Historic Route Combined with Ethiopian Christmas”Genna”

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Transportation: Land / Air

Overview:
Genna, or Ethiopian Christmas, is one of the most vibrant religious festivals in Ethiopia, celebrated on January 7. In Lalibela, this day also marks the birth of St. Lalibela. The celebrations are deeply spiritual, with chanting, dancing, and singing around the town’s renowned rock-hewn churches. Thousands of pilgrims from across Ethiopia gather here to witness these remarkable ceremonies.

Although Genna falls on January 7, the festivities in Lalibela begin as early as January 4, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Jan 5 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our professional guides. If time allows, enjoy a city tour of Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 2: Jan 6 – Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela in the morning. Spend the day exploring the first and second groups of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. In the evening, visit Bete Amanuel to attend a special celebration with chanting and dancing by priests and deacons. Pilgrims gather in large numbers to witness this unique event.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 3: Jan 7 – Lalibela
In the morning, visit Asheton Mariam Church. In the afternoon, explore Neakuto Leab Church.
At night, attend the Ethiopian Christmas Eve ceremony at Bete Mariam Church. The evening features chanting, singing, and a midnight candlelight ceremony to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 4: Jan 8 – Lalibela
In the morning, return to Bete Mariam to witness the final Ethiopian Christmas celebrations, where priests line up on the cliff edge with drums. After lunch, visit Yimrehane Kristos Church.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 5: Jan 9 – Lalibela to Mekele
Drive approximately 8–9 hours to Mekele, enjoying the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of the North Central Massifs along the way.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 6: Jan 10 – Mekele to Tigray Churches (Gheralta) to Hawzen
Drive early in the morning to visit the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta Mountains. Continue to the town of Hawzen.
Overnight: Lodge

Day 7: Jan 11 – Hawzen to Axum
After breakfast, drive to Axum. En route, visit the pre-Axumite Temple of the Moon in Yeha and the 1,000-year-old monastery of Debre Damo (restricted to men). Also, explore some of Tigray’s ancient churches.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 8: Jan 12 – Axum
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Axum, one of Ethiopia’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Christianity in the country. Visit its ancient ruins and monuments.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 9: Jan 13 – Axum to Simien Mountains
Depart Axum and drive to the Simien Mountains, passing through the scenic Tekeze Valley.
Overnight: Lodge/Hotel

Day 10: Jan 14 – Simien Mountains
Spend the day exploring the Simien Mountains, known for their endemic flora and fauna, including the Gelada baboons and Walia ibex.
Overnight: Lodge/Hotel

Day 11: Jan 15 – Simien Mountains to Gondar
After breakfast, drive to Gondar. Enjoy a full-day city tour, exploring Gondar’s castles and historic sites.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 12: Jan 16 – Gondar to Bahir Dar
Take an early morning drive to Bahir Dar. Visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls and, in the afternoon, take a boat trip to explore the monasteries on Lake Tana.
Overnight: Hotel/Lodge/Resort

Day 13: Jan 17 – Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning. Spend time shopping for souvenirs and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Depart for your onward destination.