hotel (e.g., Hyatt Regency or Jupiter International Hotel).
- Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia – see Lucy, one of the oldest hominid skeletons ever found.
Afternoon:
- Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral – an important Orthodox Christian site.
- Lunch at Kategna Restaurant (authentic Ethiopian cuisine).
- Explore Merkato – one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Evening:
- Dinner at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant – traditional food with live music and dance.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly to Lalibela – The Rock-Hewn Churches
Morning:
- Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela (1-hour flight).
- Check in at Mezena Lodge or Cliff Edge Hotel.
- Visit the Northern Church Cluster – includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Ben Abeba Restaurant – great views and fusion dishes.
- Visit the Southern Cluster of churches (e.g., Bet Giyorgis – the iconic cross-shaped church).
- Walk through the village to experience rural life.
Evening:
- Sunset view from Asheten Mariam Monastery (optional hike or mule ride).
- Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park – Nature & Wildlife
Morning:
- Drive or fly to Gondar, then transfer to Simien Mountains National Park (3-4 hours from Gondar).
- Check in at Simien Lodge or camp if desired.
- Start exploring the park: hike to Sankaber, with views of cliffs and valleys.
Afternoon:
- Spot gelada baboons, walia ibex, and lammergeiers (bearded vultures).
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Return to lodge or campsite.
Evening:
- Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
- Enjoy the clear skies and starry night.
Day 4: Gondar – Castles & Churches
Morning:
- Drive back to Gondar.
- Visit Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) – castles and palaces of Ethiopian emperors.
- See Fasilides’ Bath, used for the annual Timkat celebration.
Afternoon:
- Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church – famous for its angel-covered ceiling.
- Lunch at Four Sisters Restaurant.
Evening:
- Optional coffee ceremony at a local café.
- Overnight at Goha Hotel or Mayleko Lodge in Gondar.
Day 5: Return to Addis Ababa – Departure
Morning:
- Fly back to Addis Ababa.
- Last-minute shopping for coffee, spices, traditional crafts.
- Visit Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University if time permits.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Five Loaves or Tobia Restaurant.
- Relax or enjoy a local coffee ceremony.
- Transfer to airport for international departure.
