Price Available Soon

(based on double occupancy)

        Ethiopia Brochure 2012 Available soon 

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Depart from LaGuardia International Airport (NYC) en route to Addis Ababa (Meals on flight)

Day 2

Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capitol city, early in the evening and be assisted through customs.  Hotel check-in. Enjoy a city tour.  Dinner not provided.  Overnight at Hotel.

Trinity Church, Addis Ababa

Day 3

Panoramic view of Mount Entoto

City tour of Addis Ababa, continues. Visit the National Museum to see remains of Dinknesh (Lucy), dating 3.5 million years; Trinity Cathedral, known for its notable paintings, murals, beautiful stained glass windows and tombs of prominent figures including Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, Queen Menen; visit the Ethnological Museum; Mount Entoto to see the stupendous view of the city and visit Mercato Market, the largest open marketplace in Africa.  Depart for Bahir Dar. Hotel check in. (B/D.

Day 4

Bahir Dar is located on the shores of Lake Tana. In the afternoon take a boat ride over Lake Tana to visit the ancient island Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret containing frescos and elaborately painted walls depicting Biblical history and religious icons. See the tankwas (reed boats) which resemble the papyrus boats carved on the temples of Egypt.  (B/D)

Black Angels at Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery

Day 5

Gondar Castle Complex

Early breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a scenic drive to the city of Gondar. Hotel check-in. Visit the compound of the awe-inspiring 15th century medieval castles commissioned by King Fasiladas. See the  residences, palaces, and baths of King Fasiladas used for the annual Timket or Epiphany celebration. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) to see African frescos/murals, and Ethiopian religious icons; visit the African Agaw, Beta Israel (Falasha) people (descendants of Solomon and Queen Makeda (Queen of Sheba).  B/D

Timket Festival Pool

Day 6

St George's Rock-cut Church

 Flight to Lalibela. Hotel check in. Visit Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, mostly referred by many as “the living wonders of the world.”  These 11 magnificent structures were cut from solid rock by King Lalibela in the 12th century. We will walk to the village through the complex, bewildering labyrinth of underground tunnels to the monastery where the monks and nuns live.

Enjoy an evening traditional coffee ceremony performed by  by Ethiopians as a daily ritual and for guests as a welcoming drink. (B/D)

Coffee Ceremony

Day 7

Continue Lalibela sites. Visit the second group of awesome, rock-hewn churches and surrounding sacred monasteries where holy water flows.

Adventurous travelers will trek 12,000 ft above sea level by mule and by foot up Asheton Mountain to visit the  Asheton Miriam Monastery which houses ancient Christian relics of Ethiopia. The view is unmatchable and the victory of making the climb is absolutely unforgettable. 
 

Mountain trek to Asheton Monastery

Day 8

Tekenu

Early morning flight to Axum, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to the tallest standing tekenu (obelisk), monolith hewn from a single piece of granite. See the granite stone tombs of the ancient Axumite Kings; walk the halls of the palace remains of the legendary Queen Makeda (Queen of Sheba). See the 16th century Cathedral of Mary Sion (St. Mary of Zion) that houses the Ark of the Covenant.   Stand in awe at the site of the Adwa Hills, where the Ethiopian army defeated Italy in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa.  (B/D)

Day 9

We will journey to the Tigray region outside of Axum to visit the Temple of the Moon in Yeha.  It was constructed more than 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest surviving structure in Ethiopia.  (B/D)

Temple of the Moon in Yeha

Day 10

Christmas Service at Trinity Cathedral

Return to Addis Ababa.  Get in some last minute shopping.  Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar and consequently celebrates Christmas in January.  A Coptic Christmas service at Trinity Cathedral is a special treat. The chants are reminiscent of the traditional African American "Dr.Watts" hymns. (B/D)

Day 11

Ethiopian Dancers

Enjoy the final cultural farewell party in traditional Ethiopian style. We will enjoy delicious Ethiopian cuisine and honey wine, plus be entertained by wonderful dancers and musicians.  Don't be surprised if they pull you up on stage to join them.  Late evening departure from Addis Ababa to NYC. (B)

Day 12

Arrive at LaGuardia International Airport (NYC) with the memory of the sun and warmth of Ethiopia, East Africa indelibly etched on the slate of our memory.

Ethiopian Sunset

B=Breakfast   D=Dinner

A travel visa is mandatory for entry into Ethiopia.  For US passport holders, Ethiopia’s visa is $70 if obtained in the USA or $20.00 on arrival. 

Dr. Crawford’s 12-Day Tour Includes:

Round trip International air fare NYC/Addis Ababa/NYC

Modern and comfortable hotel accommodations

based on  twin-bedded rooms with bath

2 meals daily throughout (starting day 3 of the tour)

All transfers with assistance and portage

Sightseeing as per itinerary including entrance fees

Domestic air: Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Axum

Boat trip across Lake Tana

All service charges, and hotel taxes

English-speaking guides

Photo credits: Clinton & Reba Crawford

(except Yeha Temple)

Not Included IN TOUR COST:

Airport exit taxes

Travel Visa

Tips

Personal expenses

Camera fees

Beverages with meals

Optional excursions

NOTICE

We will do our best to match tour members with roommates, but we cannot promise a share.  Tour members must pay the single rate if no roommate is available or if roommate cancels.

Please see CONDITIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES,

      AND CANCELLATION POLICY