Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destination Focus: Addis Ababa – Lalibela – Bahir Dar – Gondar
Tour Date: Annually around September 27 (Meskerem 17 in the Ethiopian Calendar)

🕯️ Introduction

Celebrate Meskel in the land of faith, fire, and history!
Join us for one of Ethiopia’s grandest religious festivals—Meskel (The Finding of the True Cross)—in the spiritual heartland of Lalibela. Witness the spectacular Demera bonfire ceremony, mingle with thousands of pilgrims, explore UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, and journey through the treasures of the Northern Historic Route. This tour blends cultural depth, spiritual inspiration, and scenic beauty for an unforgettable Ethiopian holiday.

🌍 Tour Overview

• Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
• Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour
• Day 3: Flight to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana
• Day 4: Drive to Gondar – Castles and Churches
• Day 5: Fly to Lalibela – Explore 1st Group Churches
• Day 6: Meskel Festival in Lalibela (Demera Ceremony)
• Day 7: Explore 2nd Group Churches & Asheton Maryam Monastery
• Day 8: Fly to Addis Ababa – Departure

📅 Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Meet and greet at Bole International Airport
• Hotel transfer and rest
• Welcome dinner with cultural music and dance show

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour

• Visit the National Museum (home of Lucy)
• Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Ethnological Museum
• Panoramic view from Mount Entoto
• Merkato – Africa’s largest open-air market

Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

• Morning flight to Bahir Dar
• Visit the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Isat”)
• Boat ride to Lake Tana monasteries (Ura Kidane Mehret)

Day 4: Drive to Gondar – Royal Castles

• Scenic drive through highlands
• Tour Gondar’s 17th-century castles (UNESCO site)
• Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church (famous ceiling art)

Day 5: Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches (1st Group)

• Morning flight to Lalibela
• Explore 1st group of rock-hewn churches (e.g. Bete Medhane Alem)
• Sunset view from traditional tukul lodge

Day 6: Meskel Festival – Demera Bonfire Ceremony

• Participate in Meskel Festival with locals and pilgrims
• Attend the Demera Ceremony – the symbolic burning of the cross
• Cultural evening celebration with music and traditional food

Day 7: More Churches & Mount Monastery

• Visit 2nd group of churches (e.g. Bete Giorgis)
• Optional trek or mule ride to Asheton Maryam Monastery for panoramic views
• Farewell dinner in Lalibela

Day 8: Return to Addis Ababa – Departure

• Morning flight back to Addis
• Last-minute shopping or spa
• Evening transfer to the airport for departure

✅ Tour Includes

• All airport transfers and ground transport (private vehicle)
• 7 nights in 3–4 star hotels/lodges (double/twin sharing)
• Daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees to all sites and festival
• Boat ride on Lake Tana
• Bottled water during tours

❌ Tour Excludes

• International airfare
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals not listed in the itinerary

💰 Price per Person

• $1,590 USD (based on 2–4 travelers)
• Single Supplement: +$180

Group discounts available for 5+ travelers. Prices may vary depending on domestic flight availability and hotel category.

✨ Special Note

• Meskel is celebrated annually on September 27 (or 28 during leap years).
• Book early to secure flights and accommodations—this is a peak pilgrimage season in Lalibela!