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Ethiopian Odyssey
DISCOVERY TOUR 14 Days / 12 Nights from £1,945 Escorted Group or Private Journey · Comprehensive Historical Tour · Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela · Simien Mountains The only African country that has never been colonised, Ethiopia is also unusual for its rich Orthodox Christian heritage, which was maintained even when all its neighbours embraced Islam in the 7th century. This journey travels through this enthralling and beautiful country, little explored by tourists, and discovers the layers of history that have shaped this land.
Day 7 Lalibela: Morning visit to the southwest cluster of churches. Afternoon walk up to Asheton Mariam (weather permitting). (B, L, D) Day 8 To Simien Mountains: Fly to Gondar, Ethiopia's first capital, located at the foot of the Simien Mountains. Afternoon visit to the church of Debre Berhan Selassie and see its murals. Drive to the Simien Mountain Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa at 3,260 metres, and stay 2 nights. Evening introductory talk on the gelada monkey, endemic to this area. (B, L, D) Day 1 To Addis Ababa: Fly from London to Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. (N) Day 2 Addis Ababa: Arrive in the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon tour, including the Archaeological Museum and Mount Entoto. Stay 2 nights at the Ghion Hotel. (L, D) Day 3 Addis Ababa: Full day excursion to the ancient monastic centre of Debre Libanos, founded in the 13th century. (B, L, D) Day 4 To Axum: This morning fly to Axum, the centre of early civilization in Ethiopia and reputed home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel; the Queen of Sheba's swimming pool and palace; King Ezana's Stone and the magnificent stelae or obelisks. Stay for 2 nights at the Yeha Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 5 Axum: Morning excursion to the ancient Temple of the Moon at Yeha. In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion, the Ark of the Covenant and the museum. (B, L, D) Day 6 To Lalibela: Fly via Gondar to the World Heritage Site of Lalibela, created as the `New Jerusalem' by King Lalibela in the 12th century, and one of the world's greatest cultural treasures. There are 11 rock-hewn churches in this area, many still used for worship today. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Stay 2 nights at the Roha Hotel. (B, L, D)
Church of St George, Lalibela
Day 12 Bahar Dar: Visit the Blue Nile Falls at Tissisat and take a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting the Ziege Peninsula and the monastery at Ura Kidane Mehret. (B, L, D) Day 13 To Addis Ababa: Fly to Addis Ababa and stay 1 night at the Ghion Hotel. Afternoon visit to the Mercato. Farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant. (B, L, D) Day 14 To London: Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B) Discovery Tour: Ethiopia is a poor country. Hotels, while sometimes not reaching western standards, are clean and comfortable and the cultural wonders more than make up for occasional deficiencies. Please see page 8 for more information on Discovery Tours. Note: Ethiopia is mountainous and altitude may be a problem for some visitors. Some churches are not open to female visitors. Please contact Cox & Kings for details. Private Journeys: In addition to the Escorted Group departures, this itinerary may be taken at any time as a Private Journey (subject to availability). The price for this option is shown on the price table. Please see page 8 for more information about Private Journeys.
Day 9 Simien Mountains: Morning scenic drive to Chennek at 3,620 metres, home to the endemic Walia ibex as well as the klipspringer and bushbuck. En route, pass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Ethiopia, stop to view the gelada monkey and take a short walk to a waterfall. A picnic will be arranged in a scenic spot. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D) Day 10 To Gondar: Drive to Gondar and stay 1 night at the Goha Hotel. Afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. (B, L, D) Day 11 To Bahar Dar: Drive to Bahar Dar and visit St George's Church and the viewpoint at Emperor Haile Selassie's former palace. Stay 2 nights at the Tana Hotel. (B, L, D)
Extensions Tour + Rift Valley
19 Days / 17 Nights from £2,720 Day 14 To Arba Minch: Descend along the Great Rift Valley to Arba Minch. Stay 2 nights at Swaynes Hotel. (B, L, D) Day 15 To Arba Minch: Morning game viewing in Nechisar National Park, a habitat for Swayne's hartebeest, Thompson's gazelle, zebra, greater kudu and 340 bird species. Afternoon boat ride on Lake Chamo to see hippo and crocodile. (B, L, D) Day 16 To Lake Langano: Morning visit to Chencha, home of the Dorze people, renowned cotton weavers who live in tall beehive-shaped
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