3 Days Tours To North Ethiopia

Tour Code: ATT17R

Destinations: Lalibela & Gondar
Best for: Culture, History, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Day 1: Fly to Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

Morning:

• Early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela (approx. 1 hour).

• Pick-up from Lalibela Airport and transfer to hotel.

• Brief rest and welcome coffee.

Late Morning – Afternoon:

• Start your guided tour of the Northern Cluster of Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century.

  • Key churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, and Bete Meskel.

  • Learn about King Lalibela and the religious symbolism of each church.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian meal with a view at a local restaurant (Ben Abeba or similar).

Afternoon:

• Visit the Southern Cluster of churches, including the remarkable Bete Giorgis (St. George), the most iconic and photogenic of all.

• Optional: attend a traditional coffee ceremony at a local home.

Evening:

• Dinner at your hotel or local restaurant.

• Optional: Attend a traditional music and dance performance (if available).

Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela (e.g., Mezena Lodge or budget guesthouse options)

Day 2: Lalibela – Drive or Fly to Gondar – Castles & Churches

Early Morning:

• Optional visit to Asheten Maryam Monastery (early morning hike or mule ride to a mountaintop church with panoramic views).

• Breakfast at your hotel.

Late Morning:

• Fly to Gondar (or drive 6–7 hours if flight not available).

Afternoon:

• Begin tour of Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital from the 17th century.

  • Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring castles, banquet halls, and bathhouses.

  • See Fasilides’ Castle, the oldest and most impressive of the structures.

  • Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of angelic faces.

  • Visit the Fasilides Bath, used during Timket (Epiphany) celebrations.

Evening:

• Dinner in town or at hotel.

• Optional: enjoy sunset from Goha Hotel terrace overlooking the city.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar (e.g., Goha Hotel, Haile Resort)

Day 3: Gondar – Simien Mountains Excursion OR Return to Addis

Option A: Simien Mountains Day Excursion

Morning:

• Early departure to Simien Mountains National Park (approx. 2.5 hours).

• Short trek or scenic drive inside the park to spot Gelada baboons, klipspringers, and dramatic cliffs.

• Picnic lunch or hot lunch at Simien Lodge.

Afternoon:

• Return to Gondar for evening flight to Addis Ababa.

• Optional dinner at a traditional restaurant in Addis (if arrival allows).

Option B: Return to Addis and City Tour (if early flight)

Morning:

• Fly back to Addis Ababa.

• Half-day Addis tour options: National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Mercato Market.

Evening:

• Farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with live music and dance (e.g., Yod Abyssinia).

• End of tour.

✅ Tour Inclusions (Sample)

• All domestic flights (Addis–Lalibela–Gondar–Addis)

• Airport transfers and ground transport by 4×4 or minivan

• Professional English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees to churches, castles, parks

• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast

• Bottled water, some meals