Ethiopian Orthodox & Hidden Monasteries

Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity & Hidden Monasteries – 8 Days / 7 Nights

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. George Cathedral in Addis Ababa
  • Explore Lake Tana’s peaceful island monasteries
  • Discover Axum — the heart of Ethiopian Christianity and home to the Ark of the Covenant
  • Hike to Abuna Yemata Guh — a breathtaking church carved into a cliffside
  • Witness Lalibela’s legendary rock-hewn churches, including St. George’s Church
Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – Orthodox Heritage Tour

  1. Welcome at Bole International Airport
  2. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Ethiopia
  3. Explore Entoto Maryam Church, where Emperor Menelik II was crowned
  4. Visit George Cathedral(home to Emperor Haile Selassie’s coronation)
  5. Evening Ethiopian coffee ceremony& cultural dinner
  6. Overnight in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight ~1 hr) – Lake Tana Monasteries

  1. Morning flight to Bahir Dar
  2. Boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting island monasteries:
    1. Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery(beautiful frescoes)
    2. Azwa Maryam(peaceful setting with unique murals)
  3. Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat)in the afternoon
  4. Overnight in Bahir Dar

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar (Drive ~3 hrs) – Historic Churches

  1. Drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s "Camelot"
  2. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angelic ceiling paintings
  3. Explore Gondar’s Royal Enclosureand Fasilides’ Bath
  4. Overnight in Gondar

Day 4: Gondar – Axum (Flight ~1 hr) – Church of the Ark of the Covenant

  1. Morning flight to Axum, the heart of Ethiopian Christianity
  2. Visit Mary of Zion Church, the legendary home of the Ark of the Covenant
  3. Explore the Axum Obelisks(UNESCO site)
  4. Discover the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and Bath
  5. Overnight in Axum
Day 5

Day 5: Axum – Debre Damo Monastery – Hawzien (Drive ~4 hrs)

  1. Drive to Debre Damo Monastery(accessible only by climbing a rope – men only)
  2. Stop at Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest pre-Christian temple (~2,800 years old)
  3. Continue to Hawzien, a gateway to the Gheralta rock-hewn churches
  4. Overnight in Hawzien Lodge

Day 6: Gheralta Rock Churches – Abuna Yemata Guh Hike

  1. Morning hike to Abuna Yemata Guh, a breathtaking rock-hewn church perched on a cliffside (only for adventurous travelers)
  2. Visit Maryam Korkorand Daniel Korkor churches, known for their ancient frescoes
  3. Experience traditional Tigrayan village life
  4. Overnight in Hawzien

Day 7: Hawzien – Lalibela (Drive ~6 hrs) – Sunset at St. George’s Church

  1. Scenic drive to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s "New Jerusalem"
  2. Visit Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church)at sunset
  3. Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
  4. Overnight in Lalibela

Day 8: Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches – Addis Ababa (Flight ~1 hr)

  1. Explore the UNESCO-listed churches of Lalibela, including:
    1. Bet Medhane Alem(largest rock-hewn church)
    2. Bet Maryam& Bet Emanuel (beautiful carvings)
  2. Optional visit to Yemrehanna Kristos Church(built inside a cave)
  3. Flight back to Addis Ababa
  4. Farewell traditional Ethiopian dinner
  5. Evening transfer to Bole International Airport for departure

End Of Tour

What's Included:

Private vehicle & professional driver (4WD Land Cruiser or Minivan)

Domestic flights (Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar, Gondar – Axum, Lalibela – Addis Ababa)

English-speaking professional guide

All entrance fees to historical sites, monasteries, and churches

Accommodation in hotels/lodges (double/twin occupancy)

Meals: Daily breakfast

Airport transfers

What's Excluded:

International flights

Lunch and dinner (can be arranged upon request)

Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)

Tips for guides/drivers

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