September 17 Depart U.S.A.
Friday
Depart from Dulles International (IAD), Washington, DC at 10:05 AM local time with Ethiopian Airlines ET 503.

September 18 Arrive Addis Ababa
Saturday
Arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia at 8:30 AM. Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you are welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driver. It is a short drive to Hilton Addis Ababa Hotel (5*).

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”.

Have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we start our city tour and sightseeing of Addis Ababa which includes the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and 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 species of Australopithecus Afarensis. The discovery of Lucy’s fossil in 1974 forced a complete rethinking of human genealogy. 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 from the National Museum, but equally absorbing. This museum exhibits, an array of artifacts and objects of daily use related to most ethnic groups in Ethiopia. A city tour of Addis continues with the Merkato, the largest open-air market in the continent.

Hilton Addis-Addis Ababa

September 19 Addis Ababa
Sunday Bahirdar
In the morning, fly to Bahirdar. After check in at the hotel, walk around the beautiful town of Bahirdar and visit the local market.

After having lunch at the hotel, we drive 22 miles to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Nineteen miles after it exits Lake Tana, the Blue Nile plunges over a 147 foot-high face to form one of the most spectacular waterfalls 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 falls, is also a great experience. (B/L/D)

Kuriftu Lodge-Bahirdar

September 20 Bahirdar
Monday Blue Nile Falls-Gondar
In the morning, we make a 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 expect 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 dinner time. (B/L/D)

Goha Hotel

September 21 Gondar
Tuesday
After breakfast you visit the ancient city of Gondar. Founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635, Gondar 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 we visit the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound having six separate castles built from 17th century by a series of kings. The pool of King Fasilidas still serves as a baptismal pool during Ethiopian Epiphany. We will also visit the famous Deberberhan Sillassie, adorned with brilliant frescos inside. (B/L/D)

Goha Hotel

September 22 Gondar
Wednesday Simien Mountains National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive to Axum through the Simien Mountains National Park. En-route we visit the “Felasha” or the Black Jewish village. It is believed that the “Felashas” settled at this village during the time of King Menelik I, the son of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.
Driving from Gondar through the 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. Find yourself looking out over the heart-stopping precipice; you feel you might just be at the edge of the world.
Drive to Snakaber the headquarters of Simien Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since the late 1960s. The rest of the day, is free to relax or explore the surrounding of Snakaber. Sankaber camp site is situated amongst the most dramatic scenery in Africa. It is a spectacular habitat for wildlife. You may have the chance to see the Gelado Baboon (the bleeding heart baboon). Ibex, the Simien Fox, and the Simien Wolf, (the rarest wolf in the world) are all indigenous to this area. Look up and you may see Bearded Vultures, Tawny Eagles, Augur Buzzards and endemic species such as thick billed Ravens, Black headed Siskinos and Abyssinian catbirds all of which are common throughout this area. (B/L/D)

Simien Lodge-Buyit Ras

September 23 Simien Mountains
Thursday Axum
After breakfast start driving to Axum through the beautiful sceneries of Simien Mountains, Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge.

Have brief stops at different parts of the park for the best views. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of the tree past the Tekeze River Gorge. En-route visit interesting villages and monastery churches. (B/L/D)

Remhay Hotel-Axum

September 24 Axum-Yeha
Friday
After breakfast, we begin our visit to the ancient city of Axum. This is the birthplace of Ethiopian civilization. By the first century Axum was a major trading center for exotic goods from Egypt, Rome, Nubia, Greece, Syria, and India. It is said that the Holy Ark of the Covenant was brought here before the destruction of the Temple. To Ethiopians, Axum is reputed to be the second Jerusalem.

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

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

Remhay Hotel-Axum

September 25 Axum-Lalibela
Saturday
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Axum Airport for our flight to Lalibela. After check in at the Mount View Hotel, we drive to the site where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, “the living wonders of the world” and an UNESCO World Heritage site. These churches are, as 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 into a 8,500-sq foot natural rock terrace in the 12th-century AD by King Lalibela.

Bete Medhani Alem, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, measures 38 foot in height, covers an area of almost 2625 square feet. It 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 visit today include: Bete Medhani Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, Bete Golgotha Michael and Bete Giorgis. (B/L/D)

Mount View Hotel -Lalibela

September 26 Lalibela
Sunday Asheten Mariam Meskel Eve
In the morning take an optional combined mule ride and trek to the top of Asheten Mariam Monastery. The site is very famous for its 12th-century monastery church and beautiful view at over 10,000 feet above sea level. We pass through dramatic highland scenery to eventually end in a beautiful serene agricultural hamlet.

After having lunch and rest at the hotel, we 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. Once we finish visiting the second group of churches we walk to the village through the complex bewildering labyrinth of underground tunnels to the monastery where the monks and nuns live. The rock-hewn churches that we 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 is a lot of dancing and singing by the priests, deacons and the local people around a huge pile of wood. The bonfire will be burned the next morning. (B/L/D)

Mount View Hotel-Lalibela

September 27 Meskel Festival
Monday Yimrhane Kirstos Bilbala Cherkos
Witness one of the most colorful festivals, Meskel, the finding of the True Cross. Learn the legend of Queen Helen, mother of Constantine the Great. The faithful will come to share the blessing and dance and sing around the bonfire. This ceremony is performed colorfully by priests and deacons with drums and sitars, and a capacity crowd in front of the first group of rock-hewn churches.

Continue 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 proof that stonecraft 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 cave churches, skillfully constructed from marvelous wood and beautifully decorated from inside and out. In the back side of the cave, you also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago.

The rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, there is a special Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house. Those who can’t face their day without 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. This is a great chance to be part of a unique coffee ceremony at its birthplace. (B/L/D)

Mount View Hotel-Lalibela

September 28 Lalibela-Addis Ababa
Tuesday Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. After check in at the hotel, the rest of the day have a city tour of Addis Ababa which includes: a view of Addis Ababa from Entoto. We also have the chance to walk around Piassa and Churchil Avenue for last-minute shopping.

In the evening, enjoy a special Ethiopian farewell dinner party with traditional buffet and local drinks. Delight in a cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country. There is no 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 29 Arrive U.S.A.
Wednesday
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 8, 2010 from Ethiopia Addis Ababa • Arbaminch • Turmi Keyafer • Jinka • Mago Mursi • Dimeka • Chencha Langano • Debre Libanos

Day by Day Itinerary September 29 Addis Ababa Wednesday Arbaminch In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for the morning flight to Arbaminch. At Arbaminch Airport we are met by our tour drivers. In the afternoon, we 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 may be spotted. (B/L/D) Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch September 30 Turmi-Keyafer Thursday Jinka After an early breakfast, we drive to Jinka en-route 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, 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. At Keyafer visit the colorful weekly Keyafer Market. The town of Keyafer hosts multi-cultural market that is as colorful as any other in the region is. Here every Thursday, the Hamer, the Bena and the Ari people come walking for miles for this special market. After our visit to the market, we continue driving to Jinka where we spend two nights. (B/L/D) Jinka Resort Hotel-Jinka October 1 Jinka-Mago-Mursi Friday After having an early breakfast, we 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 a circular clay plate on their lower lip and the bigger a women can wear, the greater her value when she gets married (shown on cover page). After our visit to the Mursi Village, we have our picnic lunch in the Mago National Park and continue driving back to Jinka through the park. (B/L/D) Jinka Resort Hotel-Jinka October 2 Jinka-Dimeka-Turmi Saturday In the morning, drive to Turmi through Dimeka. At Dimeka, you visit the colorful multi ethnic and multi-cultural weekly market. On Saturdays, a fair number of the Hamer and the Bena tribes walk to the market from miles around. Here we have the chance to see the tribes of the surrounding area in their traditional marketing activities and displaying their local handicrafts. We also have an opportunity to bargain for a variety of handicrafts. After visiting the Dimeka Market, we continue driving to Turmi where we camp for two nights. The rest of the day, explore the surrounding of the Turmi area. (B/L/D) Buska Lodge or Camping at Turmi October 3 Turmi-Omorate-Turmi Sunday In the cool morning, we 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, we drive to a 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 enjoy the seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi (Hamer Dancing). (B/L/D) Buska Lodge or Camping at Turmi October 4 Turmi-Arbaminch Monday 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) Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch October 5 Arbaminch-Chencha Tuesday Langano After breakfast, we start driving north from Arbaminch to Langano en-route visiting different villages and some of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lakes. We make a detour 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 (tukul) are among the most distinctive structures to be seen anywhere in Africa. As we finish our Chencha Village visit, we continue our drive to Langano en-route visiting Welyta at Sodo and Alaba at Tenbaro. After check in to the Bishangari Lodge, you can relax along the shore of the beautiful Rift Valley lake or take a relaxing walk in the acacia forest full of birds and other mammals. (B/L/D) Bishangari Lodge-Langano October 6 Langano-Addis Ababa Wednesday After spending part of the morning relaxing around the lake, we continue driving to Addis Ababa with brief stops at different towns like Mojo and Debrezeit. The rest of the day at leisure. (B/L) Hilton Addis-Addis Ababa October 7 Addis Ababa Thursday Debre Libanos Departure After breakfast, drive to Debre Libanos and Jemma River Gorge. Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teklehaimanot. There is a small cave near the church where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg. Eventually the other wasted away and dropped off. On this tour you can combine history and culture with some very good bird watching. As you pass through the Sululta plain, you can see Black winged plovers, Wattled Ibis, Blue winged geese, common cranes and wheat ears. Driving to Debre Libanos, you also have the chance to visit different villages of the Oromo tribe at Chancho and Sululta. You also visit the Jemma River Gorge, one of the biggest tributaries of the Blue Nile River. After visiting the monastery, on the way back to Addis enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady tree while enjoying the stunning country side view. 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 8 Arrive U.S.A. Friday We arrive at Dulles International Airport 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.

September 16 Depart U.S.A.
Friday
Depart from Dulles International (IAD), Washington, DC at 10:05 AM local time with Ethiopian Airlines ET 503.

September 17 Arrive Addis Ababa
Saturday
Arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia at 8:30 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 hominoid 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 18 Addis Ababa-Bahir Dar
Sunday
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 35 KM to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. 30 KM after it exits Lake Tana, the Blue Nile plunges over a 45m-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 19 Bahirdar-Blue Nile Falls-Gondar
Monday
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 20 Gondar
Tuesday
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 21 Gondar-Simein Mountains National Park
Wednesday
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 22 Simien Mountains-Axum
Thursday
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 23 Axum-Yeha
Friday
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 centaury 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 24 Axum-Lalibela 
Saturday
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 2,600-sq meter 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 - in which most Ethiopians can identify themselves. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel -Lalibela.

September 25 Lalibela-Asheten Mariam-Meskel Eve
Sunday
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 s great chance to be part of this unique coffee ceremony, at its birth place. 

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel -Lalibela. (Meals: B/L/D)

September 26 Meskel Festival-Yimrhane Kirstos- Bilbala Cherkos
Monday
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 tought 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 - in which most Ethiopians can identify themselves with. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Mount View Hotel-Lalibela. 

September 27 Lalibela-Addis Ababa-Departure
Tuesday
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 22:15. (B/D)

September 28 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.

Setember 28 - October 7, 2011 from Ethiopia Addis Ababa • Arbaminch • Turmi • Keyafer • Jinka Mago • Mursi • Dimeka • Omorate • Langano

Preliminary Day by Day Itinerary September 28 Addis Ababa-Arbaminch Wednesday In the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for the morning flight to Arbaminch. At Arbaminch Airport we will be met by our tour drivers.  In the afternoon, 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. (B/L/D)                                                Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch. September 29 Turmi-Keyeafer-Jinka Thursday After an early breakfast, we will drive to Jinka en-route 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, 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.   At Keyefer will visit the colorful weekly Keyafer Market. The town of Keyafer hosts multi-cultural market that is as colorful as any other in the region is. Here every Thursday, the Hamer, the Bena and the Ari people come walking for miles for this special market. After our visit to the market, we will continue driving to Jinka where we will be spending two nights. (B/L/D) Jinka Resort Hotel-Jinka September 30 Jinka-Mago-Mursi Friday 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 Jinak through the park. (B/L/D) Jinka Resort Hotel-Jinka October 1 Jinka-Dimeka-Turmi Saturday In the morning, drive to Turmi through Demeka. At Dimeka, you will be visiting the colorful multi ethnic and multi-cultural weekly market. On 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. After visiting the Dimeka Market, we will continue driving to Turmi where we will be camping for two nights. (B/L/D) Buska Lodge or Camping at Turmi October 2 Turmi-Omorate-Turmi Sunday 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, 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) Buska Lodge or Camping at Turmi October 3 Turmi-Arbaminch Monday 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) Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch October 4 Arbaminch-Langano Tuesday After breakfast, we will start driving north to Langano en-route visiting different villages and some of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lakes. After a short drive from Arbaminch, we will make detour 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. As we finish our Cehncha Village visit, we will continue our drive to Langano en-route visiting Welyta at Sodo and Alaba at Tenbaro. After check in to Bekle Molla Hotel, located on the shore of Lake Langano, you can relax along the shore of the beautiful Rift Valley lake or take a relaxing trek in the acacia forest full of birds and other mammals. (B/L/D) Bishangari Lodge -Langano October 5  Langano-Addis Ababa Wednesday After spending part of the morning time to relax around the lake we will continue driving to Addis Ababa with brief stops at different towns like Mojo and Debrezeit.   The rest of the day at leisure. (B/L) Hilton Addis-Addis Ababa October 6 Excursion to Debre Libanos Thursday After breakfast, drive to Debre Libanos and jemma River Gorge. Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The monastery was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teklehaimanot. There is a small cave near the church where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off. On this tour you can combine history and culture with some very good bird watching. As you pass through the Sululta plain, you can see Black winged plovers, Wattled Ibis, Blue winged geese, common cranes and wheat ears. Driving to Debre Libanos, you will also have the chance to visit different villages of the Oromo tribe at Chancho and Sululta. You will also visit the Jemma River Gorge, one of the biggest tributaries of the Blue Nile River. After visiting the monastery, on the way back to Addis you will have your picnic lunch under a shade of a tree while enjoying the stunning country side view across.  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) Ocotber 7 Arrive U.S.A. Wednesday We arrive at Dulles International Airport 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.