ADDIS AND GONDAR

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is Africa’s diplomatic capital with headquarters for the Organization of African Unity and the United Nation Economic Commissions for Africa. On your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, after clearing immigration and customs welcome by Absolute Ethiopia Tours staff and get transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time it is possible to arrange sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a national guide and this includes;
A visit of the National Archaeological Museum; ranks among the most important museums in subSahara Africa. It housed the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy. Lucy is believed to be the ancestor of all Human kind. It has lots of ancient exhibits that reflect the importance of Ethiopia as the „Cradle of Mankind. Its historic room features finery worn in the wars, such as crowns, weapons, and pictures of wartime heroes and kings.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, built in 1945, this cathedral is renowned for its stunning stain-glassed windows which depict scenes from the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible. The Trinity Cathedral also houses the tombs of the late emperor and his family as well as the tomb of English feminist Sylvia Pankhurst.
And a visit of Merkato; the Largest open Market in Africa; where virtually every possible commodity is on sale, from livestock to computers. It is closed on Sundays & for a visitor good at bargaining, there is a huge selection of Ethiopian arts and crafts.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner is included

Day 2: Flight Addis Ababa to Gondar - SMNP
Following an early morning breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa (Bole) int. airport for your flight to Gondar
and on arrival at Gondar airport and surface transfer to the magnificent Simien Mts. National Park. Road/ Surface transfer 135kms/2.3hrs.
En route visit the former Felasha (Ethiopian Jews) village at Wolleka, 5kms. Most of the Felasha or Bete Israel as they prefer to be called was taken to Israel in the 1980s.
You will have a stopover at Kossoye viewpoint, about 40km from Gonder on the way to the Simien Mountains National park. At a height of about 2,300m, this beautiful spot provides magnificent views of the
Simien Mountain range and as well as views of the lower ridges and valleys. Queen Elizabeth II once stopped here while traveling to Axum.
Then you pass the villages of Ambagiyorgis, means 'hill of St. George and Davat'. The people from this area grow lentils, fenugreek, wheat, oat, barley, beans and tef (the staple Ethiopian cereal). The scenery is an impressive and vast expanse of distant mountains and escarpments. You pass many eucalyptus trees which are used for building houses and for firewood, and you will see many local traders in traditional, billowing robes going from place to place on foot or horseback – always with their dula (wooden stick). Sankaber, situated at 3,250m. Here you will find one of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Ethiopia. Stop to watch Ghelada Baboons (due to the red patch on their chests; the subtle colours of which indicate their sexual condition at a given time); these fascinating creatures are endemic to Ethiopia and observe their foraging habits, and take a short walk to a waterfall (the ground here is uneven).

Meals: Lunch & Dinner is included

Day 3: Drive SMNP to Gondar
Today after spending the morning at the Simien Mts. drive back to Gondar.
Visit the Royal Enclosure or Fasil Gibbi, encompasses the castles of various Gondarene emperors.
The Fasiladas Palace; the Quskuam Church (believed to be the home of famous explorer James Bruce during the 1770‟s). After 2-km drive from the town centre visit the bath of King Fasilides. The pool is now the central stage on which the Timkat or Epiphany festival is celebrated in Gondar.
Debre Berhane Selassie church with its remarkable walls and ceiling completely covered with
murals - the angels‟ faces on the ceiling have become a common motif in Ethiopian design.
Tonight enjoy the traditional Ethiopian Music at Four sisters- Gondar is famous for the Azmari bet, and enjoy the Ethiopian indigenous traditional songs mainly praising and singing with lots of Funs.
Young couples, a man playing Masinko (one string instrument) and a woman performs the singing in the mean while if you like you will have the chance to try the dances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Day 4: Flight Gondar to Addis Ababa
After breakfast transfer to Gondar Airport for your return flight back to Addis Ababa.
On arrival in Addis Ababa get transferred to your hotel for the day use. You can also go for shopping in Addis Ababa or more sightseeing in Addis Ababa.
Visit to Entoto Hills – best introduction place to Addis Ababa. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa reaching 3,200 meters above sea level, giving the opportunity to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit. It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887. It is a historical place which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Ethiopias distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact museum as well as Menelik II palace. In addition to its historical significance as one drive up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road.
On the way up the roadside stalls offers fresh Ethiopian coffee. Also, if you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes stop by at Shero Meda Market. There is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewellery with lots of choice and really good for gift ideas. Go for shopping in Addis Ababa or a day use at your hotel.
Tonight you will have a wonderful cultural evening at one of Addis Ababa Restaurant; Ethiopia is a mosaic of people with more than 80 languages, different lifestyles, costumes and cultural dances. Take a chance to experience some of these cultural dances and traditional meals with a drink of Tej, a type of wine made from Honey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included
Day use at Bonanza Addis Hotel

Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We really are happy to have you with us, hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Have a safe flight.

Includes:

• All accommodation as detailed with private facilities.
• Meals as per your preference - including breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified above with bottled water / soft drinks.
• Airport welcome, assistance with luggage, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (comfortable spacious High Roof Minivan), complete with bottled water.
• With English speaking local guides (destination expert).
• (An accompanying guide from Addis Ababa is quoted separately & a multi lingual guides are available on request)
• Cultural activities mentioned in day by day are included
• All entrance fees as per the program are included
• All necessary local Government taxes are included
• Porterage fees at the Airport and Hotels.
• Coffee ceremony, and Honey wine drinks (Tej).
• Traditional farewell Dinner in Addis Ababa

Excludes:

• Visa for Ethiopia
• International & Domestic airfare.
• Domestic flight fare is quoted separately on the flight section.
• Photography & video fees
• Tipping
• Insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred during your trip. We strongly recommend travel /cancellation insurance
• Items of a purely personal nature such as drinks (unless noted), laundry, dry cleaning, internet, fax, or telephone charges and transfers/sightseeing or meals not included in “Your itinerary includes”
• Excess baggage charge