Marynat Historical Circuit; Code 01
Day 01 Sightseeing of Addis Ababa
Arrival at Bole International Airport, Reception by MET guide and driver and transfer to hotel for check-in. City tour of Addis Ababa including the panoramic view point Entoto Mountain, Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind, and the National Museum (home of Lucy, hominid skeleton dating back 3.2 million years) and the ethnographic museums. In the evening, traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural music and dance show; Overnight in Addis Ababa
Day 02 Addis Ababa Debre Libanos
After breakfast, departure north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos; on the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. After lunch in Debre Markos, you will pass through the scenic Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar
Day 03 Lake Tana monasteries and Blue Nile Fall
In the morning, embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore some of the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon, depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. End the day with a sunset over Lake Tana from the top of Bezawit Hill, next to the former palace of Haile Selassie; Overnight in Bahir Dar
Day 04 Sightseeing of the former capital, Gondar
After breakfast, proceed driving north to Gondar. The drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture and the traditional agricultural methods still in use today. After arrival in Gondar and brief check-in to hotel, the afternoon will be spent exploring the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia; Overnight hotel in Gondar
Day 05 Gondar-Simien mountains national park
Early in the morning, depart for the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. The jagged mountains and deep valleys lend spectacular views to these mountains, home to many of the endemic animal species of Ethiopia including the gelada baboons. The afternoon will be available for hikes in the area surrounding the lodge. Overnight at the Simien
Day 06 Simien mountains-Axum
After breakfast, continue to Axum, enjoying the final views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.
Day 07 Axum
Today is a full day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum.
Day 08 Axum-Yeha-Debre Damo-Axum
After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men climb up a 15-m rope to enter the uphill situated monastery. Return to Axum for overnight.
Day 09 Axum-Lalibela
Fly Axum to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Overnight hotel in Lalibela.
Day 10 Lalibela
In the morning, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late-Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight.
Day 11 Lalibela-Addis Ababa
Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. In the evening/afternoon, farewell party with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell party transfer to Bole international airport for international departure; End of Tour
Marynat Historical Tour; Code 02
Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa, and city tour of the capital; Over night at Hotel
Day 02: Morning flight to Bahirdar to visit the monasteries on Lake Tana and Blue Nile falls. Over Night at Hotel
Day 03: Drive north to Gondar to visit the 17th C capital with its Castles and monastery. Over Night at Hotel
Day 04: Scenic drive to the Simien Mountains National Park where you will see some endemic animals and the breathtaking landscape; O/N at Hotel
Day 05: Another scenic drive to Axum crossing the Tekeze valley; O/N at Hotel
Day 06: Full day in Axum to explore the archeaological sites and church of St. Mary Tsion; ON at Hotel
Day 07: Scenic drive through the Adwa Mountains and 5th C B.C. Temple at Yeha to the Gheralta Mountains; Over Night at Hotel
Day 08: Visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray and drive to Mekele. Over Night at Hotel
Day 09: Drive south to Lalibela through the Alage Mountains. O/N at Hotel
Day 10: Full day to visit the famous Eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; O/N at Hotel
Day 11: Flight back to Addis and evening departure back home…
Marynat Tours; Code = 03
DAY 01: Arrival + Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa a warm welcome at the airport, and then transfer to your hotel, after an hour of getting rested, you will have a full day city tour of Addis Ababa, including National Museum, Entoto, Holy Trinity Cathedral Church and one of the biggest open air market (Merkato).
DAY 02: Addis – Bahir Dar
After an early breakfast, fly to Bahir Dar Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel in the afternoon, make a boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit the ancient monastery of Ura-Kidanemehret at Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gebrael with their very old treasure. Overnight Hotel
DAY 03: Bahir Dar – Gonder
After breakfast, drive to Gonder; after lunch, continue to visit the Royal enclosure and Debre berhane Selassie church and the Bath of Emperor Fasil Ladas; Over Night at Hotel
DAY 04: Gonder – Simien Mountains NP
Make a day Excursion to Semin Mountain, Drive to Debark in the morning, 100Kms from Gonder,the Headquarter of the Semien Mountains National Park.
DAY 05: Gonder – Lalibela
Early in the morning, drive to the airport to fly to Lalibella; visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibella; Over Night at Hotel
DAY 06: Lalibela
Early in the morning, make a mule excursion to Asheten Mariam church, where you will the Semi-monolithic church which was hewed out by the nephew of King Lalibella; Over Night at Hotel
DAY 07: Lalibela – Axum
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly to Axum. Sightseeing in Axum, a town steeped in more than 2500 years of history, from the palace and tomb of King Kaleb (6th C, AD).
DAY 08: Axum – Addis
Fly to Addis Ababa, rest of the afternoon will be freely spent at the hotel; in the evening at 19:30 meet in the lobby and then drive to the traditional restaurant and transfer you to the Airport for departure
Marynat Mixed; Code = 04
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa; O/N at Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar. Morning visit the Tana Monasteries and in the afternoon Blue Nile fall. O/N Hotel
Day 3: Drive to Gondar; Make sightseeing of Gondar. O/N Hotel
Day 4: Excursion trip to Semien Mountains National park; O/N Hotel in Gondar
Day 5: Fly to Lalibela. Visit the first Group of Churches; O/N Hotel
Day 6: Lalibela; Morning mule back ride to Asheton Mariam and afternoon visit the second and third group of churches; O/N Hotel
Day 7: Fly to Axum. City Tour of Axum. O/N Hotel
Day 8: Fly to Addis and drive to Langano. O/N Hotel
Day 9: Drive to Arbaminch; Visit the Alaba & Dorze tribal village. O/N Hotel
Day 10: Arbaminch. Morning boat trip in Lake Chamo and afternoon game drive in Nech Sar national park. O/N Hotel
Day11. Arbaminch to Jinka. Visit “New York” village, the Konso and Tsemay tribal village. O/N Hotel
Day 12: Excursion trip to Mago national Park; Visit the Mursi tribal village and game drive in Mago NP. O/N Hotel in Jinka
Day 13: Drive to Turmi. Visit the Hamer tribal village. O/N Camping
Day 14: Drive Turmi to Murulle back to Turmi. Visit the Karo tribal village; O/N Camping
Day 15: Drive Turmi to Arbaminch. Visit the Erbore tribal village. O/N Hotel
Day 16: Drive Arbaminch to Addis Ababa. Visit Lake Ziway and Koka for birding. O/N Departure
Marynat Code = 05
Day 1: Addis – Awash NP
Drive through Debre Zeit crater Lakes to Awash National park, game viewing and sightseeing in the park. Overnight Lodge
Day 2: Awash NP – Harar
After an early breakfast, more game viewing and sightseeing proceed to Harar. Visit the Hyena man in the evening. Overnight Hotel
Day 3: Harar – Dire Dawa
After an early breakfast, city tour of Harar that includes Harari house, Museums, colourful market, Arthur Rambau’d house, and ancient mosques. In the late afternoon, drive to dire Dawa for overnight Hotel
Day 4: Dire Dawa – Awash Sebat
After breakfast through the beautiful scenery, drive to Awash Sebat Kilo. Overnight Hotel
Day 5: Awash – Kombolcha
After breakfast drive through Bati Market, here the Amhara, Oromo and Afar tribes exchange their good. Proceed to Kembolcha for overnight in the Hotel.
Day 6: Kombolcha – Lalibela
After breakfast drive to Lalibella have stop over at Hayk to visit the 13th century monastery of Hayk Istifanos and continue driving to Lalibella for overnight in the Hotel.
Day 7: City Tour of Lalibela
After breakfast, visit the 11 remarkable rock-hewn churches; Overnight Hotel
Day 8: Surrounding Lalibela
After breakfast, optional excursion to one of the churches outside the town of Lalibela the rock-churches of Nakuto Le’ab, Asheten Mariam or Yimrehane Kiristos. Overnight Hotel
Day 9: Lalibela – Mekele
After breakfast drive to Mekele through the very beautiful landscape, stop at Zengena Lake to spot birds. Overnight Hotel at Mekele
Day 10: Mekele – Hawzien
After breakfast drive to Adigrat have stop over at Wekro to visit the rock-hewn church of Wekro Cherkos and continue driving to visit the rock-hewn church of Abrha Asbeha and proceed to Hawzien for overnight in the Hotel
Day 11: Hawzien – Axum
After breakfast drive to Debre Damo (accessible by a robe to climb and allowed only to men) to visit the 6th century monastery and continue driving to Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C. unique Temple along with the 4th century A.D. church of Aba Afse with its treasure. Proceed to Axum-the cradle of Ethiopian civilization. Overnight Hotel
Day 12: City Tour of Axum
Sightseeing tour of Axum that includes St. Mary church where the original Arc of the covenant housed in, Archaeological Museum, Stelaes, tombs, and palace; Overnight Hotel
Day 13: Axum – Gonder
After breakfast, drive through the spectacular scenery to Gondar-the 17th and 18th century capital of Ethiopia known for its magnificent castles; Overnight Hotel
Day 14: City Tour of Gonder
Sightseeing tour of Gondar that includes Castles compound, Fasilades bath, Qusquam monastery and the icon rich church of Debre Berhan Silassie. Overnight Hotel
Day 15: Gonder – Bahir Dar
After breakfast, drive to Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel in the afternoon, make a boat excursion on lake Tana to visit the ancient monastery of Ura-Kidanemehret at Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gebrael with their very old treasure. Overnight Hotel
Day 16: Bahir dar – The Blue Nile Falls
Early morning drive 35 kms southeast of the town to visit the majestic Blue Nile falls. After lunch visit of the Bahar Dar town is most popular open-air market and the viewpoint by the late emperor’s place. Overnight Hotel
Day 17: Bahir Dar – Addis
After breakfast, drive through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge stop at Debre Libanos to visit the 13th century monastery and the 17th century Portuguese Bridge. Continue driving to Addis, in the evening transfer out to the airport for your departure back to home.
Marynat Grand Mixed Tour = Code 06
Day 1: Arrive + Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International airport (Addis Ababa) and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2: Addis – Bahir Dar
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the famous ancient island monasteries. Overnight at Hotel
Day 3: Bahir Dar + Blue Nile Falls + Traditional Market
Early morning visit the majestic Blue Nile falls. After lunch visit of the Bahir Dar town is most popular open-air market and the viewpoint by the late emperor’s place. Overnight Hotel
Day 4: Bahir Dar – Gonder
After breakfast, drive to Gondar visit the 17thC. Castles, the Bath of Fasilades, the monastery of Qusquam and the icon rich church of Debre Berhan silassie. Overnight Hotel
Day 5: Gonder – Lalibela
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Visit the 11 remarkable rock-hewn churches. Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Lalibela
After breakfast, optional excursion to one of the churches outside the town of Lalibela the rock-churches of Nakuto Le’ab, Asheten Mariam or Yimrehane Kiristos. Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Lalibela – Axum
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. Visit the St. Mary church, stelaes, tombs, museum, and palace. Overnight Hotel
Day 8: Axum – Mekele
After breakfast drives to Yeha an old temple of 500 BC and continues the 6thC A.D monastery of Debre Damo (access able by a rock to climb and allowed only to men) and proceed to Mekele.
Overnight Hotel
Day 9: Michele – Addis
Transfer to the Airport for your flight back to Addis. Overnight Hotel
Day 10: Addis – Awash NP
Drive to Awash National park, game viewing and sightseeing in the park. Overnight Lodge
Day 11: Awash NP – Harar
After an early breakfast, more game viewing and sightseeing proceed to Harar. Visit the Hyena man in the evening. Overnight Hotel
Day 12: Harar – Dire Dawa
After an early breakfast, city tour of Harar that includes Harari house, Museums, colourful market, Arthur Rimbaud’s house, and ancient mosques. In the late afternoon, drive to dire Dawa for overnight Hotel
Day 13: Dire Dawa – Addis
Transfer to Dire Dawa airport for your flight back to Addis and departure back to home.