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Ethiopia

Ethiopian Christianity over the ages ..

as solid as their rock hewn churches

Dates: 10 May 2012-20 May 2012

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a history dating back to the year 341. It is the same period the Roman Empire under Constantine slowly emerged. The church in Ethiopia has survived uninterrupted until today. It does not just exist, but is rooted in the hearts and daily activities of the people.
In 1 Kings 10 we read about the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon. According to Ethiopian rendering the Queen of Sheba was from Axum. There is a firm belief in Ethiopia that Solomon is the father of the Queen of Sheba’s son Menelik. Ethiopians belief Menelik brought the Arc of the Covenant to Ethiopia after a visit to his father. Maybe, this is the reason why the Arc of the Covenant disappeared from the radar after King Solomons reign. Ethiopians belief the Arc is in safe keeping in Axum.
Another Jewish connection is the Falasha, or Black Jews, who still live near Gondar and still have a definite Old Testament belief.
Join this unique tour and discover the ancient secrets of the land where the Blue Nile has its origin. We will visit the Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana where we will visit one of the island monasteries. Here you will see ancient hand written Bibles. In 1636 King Fasiladas cleaned the country from Roman Catholic and Muslim influences. He moved his capital to Gondar and renewed the Orthodox faith. The Castle Compound is an impressive place to visit as well as the Debre Birhan Sellasie church.
The most amazing experience will be the visit to Lalibela. This is a small town surrounded by high mountains with awe-inspiring churches cut from solid rock. Lalibela was the main centra of the country during the 11th century and it is evident that a lot of faith and ingenuity were needed to bring this Eight Wonder of the Ancient World to being.
The friendly people, their simplistic way of living and childlike belief over the ages will be an eye opener to modern Christians. Join this pilgrimage.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

-  International flight:  return Johannesburg – Addis Ababa
-  Domestic flights:  Addis – Bahirdar; Gondar – Axum;  Axum – Lalibela;  Lalibela - Addis
-  Transport, including transfers, by minibus/bus (minibuses are
    12 or 15 seats
-  3* hotels (Ghion or Cyonat or similar) in Addis Ababa in double/twin rooms
-  2* hotels during the rest of the tour
-  Meals on BB (bed and breakfast) in Addis Ababa (+ 1 dinner in restaurant in town on
    day 10, in a traditional restaurant with folkloristic dances) while on FB (full board), with
    non-alcoholic drinks, during the rest of the tour
-  English speaking guide
-  Entrances fee:  Boat on Lake Tana as on the program
-  Administration cost & government taxes

NOT INCLUDED:

-  Visa
-  Drinks and meals in Addis Ababa (excluding breakfast & 1 dinner on day 10 which are
    included);
-  Alcoholic drinks, incidental meals and drinks while on tour
-  Snacks
-  Embarkation fees,
-  Airports and hotel porters
-  Tips and gratuities,
-  All personal expenses,
-  Expenses to see dances ceremonies;
-  Photo and video filming fees;
-  Laundry services;
-  Excess baggage charges;
-  Personal traveling insurance (is requested);

 

ITINERARY

Day 1:  Thursday, 10 May 2012    - Depart for Addis

Own flight arrangements to arrive at O R Tambo Airport by 11:00
12:00  Check-in for Ethiopian Airlines flight, ET808 to Addis Ababa
14:10  Depart for Addis Ababa
20:45  Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel.
           O/N Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (B & B)

Day 2:  Friday, 11 May 2012  - Blue Nile and Lake Tana  

Early check-out and transfer to the airport.
07:10  Depart on ET122 for Bahirdar
08:00  Arrive in Bahirdar and transfer to the hotel for check in and breakfast.
Depart for a visit to the Blue Nile Falls.  In Ethiopia they call these falls "Tisissat", which means "water that smokes". The falls drop over a sheer chasm more than 150 feet to the valley below.
Return to Bahardar for lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana.  Admire the beautiful monastery of is Ura Kidane Mehret on one of the islands
O/N Tana Hotel, Bahirdar (full board)

Day 3:  Saturday, 12 May 2012    - Gondar

Breakfast and proceed to Gondar the Camelot of Africa.  Still-standing castles and palaces in Gondar hint at the grandeur of days gone by.  During the afternoon visit the Debre Birhan Sellasie church (Light of Trinity).  It has spellbinding ceiling murals.  Also visit the King Fasiladas bath, the focus point of Timkat festivities during January.
Dinner at the hotel.
O/N Goha Hotel, Gondar (full board)

Day 4:  Sunday, 13 May 2012    - Gondar

Breakfast and then proceed to visit the Castle Compound.  Step back in time and imagine the days of grandeur when strolling through the palaces, ballrooms, spa etc.
In the afternoon visit Volleka the village of the Falashas or Judaic Ethiopians.
Dinner at the hotel.
O/N Goha Hotel, Gondar (full board)

Day 5:  Monday, 14 May 2012   - Axum

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport
08:50  Depart on ET122 for Axum
10:40  Arrive in Axum.  Met at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Axum is said to be the last resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.  It is also believed that it was the capital city of the Queen of Sheba in the 10th century BC.  Visit the monolithic stelae for which Axum is well-known for.  
O/N Exodus Hotel, Axum (full board)

Day 6:  Tuesday, 15 May 2012     - Axum

Breakfast and rest of the day to explore Axum.
Visit the Palace of the Queen of Sheba and Church of Saint Mary of Zion.  According to tradition the latter was built when Christianity became the state religion in the 4th century.  Rest of the day to explore the other treasures in Axum.
Dinner at the hotel.
O/N Exodus Hotel, Axum (full board)

Day 7: Wednesday, 16 May 2012   - Lalibela

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lalibela.
10:40  Depart on ET123 for Lalibela
11:00  Arrive in Lalibela
Lalibela is known as the eighth wonder of the world.  Depending on time of arrival visit the Nakutolab Cave church pre or post checking in at the hotel.  The airport is about 30 km from the town that nestles in the high mountains.  
Dinner at the hotel.
O/N Yemereha Hotel, Lalibela (full board)

Day 8:  Thursday, 17 May 2012    - Lalibela

Breakfast at the hotel.
Spent the morning visiting the first group of rock-hewn churches.
Lunch at the hotel.
Spent the afternoon visiting the second group of rock-hewn churches.  Today you will take of and put on your shoes at least 11 times.
Dinner at the hotel.
O/N Yemereha Hotel, Lalibela (full board)

Day 9:  Friday, 18 May 2012      - Addis Ababa

Breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis.
12:00  Depart on ET123 for Addis
14:00  Arrive in Addis. Met at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
O/N Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (breakfast)

Day 10:  Saturday, 19 May 2012   - Addis Ababa

Breakfast and proceed on a full day city sightseeing tour.  Visit the Entoto Mountains to admire the view of the capital city from there.  Also visit the National Museum, St George church and the Merkato – biggest open-air market in Africa.
Enjoy a traditional dinner with folkloristic dances.
O/N Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (breakfast and dinner)

Day 11:  Sunday, 20 May 2012   - Return

Breakfast and early transfer to the airport to check-in for return flight.
08:50  Depart on ET809 for Johannesburg
13:15  Arrive in Johannesburg

END of service

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Cost per person sharing:  

Land arrangements and domestic flights in Ehiopia:  US$2815.00
Single supplement:  
Return Johannesburg – Addis Ababa:  R7 000.00

The flight cost can only be confirmed at time of booking as airport taxes fluctuate with exchange rates.