ADDIS, LAKE TANA MONASTRIES AND BAHIR DAR

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa.
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 Bahir Dar
Following an early morning breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa (Bole) int. airport for your flight to Bahir Dar.
Bahir Dar is the capital of the Amhara region situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. Bahir Dar is one of the best well-planned cities in Ethiopia. Bahir Dar means “by the side of the sea”.
After check-into your hotel go for the alluring Blue Nile Falls, “Tiss isat” (smoking fire), the Falls are 328 feet wide and the water cascades down a 150 feet, high drop to produce a dazzling spray of mist and rainbows, shimmering across the gorge, and a small perennial rainforest of lush green vegetation, to the delight of the many monkeys and multi-colored birds that inhabit the area. The Blue Nile Falls is 32kms from the city. On a clear sunny day you can walk for about 30min walk to the base of the falls. Meet with the locals around for a short coffee break. Cotton spinning is the most famous activity in this area. It is the most dramatic falls anywhere on the Nile river system, and is at its most impressive in the rainy season from June to early September.

Enjoy a spectacular view of Bezawit hill top, & the open air market of Bahir Dar Agelgil Market to meet up with locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Day 3: Bahir Dar
Explore the 12th-14th century treasured Monasteries of Lake Tana by a cruise, round, grass roofed of the Zeghie Peninsula, witness the Ethiopia's links with the ancient world by the papyrus Tankwa that sail the lake bear a striking resemblance to the boats of Ancient Egypt.

Visit the round, thatched roof of the Azuwa Maryam Monastery along the Zege Peninsular makes this church one of the most aesthetically pleasing. Then move to one of the bigger monasteries in the region, Ura Kidane Mehret is known for its beautifully painted, psychedelic murals that run the perimeter of its circular straw walls. Just 25minute‟s walk from the boat landing point; Ura Kidane Mehret is one of the more accessible churches in the region and is by far the most popular. Concealed behind tall shady palm trees and densely planted coffee farms, the monastery houses vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from Ethiopian folklore and Christianity. Both men and women are permitted entry and there is a small museum on-site, called the Zege Satekela Museum. Here you can learn about the hand-crafted tools and musical instruments that helped shape this vibrant land and that are still in use today.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Day 4: Flight Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa
After breakfast transfer to Bahir Dar 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

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