12 Days Ethiopian Christmas Gena Festivals.

Afternoon: Historic Tour of Gondar
We will explore Gondar's historic sites, including the Fassil Ghibe royal enclosures, the castles of the Gonderian emperors, the Fasilades Bath, and the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its murals and wooden ceiling adorned with angel faces, symbolizing Ethiopian art and design.
Accommodation: Hotel, Gondar.

Morning: Journey to Ethiopia's Natural Wonder
We continue our journey towards Simien Mountains National Park, where we will reach Africa's highest lodge by late afternoon. The park was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 due to its unique ecosystem and native wildlife. While in the park, you may have the opportunity to encounter the friendly Gelada monkeys up close. Later in the afternoon, you can unwind at the lodge or take a leisurely walk (optional).
Accommodation: Lodge, Simien Mountains National Park

Experience the stunning landscapes featuring deep valleys, gorges, and Ethiopia's tallest waterfall, which we will explore in awe. Enjoy a full day of walking excursions in the park, where the breathtaking views from the sheer escarpments provide the perfect backdrop for observing Gelada baboons. Additionally, this is the only habitat for the long-curved horned Walia Ibex. Keep an eye out for Lammergeyers and other majestic birds of prey often seen gliding on thermals along the escarpments. You might also spot klipspringer, Menelik’s bushbuck, and with a bit of luck, the elusive Ethiopian Wolf. A great hiking route includes the trek from Chlkuanit to Sankaber or from Sankaber to Jinbar Waterfall, which takes around two hours to reach at a gentle pace. We anticipate encountering more endemic birds and wildlife along the way.
Accommodation: Lodge in the park or nearby, or a hotel in Debark city.

After breakfast, we will drive to the picturesque city of Bahirdar, the capital of the Amhara regional state, making a stop in Gondar for lunch. You will have the option to take a stroll along the lake or through the town, or you can choose to drive up Bezawit Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding areas of the Blue Nile River.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a drive to the Blue Nile Falls along a bumpy road (35 km, approximately 1.5 hours one way), which includes crossing an ancient Portuguese bridge before reaching the falls. After taking in the stunning views of the Blue Nile Falls, we'll cross the river by boat to return to our vehicle.

Following lunch, we'll continue our exploration of Lake Tana, the largest body of water in Ethiopia, by boat. Here, we'll visit two monasteries: Ura Kidanemhret and Azwa Mariam. After our visits, we'll extend our boat ride to the outskirts of the Blue Nile to observe local wildlife, including hippos and various water birds along the lakeside. We will then return to the hotel for some relaxation.
Accommodation:| Hotel, Bahir Dar

Today, we will continue our journey to the holy city of Lalibela, traversing diverse landscapes over approximately 7-8 hours. Along the way, we have the option to stop at Awra Amba, an entirely self-sufficient community known for its social equality between men and women and lack of religious affiliations. Ethiopia’s approach to this community is both fascinating and distinctive, allowing you to form your own opinion. We are expected to arrive in Lalibela by late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge, Lalibela

Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll explore the vibrant pilgrimage activities in the market area and town, where you'll encounter traditional celebrations featuring enchanting performances, particularly by women portraying Lord Jesus, King Lalibela, and various saints. The lively Christmas festivities in Lalibela draw tens of thousands of believers from across the country, creating a wonderfully chaotic atmosphere.

Afternoon:
Following lunch, we’ll travel 17 kilometers west of Lalibela to visit the Genete Mariam monolithic church, a remarkable rock-hewn structure. This church is one of the most secluded, carved from a pink-tinged rock formation along the route to the source of the Tekezie River, a key tributary of the Blue Nile. Unlike other excavations in Lalibela, Genete Mariam is publicly visible on a rocky face rather than concealed in a trench, supported by pillars similar to those of the House of the Savior of the World. After exploring this magnificent site, we’ll make our way back to Lalibela, taking in the sight of local pilgrims journeying to the town and enjoying the diverse landscapes. We will also visit the cave monastery of Neakutoleab, a revered site associated with one of the saintly kings from the Zaguwe dynasty, known for its rich church treasures and a small stone pool for holy water.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge, Lalibela

This morning, guests have two options to choose from:
Option 1: Embark on a trip to Asheton Maryam, which involves a 30-minute drive to the starting point of a roughly 1-hour ascent to the 13th-century rock-hewn monastery of Asheton Maryam, situated nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. This rewarding trek offers stunning views, and it’s easy to understand why the priests at this church feel they are "closest to God."

Option 2: Spend the morning learning how to prepare traditional Ethiopian dishes. This cooking session will take place in one of the communal houses in Lalibela.

In the afternoon, we will visit the fascinating Yirmahne Kristos cave church, which dates back to the eleventh century. Yemrehane Kirstos church is built inside a natural cave at the top of a holy lake, accessible via a bamboo or timber bridge. We will enjoy a scenic two-hour drive each way through the surrounding communities, taking in views of the chain mountains.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge, Lalibela.

We will explore Lalibela's 11 renowned rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the "8th Wonder of the World." These remarkable churches are literally carved from the rock upon which they stand, showcasing monumental scale, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. Some are sculpted from solid volcanic rock, while others are interconnected by vast underground tunnels and labyrinths, with some parts extending from natural caves. The first group of six churches is arranged in a sequence, including Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikeal, Bet Mariam, Bet Maskel, Bet Dangal, and Bet Medhanealem, the largest rock-hewn church in the world, designed in the style of a Greek temple.

After lunch, we will visit the second cluster of churches located south of the Jordan River. This includes Gabriel and Rufeal, Bet Mercurios, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Aba Libanos. Bet Emanuel is particularly celebrated for its exterior design, receiving accolades from art historians worldwide. Finally, we will visit Bet Giyorgis (House of St. George), considered one of the most beautifully crafted chapels in Lalibela. Situated on a sloping rock terrace in the southwestern part of the village, Bet Giyorgis is accessible only through a tunnel.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge, Lalibela

Since the entrance ticket for Lalibela is valid for five consecutive days, your guide will advise you on the best time to attend the Christmas Eve and Christmas ceremony, celebrating the birth of Lord Jesus and King Lalibela on the same day. The procession of high priests and clergy, moving in accordance with their hierarchy within the courtyard of St. Mary, is truly a remarkable experience that tourists should not miss. Spend the day leisurely exploring and relaxing around Lalibela.

Morning:
Depending on your flight schedule, you will fly to Addis Ababa and be transferred to your hotel, where a day room will be reserved for you until 6 p.m.

Evening:
In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by a dance performance at a popular restaurant in Addis Ababa. After dinner, you'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure, or, if you're staying overnight in Addis Ababa, to your hotel.

Departure or Individual Extension