Ethiopia
Dates:
13 - 25 January 2025
Duration:
13
days
Group:
12
ppl
Addis Ababa → Adigrat and Tigray → Mekelle → Axum → Simien Mountains → Gondar → Bahir Dar → Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana → Lalibela
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at Nexus Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Adigrat and Tigray churches
A morning flight takes us to Mekele and on by road to Adigrat. We explore the sites of Tigray, visiting some of the region’s 130 rock churches including Medhane Alem Adikusho, Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha. The architecture is notably different here. Churches are in part or wholly excavated within the living rock, rather than carved from it. Overnight at Agoro Lodge or similar.
Day 3: Mekelle - Axum
Axum passes through spectacular landscapes. Axum is Ethiopia’s holiest town and since 1980 a World Heritage Site. Highlights include a remarkable collection of ancient stelae, the bath and palace of the Queen of Sheba, and St Mary of Tsion Church, claimed by some to hold the Ark of the Covenant containing the original stone tablets handed down to Moses. Overnight at Yared Zema Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Axum - Simien Mountains
The journey to the Simien Mountains is long, but as we ascend towards the mountains the scenery is rewarding. Along the way, it’s worth keeping an eye out for endemic Ethiopian wildlife, including Gelada Baboons and many species of birds. Depending on our arrival time there may be an opportunity for a short walk in the park to glimpse the breath-taking beauty of Simien mountainscapes. Overnight at Ras Dejen Hotel or similar. Please note it can be very cold in the mountains at night so you should bring warm clothing to wear.
Day 5: Simien Mountains
Today we walk in the mountains, taking in awe-inspiring viewpoints and spotting some of the endemic wildlife. The effects of altitude, though mild, will be apparent. We’ll make frequent stops, stay well hydrated and travel at the pace of the slowest. Shorter hikes are possible for those preferring not to walk for the whole day. Overnight at Ras Dejen Hotel or similar.
Day 6: Simien Mountains - Gondar
Drive to Gondar, once Ethiopia’s imperial capital, and famous for its beautiful castles and palaces. This afternoon, you can witness the Eve of the Timkat Festival celebration. Overnight at Goha Hotel or similar.
Day 7: Timkat Celebrations
Early in the morning, we will go to the church to see the Timkat celebration and the crowd waiting to be baptized by the holy water. The water which symbolizes the Jordan River is blessed by the priest, and the patriarch then dips a golden cross into it, and extinguishes a burning consecrated candle on the altar. He then sprinkles water on the assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ's baptism in the Jordan River. The ceremony will be over around 8 am and afterwards, we visit some of the town’s main sites, which include the Bath of King Fasiladas and the ornately decorated Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Light of Trinity) known for its colourful murals. Overnight at Goha Hotel or similar.
Day 8: Gondar - Bahir Dar
After breakfast we continue to explore Gondar before the drive to Bahir Dar, close to Lake Tana, stopping at points of interest en route. On arrival check into our hotel which overlooks Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile Hotel or similar.
Day 9: Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana
From the town we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, taking a short walk to view the falls themselves, before returning. We take boats out onto Lake Tana to explore its collection of ancient monasteries, dramatically situated on the lake’s islands and peninsulas. Overnight at Avanti Blue Nile Hotel or similar.
Day 10: Bahir Dar - Lalibela
After breakfast, start the journey to the town of Lalibela, stopping at points of interest along the way. Overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar.
Day 11: Lalibela
This morning we will begin to explore the rock-hewn churches known in some circles as the 8th wonder of the world. This afternoon we will continue visiting these intriguing monuments to discover more of Ethiopia’s enigmatic past. Overnight in Mountain View Hotel or similar.
Day 12: Lalibela - Eve of Timkat Celebrations
This morning we will visit the first group of rock-hewn churches known in some circles as the 8th wonder of the world. This afternoon, you can witness the Eve of the Timkat Festival celebration in one of the Rock-Hewn churches. Overnight in Mount View Hotel or similar.
Day 13: Departure
At a suitable time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.
Acomodation
12 nights at the hotels
Meals
Day 2, 3, 4 - Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 - Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 - Breakfast
Guided tours
Guided tours as per itinerary (only local guides)
Transport
Transfers as per itinerary
Support
24/7 phone/WhatsApp support line
English-speaking guide
ABTA and ATOL bonded
Not Included
International flights
Meals not mentioned
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenses
Discover Ethiopia’s natural beauty as it reveals itself in the Simien Mountains
Visit the annual Timkat Festival, which celebrates the Ethiopian Epiphany
Spend time in Lalibela exploring both the main churches and lesser-known ones
Explore the sites of Tigray, visiting some of the region’s 130 rock churches
Learn about the history of the ancient Axumite Empire at Axum
Travel to ‘Africa’s Camelot’ – the wonderful castles and palaces of Gondar
Zain Ali
USA
GREATEST TRIP EVER We had the most incredible experience. World of Discoveries made our trip to Qatar for the World Cup so easy and enjoyable. Mike helped us with any questions we had before the trip and anything we needed during the trip. The rest of the staff was so helpful and nice during the trip that it removed any worry we had during the trip so all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the wonders of the trip. I would highly recommend them for use in any trip. By far, this was the best trip I have ever been on and they played a HUGE role in making that the case. GREATEST EXPERIENCE EVER!!!
Susan & James, USA
USA
As avid sports enthusiasts, particularly in tennis, my husband and I have eagerly awaited the opportunity to venture out again after years of staying home due to the COVID situation. We decided it was time to break free and fulfill our dream of visiting France to witness the thrilling Roland Garros tournament. While we typically prefer organizing our own travels, we recognized that exploring a vast country like France warranted the expertise of a travel agency. Our aim was to take a tour that encompassed attending the male semifinal and final matches, as well as visiting Normandy's Landing Beaches, the renowned wine regions of Champagne and Bordeaux, and ending up with a few relaxing days at the beach. After some initial hesitation, we entrusted World of Discoveries (Wofdi) with our travel plans, and it turned out to be a remarkable decision. Wofdi meticulously designed a comprehensive itinerary that not only fulfilled our desires but surpassed our expectations. The knowledgeable guides who accompanied us throughout the journey, the seamless transport arrangements, and the exceptional attention to detail demonstrated by the Wofdi team left us in awe. Looking back on our trip as we now bask in the delightful sunshine of Nice, we can confidently say that every aspect was flawlessly planned and executed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for making our European summer vacation truly unforgettable.
Joice
Australia
We have just attended the Opening of Euro Cup 2024 in Munich and WofDi has given us a blast! Opted for an organized trip due to limited time we could spend in Germany and wanted to have it all arranged for us – accommodation, game tickets, transportation. WofDi polished the standard travel package with an awesome welcome party. Private lounge for our group in the famous Hofbräuhaus included great meals eat-all-you-can (and then eat more), unlimited bear (really unlimited), very good selection of wine, entertainment program and truly amazing hosts on site. With such a fantastic start, our experience continues with seamless transfers to/from the venue. 5-1 Germany vs Scotland as boring as never was the only thing which spoiled the night. Sadly, that was beyond WofDi’s control. Thank you for everything and looking forward to experience FIFA World Cup 2026 with you, guys.
Anna Briand
Belgium
Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix with Wofdi – Incredible Trip! The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was an unforgettable experience, with an electric crowd and an amazing race. The Foro Sol section felt like a huge party! Beyond F1, Wofdi made the trip special. We took a hot air balloon over the Teotihuacán Pyramids at sunrise, followed by tequila tasting – an absolute highlight! Our hotel was a pleasant surprise – ultra-modern, in the best area, near the Marquis and Chapultepec Castle, with a huge rooftop bar and a fantastic restaurant. This trip changed my view of Mexico City completely! Wofdi planned everything perfectly, making this the ultimate F1 adventure. Highly recommended!
Erika Proano
USA
I decided to take my dad to the World Cup to watch Ecuador play and enjoy the opening ceremony. After some online research, I found World Of Discoveries and I am beyond glad I found them. I trusted them with all the details and our experience was exceptional. World of Discoveries personalized approach is something I beyond appreciate; the team was in touch and answer my questions super timely and very clearly (I had many many questions). I received guidance on next steps as we were approaching the world cup and I knew I was not going to miss any details because they were on top of everything. The World Cup experience was above and beyond what we expected. We didn't have to worry about anything, World of Discoveries took care of the logistics and planned everything for us! even our side trip to Dubai was unforgettable! Thankful to companies that deliver above and beyond expectations and help us make memories that we will cherish forever. I can't wait for our next adventure!
Terry O'Connell
France
Great trip all round I booked not knowing what I was going to getting, a little sceptical and apprehensive due to never using these guys before. I could not have been more wrong, the service has been great and the tour has also been great. Mike the tour guide and the girls in the office are 5 star. Even had a disaster and left my passports in the hotel safe of one city and Mike and the team could not do enough to help me get these back. Really appreciate your professionalism and kindness. Will see you at the World Cup ?
(02)8261 0596
