Historic & cultural adventure to northern Ethiopia with added excursions

Bahir Dar, Gondar, Āksum, Lalibela & Addis Ababa

Deposit now Deposit now

Deposit now, the rest later
Flights included Flights included

The perfect package with flights included

Lake Tana

Addis Ababa

Blue Nile Waterfalls, Tis Issat

St. George's Church, Bahir Dar

Delano Hotel, Bahir Dar

Blue Nile Waterfalls, Tis Issat

Blue Nile Waterfalls, Tis Issat

Fasilides Medieval Castle, Gondar

AG Hotel, Gondar

Church Mural, Axum

Sabean International Hotel, Axum

Church of Our Lady of Zion, Axum

Ruins of Axum

St. George's Rock Church, Lalibella

Bet Abba Libanos Church, Lalibela

Panoramic View Hotel, Lalibela

Panoramic View Hotel, Lalibela

Monolithic Church, Lalibella

Addis Ababa

Azzeman Hotel, Addis Ababa

Megalithic Stone Pillas, Addis Ababa

Immerse yourself in the intriguing history of Ethiopia on this adventure, taking in Lake Tana, Lalibela, the Blue Nile Waterfalls and more – with travel, breakfast and excursions throughout

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

After an overnight flight, touch down in Ethiopia’s capital and hop aboard another flight to Bahir Dar, situated in the north of the country. Later on, enjoy a trip to the Blue Nile Waterfalls, a 42-metre-high waterfall otherwise known as the ‘great smoke’ in the local Amharic language. Then, check in to Delano Hotel.

Day 2: Bahir Dar

Enjoy a boat trip across the shimmering waters of Lake Tana and visit the famous monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, both of which contain a collection of religious artifacts from the 16th to 18th centuries. End the day with a beautiful sunset at Bezait Palace and panoramic views across Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River. Head back to Bahir Dar to shop in the local markets, then you can opt to head out and see the local nightlife for an authentic slice of Ethiopian culture. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar

Set off to the medieval city of Gondar, often billed as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. On arrival, take a city tour and admire the complex of castles in the Royal Enclosure, the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, home to the most glorious ceiling frescoes, as well as the Fasiladas’ Bath. Visit Quskuam Church, situated on the outskirts of the city. Later, check in to the AG Hotel, Gondar. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 4: Gondar – Āksum

Hop aboard a flight to the historic city of Āksum, famed for its tall, carved obelisks; relics of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. Enjoy a city tour and explore the aforementioned obelisks, the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be hidden, as well as the Dungur ruins, otherwise known as the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Check in to the Sabean International Hotel for the night. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 5: Āksum - Lalibela

Take a flight to Lalibela, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site synonymous with its iconic rock-hewn churches. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy a tour of the first group of Orthodox Rock Churches, still to this day guarded by priests and monks who practice ancient religious rituals. Enjoy time at leisure, then check-in to the Panoramic View Hotel for the night. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 6: Lalibela

Lalibela is home to the largest monolithic church in the world, and you’ll get the chance to explore it today, along with other churches dating all the way back to the 12th century. Admire the frescoes and paintings inside and enjoy ample leisure time to explore, then partake in a traditional coffee ceremony with a local Ethiopian family. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 7: Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Transfer back to the country’s capital and the continent’s political epicentre. There are plenty of museums here, and you’ll get to enjoy a visit to the National Museum, home to the oldest human ancestor in the world, Lucy, who is said to be 3.2 million years old. After a visit here, opt to explore some of the country’s finest cuisine in a plethora of restaurants dotted about the city. Later on, check in to the Azzeman Hotel for the night. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 8: Addis Ababa

Enjoy a breakfast in the hotel, before heading to the airport and catching your flight back to the UK. (Meals: breakfast)

Good to know

Please note that at the time of booking, your name must be filled out exactly as per your passport (including any middle names). This is in order to accurately book flights and for any required visa invitation letters.

There are a range of optional excursions available on this tour for an additional cost; please call Exoticca directly on 0203 695 9677 to arrange these before booking on the website. Additional tours must be confirmed before your final payment. Please note your final payment is due 60 days before your departure. More information can be found on our supplier's website.

Can't commit to booking right now?

Hold a date for only £25 while you decide.

  • Pay £25 to hold a date until the end of the sale.
  • If you choose to buy it, the money will go towards your purchase, if not, the cash will be credited to your Secret Escapes account.

Important: Please note, this is not a deposit, complete or guaranteed booking; holding the date simply prevents other members from swooping in and booking your preferred date while you're still having a think about it. Secret Escapes will not be liable for expenses incurred should that date not be available to book and a hold is cancelled.

For more details, please see our FAQ page.

What is a deposit?

In short, you pay Secret Escapes a non-refundable deposit to secure your holiday, then you pay the holiday supplier the remaining balance of the holiday - as advertised - at a later date (before you travel).

We've added deposit-only sales to enable our members to get early-bird access to more amazing holidays, and because we know that planning and paying for a holiday can take time.

For more details, please see our FAQ page.