Treasures and legends of Ethiopia

Often called the historic road, northern Ethiopia is full of unsuspected treasures. This program takes you back in time to discover sites of exceptional beauty and a rich history, captivating and cradled by many legends.

Among these, one of the most captivating stories concerns the Ark of the Covenant which is secretly kept in the church of Ste Mary of Sion in Axum or only the guardian priest is allowed to see it. Ste. Mary of Sion at Axum was also the traditional place where the Ethiopian emperors came to be crowned. It remains an important pilgrimage center for Orthodox Christians with the Hidar Festival.
We will not forget Menelik I, son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba whose ruins of his old palace at Axum can be visited.

Main features

Code

ATEPB1

Duration

10 days/9 Nights

Itinerary

Addis Ababa / Debre Libanos / Debre Markos / Bhardar / Gondar / Axum / Lalibella / Kombolcha

Highlights:

• Rock churches of Lalibela
• Castles
• Awra amba Community
• Axum
• Lake Tana Monastery

Departure date

All the year

Price

From 550 euros per person base 10 participants

These beautiful legends will not make you forget the beauty of Lake Tana. The largest lake in Ethiopia where is the source of the Blue Nile, on which are 30 islands is home to forty monasteries and churches of the 14th, 15th and 16th century. Many ancient manuscripts are preserved witnesses of the role played in the maintenance of Christianity in this region.

Gondar is one of the oldest capitals in Ethiopia. You can discover the remains of the royal castles of the 17th century completely restored. A nice museum, Ras Gimb, inaugurated in 2017 is the result of a cooperation of the twinned cities of Gondar and Vincennes and the French Center of Ethiopian Studies). Do not miss the sumptuous church of Debre Birham Selassie and its ceiling of cherubim.
Between Bhardar and Gondar you can stop at Awra Amba community. Exemplary solidarity and love of each other with ease.
Your journey to discover the treasures of Ethiopia would not be complete without a stop at Lalibela, the Black Jerusalem. In the highlands of Ethiopia the eleven monolithic churches of the 13th century dug and carved in the rock by King Lalibela is a very important place of pilgrimage and devotion. For Gena (Christmas) and Timket (Epiphany), the city is filled with emotions, rocking the rhythm of the songs and prayers of thousands of pilgrims. The Lalibela site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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