The Rickshaw Travel Group ("Rickshaw Travels") was founded in May 1988. From our humble beginnings as a small travel agency, we have grown and expanded into several countries and today have 28 years of experience in the travel business, both corporate and leisure... read more .
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Highlights of the tour
Generally the best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and June, when it is the dry season. Rains tend to stop in early October, meaning afterwards the highlands are lush and green – perfect for trekking amongst pretty wildflowers that have sprung up. Be sure to bring a sweater all year round due to the elevation.
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa.
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 Lalibela
Following an early morning breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa (Bole) int. airport for your flight to
Lalibela.
In the afternoon visit the north-west cluster of churches consists of Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Debre Sina, and Bet Golgotha. Also included in this tour is the isolated monolith of Bet Giyorgis (the Church of St George). Bet Medhane Alem is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church.
Take a part in a traditional coffee ceremony.
Ethiopia's coffee ceremony is an integral part of the social and cultural life. It is an important cultural ritual that's been passed from generation to generation. An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered as a mark of friendship or respect and is an example of Ethiopian hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included
Day 3: Lalibela
Today visit the cave church of Yimrehane Kirstos, 40kms from the city, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. The church is constructed inside a cave, in Axumite style, similar to the church at Debre Damo, with alternating levels of wood and stone. If the day meets, attend the yearly celebration of King & Saint Yimrehane Kirstos which is attended by tens thousands of pilgrims from all over Ethiopia, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Lalibela. It is celebrated with greater devotion, the congregation wrapped in white shawls sing with joy along with the priests‟ one after the other and among the swaying choir the priests chanting, dancing, and singing around the church letting out a deep boom of the drums and female‟s voice respond in a piercing chorus of ululations. Then return back to the town.
Afternoon visit the second group of the rock churches, the south-east cluster of churches is more irregular in design than the north-western cluster. Several of the individual churches in this cluster are thought to have been secular in origin, and some predate the reign of King Lalibela by five centuries. The churches in the south-east cluster include Bet Gebriel-Rafael, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Mercurios. According to legend, Bet Abba Libanos was built overnight by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebre, who was assisted by a group of angels.
You can also visit the Markets in Lalibela or attending a cooking class
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included
Day 4: Flight Lalibela to Addis Ababa
After breakfast transfer to Lalibela 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
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.
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