10 Days Historic Tour to The Ancient Churches of Tigray

In the early morning, meet up at convenient point in Addis Ababa and depart to Wanchi Crater Lake via the town of Ambo town (144 km asphalt road), situated in the western side of the capital. Up on arrival at Wanchi, begin your hiking or horseback riding on the hillside of the crater through the natural forest with a beautiful scenery. Inside the forest, you will observe different tree species, alpine vegetation, aquatic and terrestrial bird species, and mammals. Then, descend down to the natural hot-spring. Soak in the natural mud-pool and take bath in hot-spring for a relaxation and rejuvenation. Picnic lunch (goat steak bites, rice with cooked vegetable, and fruits) will be served at the green fields near to the hot-spring. Afternoon, continue hiking or horseback riding to the villages through the beautiful grassland water streams. You will have a short break to visit one of households in on of the villages to observe their daily lifestyle. Continue hiking to the shore of the lake and take in views of the lake shore from a peaceful dock. Then, our boat will pick you up to cross the lake. On the way, if time allows, stop over at the island of the lake and visit the monastery of Cherkos. Then meet our vehicle and drive back to Addis Ababa.

In the morning, flight to the Tigray capital, Mekele. On your arrival, begin your journey by driving to Wukro town. On the way, visit the church of Mikael Barka. After check in hotel, visit Wukro Cherkos Church and Wukro Museum. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

After breakfast, drive to Hawzien. Stop and visit the churches of Abreha We Atsebeha, the finest semi-monoletic church built in the 10^th c. Then proceed to the Gheralta mountain churches and visit the twin churches of Mariam Korkor and Abune Daniel, impressive cross-shaped church known for its architectural features. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

On this day, continue discovering the churches of Gheralta Cluster. Visit the spectacular church of Abune Yemata Guh, sited within a cliff face, halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle. In the afternoon, visit the church of Mariam Papasiti. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

After breakfast, visit Abune Gebre Mikael Church, one of Gheralta’s finest churches, cruciform in design, is cut beautifully into a domelike rock. Its ceiling well decorated with cupolas is supported by carefully hewn eight columns and arches. Visit also the church of Tekele Haimanot of Gheralta. Then, drive to Adigrat.

On this day, drive to the churches of Teka Tesfay Cluster. Visit the three churches namely; Petros we Pawlos, Mikael Melhaizenghi and Medhanialem Adi Kasho. Overnight in Hotel.

Drive to the Monastery of Debre Damo, only allowed for med, a natural fortress, with 50m high cliffs lining most of the perimeter accessible only by climbing using leather rope. The cliff is the symbol of the legendary story which saint (Abune Aregawi) climbed by the help of serpent which commands to do so by god to the cliff of the mountain. Then proceed to Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple, a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. Also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to the ancient city of Axum through the historical battle field of Adwa Mountains. Overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, visit the archaeological and historical attractions in Axum; which include, The Archaeological Museum, Monolithic Steles, 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. You also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. 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. In the late afternoon, drive to the hilly monastery of Abune Pentaleon with a panoramic view over the city. Overnight in hotel

Morning, transfer in to airport to fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, you will have leisure and shopping time. In the evening, farewell traditional dinner in one of the best restaurants in Addis followed by folkloric dance of different Ethiopian nations. Then transfer to your destination. End of the trip.