Ethiopia
Departure Date: |
August 16, 2007 |
Return to the US: |
August 25, 2007 |
Duration: |
10 Days |
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Day 1:
Depart the United States from Washington Dulles International Airport in the evening for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Meals will be served on board.
Day 2:
Arrival in Addis Ababa. Transfer to Ghion Hotel, an attractive resort hotel comprised of a converted palace and modern 3-story building, located in down town near Meskel square, the hotel has its own gardens.
Day 3:
In Amharic, Addis Ababa means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, this city is located 2,500m above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain (3,000m above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round. It is a pleasant city with wide avenues of Jacaranda trees with lavender petals, interesting museums and one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known as "Mercato". This day will be spent visiting the Trinity Cathedral (built 1941), Addis Ababa University's Ethnological Museum, National Museum, the Entoto and the Grand Market or "Mercato".
Day 4:
Transfer to the airport for an early flight to Bahirdar. The flight takes 40-45 minutes. Bahirdar is a pleasant town located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Upon arrival drive some 35km to the Blue Nile Falls which is known locally as "Tissiat"(smoking water) falls. 10m (328ft.) wide, the water plunges for 45m (148ft.), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend the other side. We cross the Blue Nile River by a papyrus boat to return to the point of departure.
After lunch, take a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit two of the more than fifteen 12 century Island Monasteries. This evening, we'll witness the most fantastic African sunset on Lake Tana.
Day 5:
Morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to Gondar. Gondar was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia where a succession of kings built 8 castles starting with King Fasil. The sightseeing of Gondar includes the compound of the castles, the open air bath of King Fasil the monasteries of Qusquom where Empress Mentuwab was buried and the Debre Berhan Selassie famous for its 16th century wall paintings and frescoes.
Day 6:
An early drive (6:00AM) will take us to Semien National Park head quarters (115km) at around 8:00 AM. The whole day will be spent enjoying the natural beauty of the park and observing some of its endemic animals like the Chelada Baboon, the Red Fox and Nyala Ibex. There will be some trekking for those who can and are interested. Overnight is in a wonderful newly built lodge suitable to admire nature throughout the night.
Day 7:
The first half of this day will be the continuation of the exploration and admiration of the park. After lunch, we drive back to Gondar.
Day 8:
Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Lalibella. After check-in tour of the famous eleven rock-hewn churches built in the 12th century. These monolithic churches were carved out of the pink granite rock by King Lalibella later sainted by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Today it is classified as a UNESCO world Heritage site.
Day 9:
A flight will take us to Addis for a possible last minute souvenir shopping and an early dinner in a local restaurant with live folk music and dance. From there transfer to the airport for a flight back home.
Day 10:
Arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport beaming with stories from Ethiopia. Proceed through immigration and customs. Welcome home!
Tour Includes:
Airfare from Washington Dulles International
All local flights in Ethiopia
Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy
All sightseeing and wildlife safari per itinerary
Fees for museums, parks
Breakfasts and dinners daily
All local transfers and transportation per itinerary
Orientation
Price:
$3,499
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