Timket in Gondar

Group participants will arrive during the course of the day off international flights from around the world. You will check in to the Golden Tulip hotel where you will stay two nights.

In the evening the tour leader will host a group meal to conduct a tour briefing and answer pre-departure questions.

Full day guided tour of Addis Ababa.

This day provides an excellent grounding on the key periods of Ethiopia’s history – the understanding of which will underpin the technicolour experiences of Ethiopia's famed historical circuit that you are about to enjoy. Today's itinerary will include Trinity Cathedral, Mt Entoto, the Avenue of Independence, the Merkato (Africa’s largest open-air market) and importantly the National Museum.

There will be time in the afternoon to relax and prepare for departing Addis early the following day.

Early start today to catch the first flight up to Bahir Dar, a lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana, and which marks the entrance to Ethiopia's Northern Circuit.

Check-in and drop your bags at the Bahir Dar before heading off on a boat trip along Lake Tana to see the densley wooded, famed Monasteries of the Zeig Peninsula. Serving remote fishing communities, they are unimpressive from the outside but contain some of the most beautiful friezes and carvings of any Ethiopian church.

After an early breakfast, drive along the northern shores of Lake Tana towards the famed Blue Nile Falls, one of the most impressive natural sights in Ethiopia. From here, head north to the historic town of Gondar, famed for its fairytale castles of King Fasilidies and his lineage (17th century), which feel somewhat surreal and unexpected in Africa.

This afternoon marks the start of Timket kicking off with Ketera.

Spend three nights at The Goha Hotel.

Today you will witness the celebration of Timket – Ethiopia’s equivalent to Epiphany and the most important date on their religious calendar. Gondar is renowned for having one of the most elaborate celebrations of Timket and we will ensure excellent seats so you can enjoy the spectacle fully. Your guide will explain a little about the day before you leave the hotel and answer any questions as the ceremony is going on, making it a very rewarding experience.

Timket continues today, but you will also have a chance to visit the historical sites of Gondar. Visit the Imperial Compound for the wonderful 17th-century castles where your guide will give you a full tour and teach you more about one of the great seats of Ethiopian royalty. Finally, visit the church of Debre Berhan Selassie where you can gaze up at its stunning painted roof.

Today you will travel 2 hours to Simiens National Park. Here you will enjoy walking through the simply stunning landscapes for which the area is renowned. Along the way there will be a chance to see some wildlife including the geraldas and the striking walia ibex. It is also a great spot for birders, with rare raptors often seen around the clifftops.

Please note: the guide will make an assessment of the exact route based upon the capabilities of the group to ensure everyone can enjoy the walking as much as possible.

Stay two nights at Simien Lodge.

Today you will enjoy a full day of walking in the Simien Mountains giving you a chance to really explore the area and to see contrasting scenery. Keep an eye out for geraldas and the striking walia ibex which if you are lucky you will see.

Please note: the guide will make an assessment of the exact route based upon the capabilities of the group to ensure everyone can enjoy the walking as much as possible.

This morning you will travel approx 2 hours to Gondar airport and from there fly to Lalibela, an ancient town perched high in the mountains and the most famous stop on Ethiopia’s historical circuit. Make sure you look out the plane window as you come into Lalibela, as seeing the rock churches from the air is wonderful and gives you a sense of their scale.

After dropping your bags at Hotel Maribela where you will be staying for the next 2 nights, you will head into town to visit the first of the two “clusters” of rock-hewn Churches (11 churches in all) that were carved out of the red sandstone in the 12^th and 13^th centuries. A truly spectacular afternoon.

Take a drive into the mountains for the short trek up to the ancient cave Monastery called Yemerehana Kristos. One of the most important historic sights in the country, the façade resembles a layered chocolate cake and a visit here is the highlight of any trip.

This afternoon you will finish your church tour by visiting the second cluster of churches before rounding off the day at Beit Gyorgis, the last of the churches and the only freestanding monolith in the region.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight to Addis Ababa. From the airport you will be transferred back to The Golden Tulip Hotel where you will have use of a day room and all of the hotel facilities until checking-out this evening.

A transfer will take you back to the airport in good time for the Ethiopian Airlines flight back to London Heathrow, arriving tomorrow morning.