Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, begin your exploration of the capital with a scenic drive up Mount Entoto for panoramic city views. Descend to the National Museum, home to the famous Lucy fossil and ancient Ethiopian relics. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a significant spiritual landmark, and then visit the Ethnographic Museum, once the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. End the day with a visit to Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mekele, the capital of Tigray. Upon arrival, begin your drive north to Hawzen, stopping along the way to visit several historic churches. These include Wukro Cherkos, a semi rock-hewn church with elegant architecture, and Abraha Atsbeha, one of Ethiopia’s oldest churches with beautifully preserved interiors. You’ll also stop at Dugum Selassie, a lesser-known but strikingly spiritual site, before reaching your hotel in Hawzen.

Today you’ll explore some of the region’s most remote churches. Visit Debre Tsion Mariam, a monolithic church completely carved from the surrounding rock, known for its serene setting and ancient murals. Next, venture to Yohannes Maikudi, nestled between massive sandstone cliffs and accessible via a narrow cleft in the rock — a dramatic and rewarding experience.

After breakfast, drive to the base of the Gheralta Mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Abuna Yemata Guh, arguably the most dramatic church in Ethiopia. The climb to this cliffside chapel involves scaling sheer rock faces with handholds — but the reward is immense: ancient frescoes and sweeping views from the top. After descending, continue on foot to the Debre Mariam Korkor monastery, believed to date back to the 6th century, and nearby Abba Daniel’s prayer room. After your adventure, return to Hawzen for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, drive back to Mekele to catch your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a few final hours exploring the city or visiting additional museums (time permitting). In the evening, attend a festive farewell cultural dinner at a traditional restaurant, complete with Ethiopian music, dance, and the signature coffee ceremony. Later, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.