Ethiopia Relagious Festival Tour:Axum Tsion Celebration

The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa.
Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum

This trip begins with a rendezvous at the airport in Addis Ababa on Day 1. Please arrange your flight schedule so you will arrive on the correct day. But on your special request we can arrange other transfer for those arriving earlier.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ambassador Hotel

Day 2: Fly Bahir Dar.
After breakfast fly to Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel and refreshment, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. You will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon make a city tour of Bahir Dar, that includes a visit of the colorful market where some one could find the baskets, pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best place for view and birding. Overnight Papyrus Hotel

Day 3: In Bahir Dar.
After breakfast visit   the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. Drive to   the small town of Tiss Abay here you take-off the vehicle and expected to walk the uphill for about 20-30 minutes to reach the best view point of the falls which has 45 meters deep and up to 400 meters wide during the rainy season (end June, July, August & September). NB. Since recently the water is diverted for hydroelectric power the fall is not as magnificent as the pictures you saw. Overnight Papyrus Hotel

Day 4: Drive Gondar Tour of Gondar
We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that you visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha Hotel

Day 5: Drive Simien Mountains
After breakfast departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to the gravel road to Buyit Ras, the first campsite of the National Park and your lodge for the night. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Overnight Simien Loge

Day 6: In Simien Mountains
Full days in the Simien Mountains, considered the most beautiful of Africa's mountain ranges. Excellent for trekking, the Simien Mountains offer spectacular views and a vast array of wildlife, including Gelada baboons, Ibexes and many beautiful birds. Overnight Simien Loge (3200 m)

Day 7: Drive Gondar
After breakfast we drive back to Gondar with stops in some picturesque points. O/n Goha hotel.

Day 8: Fly Axum
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a short flight to Axum. On arrival in Axum you will be transferred to Remehay hotel. After refreshment visit the historical and archaeological sites in Axum.   The ancient city of Aksum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: The archaeological museum, The magnificent monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum house are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. Overnight Remhay Hotel

Day 9: In Axum; Attend Axum Tsion Religious Festival
After breakfast attend Axum Tsion Festival in Axum St. Mary Church.
HIDAR TSION OR HIDAR ZION FESTIVAL (Celebration of St. Mary)
The Virgin is one of the most venerated of all religious figures in Ethiopia. About 33 days are annually dedicated to different celebrations in commemoration of Mary. "Hidar Zion" is associated with the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Axum and the belief that the Ark itself is a symbol of Her womb. This festival is attended by tens of thousands of people from all over Ethiopia, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Axum, the "sacred city of the Ethiopians."
After lunch in the afternoon, drive to the small town of Yeha and visit the Temple of Yeha and Aba Aftse church. Overnight Remhay Hotel

Day 10: Fly to Lalibela:
We take a short flight to Lalibela then drive 23kms to the town where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela are situated. Today we visit the first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight Jerusalem/ Mountain View hotel

Day 11: In Lalibela:
After breakfast a mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated on the top a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. This will take about 4 hours. We return back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the other groups of Rock churches of Lalibela Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el. Bet Emanuel's elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Jerusalem/ Mountain View hotel

Day 12: Fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast visit the other group of Churches and then Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa
In the Evening a fare well diner party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from the different ethnic Groups. Transfer out to the airport for departure back to home.

Make An Enquiry And Get More Details About This Package

Note:
This is not a booking form

Ethiopia Religious Festival Tour; Axum Tsion Celebration Tour to Ethiopia Historic Route and Simien Mountains designed in such a way to coincides with the colorful Festival Axum Tsion. Enjoy beauty of Ethiopia and the colorful religious festival celebration in Axum.
TOUR CODE	DURATION	SITE TO VISITE	TRANSPORT
AAT 1115	12 DAYS/ 11 NIGHTS	BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, SIMIEN MOUNTAINS, LALIBELA, AXUM	BY AIR & SURFACE
ITINERARY The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa. Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum This trip begins with a rendezvous at the airport in Addis Ababa on Day 1. Please arrange your flight schedule so you will arrive on the correct day. But on your special request we can arrange other transfer for those arriving earlier. Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ambassador Hotel Day 2: Fly Bahir Dar. After breakfast fly to Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel and refreshment, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. You will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon make a city tour of Bahir Dar, that includes a visit of the colorful market where some one could find the baskets, pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best place for view and birding. Overnight Papyrus Hotel Day 3: In Bahir Dar. After breakfast visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. Drive to the small town of Tiss Abay here you take-off the vehicle and expected to walk the uphill for about 20-30 minutes to reach the best view point of the falls which has 45 meters deep and up to 400 meters wide during the rainy season (end June, July, August & September). NB. Since recently the water is diverted for hydroelectric power the fall is not as magnificent as the pictures you saw. Overnight Papyrus Hotel Day 4: Drive Gondar Tour of Gondar We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that you visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha Hotel Day 5: Drive Simien Mountains After breakfast departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to the gravel road to Buyit Ras, the first campsite of the National Park and your lodge for the night. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Overnight Simien Loge Day 6: In Simien Mountains Full days in the Simien Mountains, considered the most beautiful of Africa's mountain ranges. Excellent for trekking, the Simien Mountains offer spectacular views and a vast array of wildlife, including Gelada baboons, Ibexes and many beautiful birds. Overnight Simien Loge (3200 m) Day 7: Drive Gondar After breakfast we drive back to Gondar with stops in some picturesque points. O/n Goha hotel. Day 8: Fly Axum After breakfast transfer to the airport for a short flight to Axum. On arrival in Axum you will be transferred to Remehay hotel. After refreshment visit the historical and archaeological sites in Axum. The ancient city of Aksum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: The archaeological museum, The magnificent monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum house are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. Overnight Remhay Hotel Day 9: In Axum; Attend Axum Tsion Religious Festival After breakfast attend Axum Tsion Festival in Axum St. Mary Church. HIDAR TSION OR HIDAR ZION FESTIVAL (Celebration of St. Mary) The Virgin is one of the most venerated of all religious figures in Ethiopia. About 33 days are annually dedicated to different celebrations in commemoration of Mary. "Hidar Zion" is associated with the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Axum and the belief that the Ark itself is a symbol of Her womb. This festival is attended by tens of thousands of people from all over Ethiopia, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Axum, the "sacred city of the Ethiopians." After lunch in the afternoon, drive to the small town of Yeha and visit the Temple of Yeha and Aba Aftse church. Overnight Remhay Hotel Day 10: Fly to Lalibela: We take a short flight to Lalibela then drive 23kms to the town where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela are situated. Today we visit the first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight Jerusalem/ Mountain View hotel Day 11: In Lalibela: After breakfast a mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated on the top a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. This will take about 4 hours. We return back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the other groups of Rock churches of Lalibela Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el. Bet Emanuel's elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Jerusalem/ Mountain View hotel Day 12: Fly to Addis Ababa After breakfast visit the other group of Churches and then Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa In the Evening a fare well diner party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from the different ethnic Groups. Transfer out to the airport for departure back to home. Make An Enquiry And Get More Details About This Package Note: This is not a booking form

ITINERARY