Meskel Festival Tour

Flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Known as "by the side of the sea," Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most well-planned cities and ranks as the third largest, often regarded as the most picturesque city in the country. Serving as the capital of the Amhara region, the city features historic monasteries, charming lodges, vibrant fish markets, and stunning lakes, including the renowned Blue Nile Falls.
Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia with an area of 3,600 km² (2,282 mi²), is also the origin of the Blue Nile. The lake is dotted with 37 islands, 20 of which are home to monasteries thought to date back to the 14th century. These islands are rich in ancient Ethiopian history and house artifacts from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well as burial sites for some former emperors of the Ethiopian Empire.
Upon arrival and after checking into your hotel, your first destination will be Lake Tana. One of the islands you will visit is the esteemed "Ura Kidane Mehert" monastery. If time permits, you may also visit the "Azwa Mariam" monastery, both renowned for their ancient manuscripts, artistic paintings, crosses, and artifacts.

Later in the afternoon, after enjoying lunch, you will be taken to the "Tis Isat" waterfalls, also known as the Blue Nile Falls (please note that due to the construction of a new dam in the vicinity, water levels may be quite low). If time allows, the city tour will include a visit to the "Bezawit Palace" and its viewpoint, followed by a return drive to the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Avanti Blu Nile Resorts (http://www.bluenileresorthotels.com)

Journey from Bahir Dar to Gondar

Following breakfast, the journey to Gondar will commence, covering a distance of 185 kilometers (approximately 3 hours). This city once served as the royal capital of the Ethiopian Empire, established in 1636 by Emperor Fassiledes. Gondar is rich in medieval architecture, showcasing castles and churches built by the Emperor and his descendants. Highlights of the visit include the Fassiledes Castle and the Fassiledes Bath, which was once believed to be the Emperor's grand swimming pool. Now referred to as Fassiledes Bath, this site is used for baptisms and symbolizes the sacred waters of the Jordan River in Israel, where Jesus Christ was baptized. Every year on January 19th during Timket (Epiphany), numerous people immerse themselves in these waters for christening. Unfortunately, your visit will not coincide with this celebration.

After lunch, you will explore the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the late 18th century by Iyasu I, and the grandson of Emperor Fassiledes. The church is renowned for its walls and ceilings adorned with numerous winged cherubs, symbolizing the omnipresence of God. After concluding your tour, you will transfer to the lodge. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to witness the “Eskesta,” a traditional dance for which Gondar is famous.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.
Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar (https://hailehotelsandresorts.com/gondar-resort/

Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

Following breakfast, you will embark on a two-hour drive to the Simien Mountains, covering a distance of 210 kilometers. The striking topography of the Simien Mountains is the result of volcanic activity, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its remarkable botanical diversity and rich wildlife, including the Walia Ibex, Red Fox, and the Chelada or Bleeding-Heart Baboons.
The first stop on your excursion will be the “Kosoye” viewpoint, where you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscape. Next, you will head to “Debarq,” the main point of access to the park, where you will be assigned a scout to accompany you. Once your scout is designated, you will continue your journey to the “Buyit Ras” viewpoint. A picnic lunch is typically enjoyed at “Jimbar Falls.”

You will then visit Sankaber, the first campsite within the Simien Mountains, known for offering some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Ethiopia. This area is a perfect spot to observe Chelada Baboons and study their foraging behaviors. Additionally, you can take
a short walk to a nearby waterfall, although be aware that the terrain may be uneven.
These mountains are often referred to as “The Roof of Africa” because of their elevation, sitting at an altitude of 3,260 meters (10,722 feet). It is advisable to dress warmly, as temperatures in this region can be quite low. After completing your tour, you will return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included. Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar (https://hailehotelsandresorts.com/gondar-resort/)

Flight from Gondar to Lalibela

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela via Addis. Upon arrival, a short drive of approximately 40 minutes will take you to the city, where you can check in to your hotel before beginning your exploration of Lalibela. This quaint town is renowned for its remarkable sacred sites, which include eleven medieval rock-hewn churches, all intricately carved from a single block of stone.
Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem,” was constructed in the 12th century by King Lalibela with divine assistance, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eleven churches are impressive in scale, with many reaching heights of over ten meters. These churches, carved below ground level, are surrounded by trenches and courtyards, adorned with stone graves and hermit cells, and interconnected by an intricate network of tunnels and passageways.

The eleven rock churches, believed to be at least 200 years old, are organized into two distinct groups and are accessible on foot. Please be advised that the steps can be uneven, requiring some agility to navigate.
You will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Carved from solid rock between 800 and 1200 AD, these churches remain active sites of worship.

After lunch, you will head to the north-western cluster of churches, which includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Debre Sina, and Bet Golgotha. Also on the itinerary is the isolated monolithic church of Bet Giyorgis (the Church of St George). Bet Medhane Alem is noted as the largest of the rock-hewn churches.
In addition, you will experience a traditional coffee ceremony. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a vital aspect of social and cultural life, serving as an important ritual passed down through generations. Receiving an invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is a symbol of friendship and respect, exemplifying the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian people.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (https://mezenalodge.com/)

Today, you will explore the cave church of Yimrehane Kirstos, located 40 kilometers from the city. This remarkable structure was built by the eponymous king prior to the reign of King Lalibela. The church, reminiscent of the one at Debre Damo, is designed in an Axumite style, featuring a unique combination of wood and stone at alternating levels. If circumstances allow, you may join the annual celebration of King and Saint Yimrehane Kirstos, which draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Ethiopia. This event is renowned for its vibrant and heartfelt observance, as congregants cloaked in white shawls sing joyfully alongside the priests.

Amidst the moving choir, the priests chant, dance, and lead the congregation around the church, accompanied by the resonant beats of drums and the soaring harmonies of women's ululations. After the visit, you will return to town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (https://mezenalodge.com/)

Depart from Lalibela to Addis Ababa

You will be transported to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After your arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel. If you did not have the opportunity to explore the city on your first day, a city tour of Addis Ababa may be arranged; otherwise, you can relax at your hotel in preparation for the upcoming festive events.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight at Ramada Addis https://www.ramadaaddis.com/

City Tour and Meskel Festival

After enjoying your breakfast and preparing for the day, you will embark on a visit to “Mount Entoto.” This site, regarded as sacred due to its numerous monasteries, is also the historical residence of Emperor Menelik II, the founder of Addis Ababa. At an altitude of 3,100 meters, it provides an excellent viewpoint of the city. Following your visit to “Mount Entoto,” and after lunch, you will partake in the Meskel celebration at Meskel Square. Meskel, which means "Finding the True Cross," is marked by joyous dancing, feasting, and the lighting of a large bonfire traditionally referred to as "Damera." This festival commemorates the discovery of the True Cross in the 4th century by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who located the cross on which Christ was crucified.
In Ethiopia, the feast is celebrated on the 17th of September according to the Ethiopian calendar, which corresponds to the 27th of September in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration of Meskel represents the presence of the True Cross at the Gishen Mariam Monastery and symbolizes the events associated with Empress Helena. According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense and prayed for divine guidance.

The resulting smoke drifted towards the location of the buried cross. Upon excavation, she discovered three crosses, one of which was confirmed as the True Cross used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight at Ramada Addis https://www.ramadaaddis.com/