September 18 Depart U.S.A.
Sunday
Depart from Dulles International (IAD), Washington, DC at 10:05 AM local time with Ethiopian Airlines ET 503.

Meals aloft

September 19 Arrive Addis Ababa
Monday
Arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia at 8:20 am. Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driver for to Hilton Addis Ababa Hotel (5*). There will be a short drive to your hotel.

Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is situated at 2,500 meters (8000 ft) above sea level. It is the highest capital city in the world, after La Paz and Quito in South America. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25C (77F). With multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”.

Group will take little rest in the morning, and in the afternoon will start city tour and sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa which includes the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato.

The National Museum of Ethiopia: This is one of the best museums in quality and diversity of the exhibits. Archeological exhibits include the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh – ‘thou art wonderful’- in the native language), a humanoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. The discovery of Lucy’s fossil in 1974 forced a complete rethink of human genealogy, providing that our ancestors were walking 2.5 million years earlier than had been supposed. The National Museum also contains many wonderful artifacts dating back to pre-Axumite civilization.

The Ethnographic Museum is very different to the National Museum, but equally absorbing, this museum exhibit, a varied array of artifacts and daily objects related to most ethnic groups in Ethiopia. City tour of Addis will continue with Merkato, the largest open-air market in the continent.

Accommodation: Hilton Addis-Addis Ababa

September 20 Addis Ababa-Bahirdar
Tuesday
In the morning, fly to Bahirdar. After check in to hotel, walk around the beautiful town of Bahirdar and visit the local market.

After having lunch at the hotel, we will drive 21 miles to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Eighteen miles after it exits Lake Tana, the Blue Nile plunges over a 147 foot-high face to form one of the most spectacular waterfall in Africa. Walking to the fall through the beautiful river gorge on the ancient bridge from the 17th century, and meeting the local people at the small villages on the way to the fall is also a great experience. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Kuriftu Lodge-Bahirdar

September 21 Bahirdar-Blue Nile
Wednesday Falls-Gondar
In the morning, we will make boat cruise over Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th century island monasteries of Lake Tana. The 37 islands of Lake Tana shelter twenty monasteries-surviving remnants of an old, contemplative tradition. Because of their isolation, they were used to store treasures and religious relics from all parts of the country. The Lake’s monasteries are famous for their typical Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other ancient church treasures. The monasteries that we are going to visit include Kibran Gebriel, Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam.

After Lunch, drive to Gondar through the beautiful countryside scenery to arrive at Gondar around lunchtime. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Goha Hotel

September 22 Gondar
Thursday
After breakfast you will visit the ancient city of Gondar. Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635 is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches-in particular, Debre Birhan Selassie represents a masterpiece of unique Ethiopian School of traditional art.

Today you will visit the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound having 6 different castles built from 17th century by different kings who ruled in different times, the pool of King Fasilidas which still serves as a baptismal pool during Ethiopian Epiphany and we will also visit the famous Deberberhan Sillassie adorned with brilliant frescos from inside. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Goha Hotel

September 23 Gondar-Simien
Friday Mountains National Park
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Axum through the Simien mountains National park. En-route we will be visiting the “Felasha” or the Black Jewish village. It is believed that the “Felashas” settled at this village during the time of King Minlik I, the son of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.

Driving from Gondar up to Simien Mountains National Park, nothing prepares you for the spectacular scenery that awaits at the top of the massif. The rolling grassy plateau comes to an abrupt stop, and sheer cliffs plunge almost vertically for 1,000m (3280 ft) to the plains below. The massif itself has been sculpted by 30 million years of up thrust and erosion into a wonderland of jagged ridges, pinnacles and strangely cropped conical mountains, so that looking out over the heart-stopping precipice; you feel you might just be at the edge of the world.

The rest of the day, trek to explore the surrounding of Snakaber, part of the Simien Mountains National Park. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Simien Lodge-Buyit Ras

September 24 Simien Mountains
Saturday Axum
After breakfast start driving to Axum through the beautiful sceneries of Simien Mountains, Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge.

While driving from Simien Mountains to Axum, you will have a brief stop at different parts of the park for the best view. You will have picnic lunch under the shade of the tree past the Tekeze River Gorge whilst enjoying the beautiful Simien Mountains scenery from distance. Driving from Gondar to Axum you will also en-route visit different villages and monastery churches.

Past the Tekeze River Gorge whilst enjoying the beautiful Simien Mountains scenery from distance, you will have picnic lunch under the shade of a tree and continue driving to Axum. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Remhay Hotel-Axum

September 25 Axum-Yeha
Sunday
After breakfast, we will start to visit the ancient city of Axum. This is the birthplace of Ethiopian civilization, and by the first century Axum was a major trading center for exotic goods from Egypt, Rome, Nubia, Greece, Syria, and India. The Holy Ark of the Covenant was brought here before the destruction of the Temple, and Axum is reputed to be the second Jerusalem.

Our visit in Axum include: the Stele Square, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.

In the afternoon, excursion to Yeha, “temple of the moon”, pre-Christian temple from the 5th century BC and center of Sabaean Civilization which preceded the Axumite era. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Remhay Hotel-Axum

September 26 Axum-Lalibela
Monday
After having an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Axum Airport for your flight to Lalibela. After check in to Mount View Hotel, we will drive to the site where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, mostly referred by many as “the living wonders of the world” These churches are, and they have been for at least 800 years, an active Christian shrine, the spiritual center of the country’s religious life. The monolithic churches were carved out of 8,500-sq feet natural rock terrace in the 12-century AD by king Lalibela.

Bete Medhani Alem, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, measures 37.7 ft in height, covers an area of almost 2625 square ft and has walls that are up to six feet thick. A plain building supported by 36 pillars on the inside and another 36 pillars around the outside, Bete Medhani Alem was modeled on the original St. Mary Zion Church built by King Ezana in the 4th century at Axum.

The rock-hewn churches that we will visit today include: Bete Medhani Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, Bete Golgotha Michael and Bete Giorgis.

In the evening, there will be Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house. Those who can’t face their day with out a cup of coffee may be surprised to know that in it’s birthplace in Ethiopia’s Kaffa region-from which it gets its name- the berries were originally only eaten, never roasted and ground for a drink. Only since the 13th century, coffee has been made a hot drink. Holding a coffee ceremony is a traditional Ethiopian way of welcoming a guest and giving the guest the best hospitality. It is probably one of the most celebrated Ethiopian traditions, and a lifestyle - with which most Ethiopians can identify themselves. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel –Lalibela

September 27 Lalibela-Asheten
Tuesday Mariam-Meskel Eve
In the morning, mule ride, and trek to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery, this is very famous for its 12-century monastery church and beautiful view at 10,298 ft above sea level. We will trek/mule ride through dramatic highland scenery and which eventually ends in a beautiful serene agricultural hamlet.

After having lunch and rest at the hotel, we will continue our journey into Ethiopia’s long and marvelous past with a visit to other St. Lalibela’s remarkable churches-their architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed. Ones we finished visiting the second group of churches we will walk to the village through the complex bewildering labyrinth of underground tunnels to the monastery were the monks and nuns live.

The rock-hewn churches that we will visit this afternoon include: Bete Gebriel, Bete Mercorios, Bete Amanuel, Bethlehem and Bete Aba Libanos.

Late in the afternoon, attend Demera, which is the eve of Meskel. At the Demera, there will be a lot of dancing and singing by the pries, deacon and the local people around a pile of bonfire to be burned the next day morning. At the end of the tour, there will be Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house. Holding a coffee ceremony is a traditional way of welcoming a guest and giving the guest the best hospitality. It’s one of the most celebrated Ethiopian traditions, and life style- in which most Ethiopians can identify themselves with. This is a great chance to be part of this unique coffee ceremony, at its birth place. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel -Lalibela

September 28 Meskel Festival
Wednesday Yimrhane Kirstos
Bilbala Cherkos
Early in the morning, you will witness one of the most colorful festivals Meskel. The faithful will come to the Demera to share the blessing and dance and sing around the bonfire. This ceremony is performed colorfully by priests and deacons with drums and sitras with a capacity crowd in front of the first group of rock-hewn churches.

After breakfast, to Yimrhane Kirstos through Bilbala Giorgis and Bilbala Cherkos, en route visiting some of the most ancient rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia, some of them dating back to the 6th century and even earlier. These are living proofs that stone craft started in Ethiopia even much earlier than thought by many people. The built-up cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos itself predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by eight years. This is one of the most beautiful built-up cave church, built from marvel, wood and beautifully decorated from inside and out side with untold skill architecture. In the back side of the cave, you will also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries a go.

The rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, there will be a special Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house. Those who can’t face their day with out a cup of coffee may be surprised to know that in it’s birthplace in Ethiopia’s Kaffa region-from which it gets its name- the berries were originally only eaten, never roasted and ground for a drink. Only since the 13th century, coffee has been made a hot drink. Holding a coffee ceremony is a traditional Ethiopian way of welcoming a guest and giving the guest the best hospitality. It is probably one of the most celebrated Ethiopian traditions, and a lifestyle - with which most Ethiopians can identify themselves. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel-Lalibela

September 29 Lalibela-Addis Ababa
Thursday Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. After check in to hotel, the rest of the day you will have city tour of Addis Ababa which includes: Merkato, the largest open air market, and the view of Addis Ababa from Entoto. Group will also have the chance to walk around Piassa and Churchil Avenue for shopping.

In the evening, there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner party with traditional buffet and local drinks. There will also be a live cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country. There will not be any better way of ending a trip. In the evening, transfer to Bole International airport for the flight back home with Ethiopian Airlines ET 500 departing Bole (ADD), Addis Ababa at 10:15 PM. (B/D)

September 30 Arrive U.S.A.
Friday
Arrive at Dulles International airport (IAD), Washington D.C, at 7:55 AM local time. Welcome home.

Note: Flight schedules always subject to change.

Setember 29 - October 10, 2011 $3290 • 10 extra days from Ethiopia Single supplement $550 Addis Ababa • Langano • Arbaminch • Lake Chamo • Chencha • Konso • Turmi Dimeka • Omorate • Jinka • Mago • Mursi

Day by Day Itinerary September 29 Addis Ababa Thursday Overnight in Addis Ababa. Accommodation: Hilton Addis-Addis Ababa September 30 Addis Ababa-Langano Friday In the morning, drive south of Addis Ababa on the Butajira Road to Langano en-route enjoying the stunning view and visiting Gurage Village and Tia. At Tiya, you will visit the northern most example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stelae which stretch across parts of southern Ethiopia. These stelae are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers After check in to Sabana Lodge, located on the shore of Lake Langano, group can relax along the shore of the beautiful Rift Valley lake or take a relaxing trek in the acacia forest full of beautiful endemic birds. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Sabana Lodge-Langano October 1 Langano Saturday Arbaminch After breakfast, drive to Arbaminch on the way visiting the different towns and villages like Shasemene, Welyita and Tembaro. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch October 2 Arbaminch-Lake Sunday Chamo-Chencha Village After breakfast, we will have a boat cruise over Lake Chamo to see some of the biggest African crocodiles, hippopotamus, and many beautiful aquatic birds including the lovely Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle. In the afternoon, drive to the mountain village of Chencha, the home of the Dorze people. The Dorze people, renowned cotton weavers whose tall beehive shaped and bamboo woven dwellings are among the most distinctive structures to be seen anywhere in Africa. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch October 3 Arbaminch-Konso Monday Turmi After an early breakfast, we will drive to Turmi visiting different cultural people and their villages which include the Konso and the undulating landscape of Konso area. The Konso are famous for their old and unique terracing and unusual engraved wooden statues of Konso grave markers. Between Konso and Jinka, you will also have brief stops to visit the different cultural people and their villages like: Tsemay around Weito River, the Benna at Keyafer and the Ari at Kako Village. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Buska Lodge-Turmi October 4 Turmi-Dimeka Tuesday Omorate-Turmi In the cool morning, we will drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat. The Desanech are nomadic pastoralists found across the western bank of the Omo River south of Lake Turkana very close to the Kenyan boarder. In the afternoon, drive to Dimeka to visit the colorful multi ethnic and multi-cultural weekly tribal market. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, fair number of the Hamer and the Bena tribes walk to the market from miles around. Here we will have the chance to see the tribes of the surrounding area in their traditional marketing activities and displaying their local handicrafts. We will also have an opportunity to bargain for varieties of handicrafts. The rest of the day, explore the surrounding of the Turmi area. Late in the afternoon, we will drive to Hamer Village. The Hamer, display an elaborate and diverse selection of body decorations. They are also identifiable for their high cheekbones, elaborate custom of beads, cowries and leather, and thick copper necklaces. At the same village we will enjoy the seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi (Hamer Dancing). (B/L/D) Accommodation: Buska Lodge-Turmi. October 5 Turmi-Jinka Wednesday In the morning we will drive to Jinka en-route visiting different tribal villages including Hamer, Ari and Bena. In the afternoon, walk around the town of Jinka. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Resort Hotel-Jinka October 6 Jinka-Mago-Mursi Thursday After having an early breakfast, we will drive from Jinka to Mursi Village. The Mursi, undoubtedly the most celebrated residents of South Omo are distinctive group of pastoralists. The Mursi are best known for their unique item of decoration, lip plates. Women of Mursi wear circular clay plate on their lower lip and the bigger a women can wear, the greater her value when she get married. After our visit to the Mursi Village, we will have our picnic lunch in the Mago National Park and continue driving back to Jinka through the park. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Jinka Resort Hotel-Jinka October 7 Turmi-Arbaminch Friday In the morning, drive back to Arbaminch with brief stops at different villages including Erbore Village where the nomadic Cushitic Speaking Erbore tribes live. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch October 8 Arbaminch-Langano Saturday After breakfast, we will start driving north to Langano en-route visiting different villages and some of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lakes. After check in to Bishangari Lodge, located on the shore of Lake Langano, you will have relaxing walk in the well conserved natural forest full of different specious of endemic birds and different mammals. You will also have the chance to relax along the shore of one of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lake, Langano. (B/L/D) Accommodation: Bishangari Lodge –Langano October 9 Langano-Addis Ababa Sunday After spending part of the morning time to relax around the lake we will continue driving north towards Addis Ababa with brief stops at different towns like Mojo and Debrezeit. The rest of the day, you will have Addis Ababa city tour and souvenir shopping. In the evening, transfer to Bole International airport for the flight back home with Ethiopian Airlines ET 500 departing Bole (ADD), Addis Ababa at 10:15 PM. (B/L) October 10 Arrive U.S.A. Monday Arrive at Dulles International airport (IAD), Washington D.C, at 7:55 AM local time. Welcome home. Note: Flight schedules always subject to change. THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarahb@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.