1-800-762-4216

Updated 4/11/08


January 11 - 21, 2009

From Dulles Int’l, Washington D.C.

Addis Ababa • Bahirdar • Lake Tana
Blue Nile Falls • Simien Mountains
Gondar • Lalibela • Axum

January 21 - 30, 2009

from Ethiopia

Arbaminch • Neschsar
Lake Chamo • Keyafer • Jinka • Mursi
Murulle • Dimeka • Turmi • Omorate

Dear World Travelers,

Join our small group on a unique journey of a lifetime. Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating back to the very beginning of mankind, The earliest known human remains were unearthed in this mystic country. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba, a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and many ancient mysteries.

Our 11-day tour in the North was specially arranged to place us in the ancient town of Lalibela during Timkat, the most important festival in Ethiopia’s calendar. We’ll be honored to observe the procession as priests carry “tabots” – replicas of the Holy Ark of the Covenant – through the streets for a special ceremony commemorating the baptism of Christ. After the ceremony there is much celebration, with feasting, singing and dancing! We’ll continue our journey through the historic North visiting: the mysterious rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; ancient Stelae and Sanctuary Chapel which houses the Ark of the Covenant in Axum; the castles of Gondar; the many island monasteries on Lake Tana; the thunderous Blue Nile Falls and more!

Then, you won’t want to miss the extension to the Omo Valley where we’ll meet Ethiopia’s tribal peoples. The memories of this trip will stay with you for a life time. Our program also offers you unique contact with many of the native people. We’ll learn about the proud cultures of these various tribes in their virgin environment where the native traditions have remained unchanged. Meet women who wear huge lip plates as a sign of beauty and men who celebrate adulthood with special colored hair buns.

We’ve spent many months developing this exciting tour! All we need now is a few special people like you to make the trip a success. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Gwen

Click image for larger view

Discovery Highlights
  • Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia where Lucy, the oldest human remains ever found, is kept on public display
  • Take a boat cruise to the islands of Lake Tana and see over twenty different 14th Century monasteries
  • Experience one of Africa’s spectacular waterfalls, the Blue Nile Falls
  • Gaze upon a divine palace of the most celebrated of all Emperors, Haile Sillasie
  • Relish the sanctity of the 16th Century medieval castles of the Royal Enclosure at Gondar
  • Enjoy a full day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, home of what could easily be “the end of the earth"
  • Become mesmerized by the numerous churches, which are carved out of rock, and include the largest in the world covering over 2,000 square feet
  • Feel like a native as you experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
  • Visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Axum, home of the Holy Ark of the Covenant

© 2008 Travel Concepts International, Inc. CST 2005743-40

5500 Bucks Bar Road • Placerville, CA 95667 U.S.A. • Tel 1-530-621-3007
Tollfree in U.S.A. 1-800-762-4216 • Fax 1-530-621-3017
gwen@SeriousTraveler.com • Web site www.tci-travel.com
or www.SeriousTraveler.com