Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket) Tour Code: EH-EP2018 1Night/2Days Day 1: Eve of Timket Date: Thursday, January 18, 2017 On arrival in Bole International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to your hotel. After breakfast, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa which includes National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Ethnological Museum. After Lunch, you will be able to attend colorful procession of the Ethiopian Epiphany or Ketera in Addis Ababa. In this procession, the replicas of the Original Ark (Tabots) from different churches will be taken and are carried by priests under huge colorful umbrellas; Deacons also carry processional crosses, religious paintings and bells. In the occasion, a lot of people will sing, dance and ululates accompanying the Tabots all the way to the place where the Tabots are supposed to make their Overnight. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 2: Main Day of Timket Date: Friday, January 19, 2017 Today is main day for the celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany. Therefore, you will have a chance to see the sprinkling of the blessed holy water in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan in the hands of John. The Tabots (the replicas of the original Ark) are also carried back to their respective churches. In the evening, we invite you to a memorable farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with music and dance. After dinner, our driver will drop you at Bole International Airport for your onward flight.
Package Price: 199.00 USD/person sharing basis Single Room Supplement: 50.00 USD Package Inclusive: - 4* accommodation on full board basis. - Attending 2 days epiphany ceremony in Addis Ababa. - Half-day Addis Ababa city tour. - English speaking guide service. - All Transfers. Package Exclusion: - Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include section - Extension Tours -
Classic Historic Tours Duration 4Nights/5Days Day 3: Addis Ababa Bahirdar Early in the morning fly to Bahirdar. On your arrival our representative will take you to your hotel. In the morning you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries ((beautiful mural paintings, religious books, processional crosses and sacred artifacts). Afternoon drive 35km to the small village of Tis Abay to visit Blue Nile Falls, along the way enjoy the local life style and typical countryside of Ethiopia. Up on arrival hike through the beautiful scenery and cross over Portuguese bridge to the waterfall. Enjoy the fall and on the way back you will cross by boat the legendary Blue Nile River which joins the White Nile at Khartoum (Sudan) then form the longest river in the world. (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal depending on the season) Day 4: Bahirdar Gondar Early in the morning drive to Gondar. After lunch you will have a city tour of Gondar. Gondar; once was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia which was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas. It was a hub of art, music and literature for Ethiopia. Your visit will include the Royal enclosure, Fasiledes bath and the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie church which is well known for its intriguing ceiling paintings.
Day 5: Gondar Axum Early in the morning fly to Axum, A city more than 3000 years of history and once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of the Covenant. The sightseeing of this ancient city includes St. Mary s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository for Ark of the covenant, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park, Tombs of Kaleb and his son GebreMeskel, Ezana s inscriptions and Dungur palace (popularly known as ruins of Queen of Sheba s palace) Day 6: Axum Lalibela Early in the morning fly to the holiest city of Lalibela. Lalibela is known for its well preserved Rock Hewn churches; each rock churches are carved out and crafted beautifully from a single volcanic rock. Here you head on back to 11th c. mythical rock hewn churches of Lalibela; it is truly a world wonder. The time of Lalibela is the ultimate period of masonry. Late in the afternoon enjoy the surrounding breathtaking scenery and take part in a traditional Tej or honey wine taste experience related with the local legend of Ethiopia. Day 7: Lalibela Addis Ababa Departure. Fly back to Addis. In the afternoon you will have leisure time and shopping. Late in the afternoon have a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurant then drive to the airport for flight back home. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Package price for this tour would be 699.00 USD/per person sharing basis Single Room Supplement: 125.00 USD Price includes: 4nights hotel accommodation Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All entrance fees according to the tour program Transfer from/to airport Ground transportation per the package itinerary Driver allowance Boat trip on Lake Tana English speaking guide services Price doesn t include: Alcoholic drinks Video and camera fees if and where applicable Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature Entrance fees to any special ceremonies you might encounter by chance International and domestic flights Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include section