 |
 |
Choose from
(741) Africa travel packages |
| |
|
| Viewing: Ethiopia Meskel Festival Tour Celebrating in Addis |
Package ID: 1701 |
|
|
| Ethiopia Meskel Festival Tour Celebrating in Addis |
Ethiopia is an emerging tourist destination with indigenous cultural attractions. Book our special tour to visit Ethiopia’s major historical sites and to attend the celebration of Meskel festival in Addis Ababa.
|
ITINERARY
Trip Dates: From 16 – 29 September 2008. The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa.
This trip begins with a rendezvous at the airport in Addis Ababa on Day 1. Please arrange your flight schedule so you will arrive on the correct day. But on your special request we can arrange other transfer for those arriving earlier.
Ethiopia is an emerging tourist destination with indigenous culture and traditions. Extensive historic sites, wonders and splendors, stunning landscapes, fascinating attractions and colorful festivals will surprise any visitor. The major highlight of this special Ethiopia tour is to attend the celebration of Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa. The tour also includes a visit of Ethiopia Historic Route. The tour called the Historic Route is one of the great treasures of Ethiopia. It encompasses the history of Ethiopia from its early beginnings to modern day. A history that stretches back to the time of prehistoric man; to the 3,000 year old history of Axum; the 12th century churches of Lalibela, and the medieval castles of Gondar and the churches and monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana. With some distance drive from Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls will be visited. Finally we visit the walled city of Harar. The trip also includes crossing the most stunning scenery of Ethiopia in Simien Mountain National Park.
Day 1: Wednesday: 17 September: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis.
On arrival in Addis Ababa you will be met by our representatives and transferred to Ghion Hotel.
The city tour of the capital includes:
National Museum:-It comprises of many archaeological and historical findings including the famous complete hominid fossil remain of ‘Lucy’ locally known as ‘Dinknesh’ meaning wonderful. Visiting this museum is having a good summary for your visit to the historic Ethiopia.
Trinity Cathedral: -a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture which is unique to both Ethiopia and Africa and is dedicated to the Holly Trinity. Here you will find scripts of the imperial families, statues done by a Greek sculpture, Stained glass window paintings from the Old and New Testament in the Bible and coffins of Emperor Haile Silassie-I; the founder of the church, and his wife.
Entoto Mountain:-It is the highest pick in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meters, which was the site for the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa. Here there is St. Mary church, where Emperor Menelik crowned Emperor in it and you will admire the par anomic view of the city with its surrounding forests with its breath taking air. Evening we will be Crown hotel for Ethiopian dish and traditional restaurant from different ethnic groups. Return to hotel after the city tour. Overnight Ghion Hotel
Day 2: Thursday: 18 Sept: Fly Axum and tour in Axum.
After breakfast be transferred to the airport for your flight to Axum. On arrival in Axum you will be transferred to Remehay hotel. After refreshment, visit of historical and archaeological sites in Axum. The ancient city of Aksum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: The archaeological museum, The magnificent monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum house are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. Overnight Remhay Hotel
Day 3: Friday: 19 Sept: Fly to Lalibela visit of rock churches in Lalibela
We take a short flight to Lalibela then drive 23kms to the town where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela are situated. The town of Lalibela, lies among the Lasta Mountains at 2630 metres above sea level. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilgrim and devotion.
According to Ethiopian tradition the Zagwe Dynasty emerged by the twelfth and thirteenth centuries following the decline of the Aksumite Empire (1137-1270). Power was shifted to Roha in Lasta District. This was renamed for King Lalibela of the Zagwe Dynasty which ruled in Lalibela for more than a century (1181-1221). The construction of eleven rock-hewn churches is attributed to King Lalibela. Some of the churches are monolithic, carved from a sloping mass of red volcanic scoria under laid by dark grey basalt and interconnected by a maze of tunnels and passages with openings to hermit caves and catacombs. Some are of the basilica type, having archaic features and imitating architectural elements from earlier periods, yet they differ in design and style. Two are decorated with interesting wall paintings and carved figures. The Lalibela churches are included in the World Heritage List since 1978.
Today we visit the first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight Mount View hotel
Day 4: Saturday: 20 Sept: Morning visit other churches,
Mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated on a top a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. The 13th century monastery is built on a ridge, excellent views over the surrounding countryside. Inside the monastery you will find the 13thc hand and processional crosses of king Na’akutola’ab who ruled Ethiopia for 40 years just after king Lalibela. This will take about 4 hours. We return back to the town for lunch.
After lunch visit of the other groups of Rock churches of Lalibela Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el. Bet Emanuel's elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Mount View hotel
Day 5: Sunday: 21 Sept: Fly to Gondar and Tour of Gondar
After early breakfast check into the airport for your flight to Gondar and rive 17 kms to to check in to Goha Hotel. After refreshment sight seeing tour of Gondar. During unsettled periods between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries, Ethiopian rulers moved their royal camps frequently. King Fasiledes settled in Gondar and established it as a permanent capital in 1636. After King Fasiledes, successive kings continued building, improving the techniques and architectural style. Before its decline in the late eighteenth century, the royal court had developed from a camp into a fortified compound called Fasil Ghebbi, consisting of six major building complexes surrounded by a wall 900 metres long. Handicrafts, painting, literature and music flourished in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Castles of Gondar are included in the World Heritage List. Other attractions that we visit in Gondar includes: the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha Hotel
Day 6: Monday: 22 Sept: Drive Simien Mountains
After breakfast departure for Debark town (100 Kms from Gondar), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to the gravel road to Buyit Ras, the first campsite of the National Park and your lodge for the night. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around. Overnight Simien Mountain, Simien Lodge - (3200 m)
Day 7: Tuesday: 23 Sept: Drive back to Gondar
After visiting the park, Geleda baboons, drive back to Gondar. Overnight Goha Hotel
Day 8: Wednesday: 24 Sept: Full day Boat trip on Lake Tana to Bahir Dar
After breakfast this morning we take a scenic drive 60 kms to the little town of Gorgora by a good condition of coaster bus then we take a boat cruise on the beautiful highland lake - Lake Tana to Bahir Dar town. On our boat cross on Lake Tana, we visit of the most accessible and representative of these churches, still serving their original function. We visit the monastery church of Debre Sina Mariam at Gorgora Peninsula, Dek Estifanos on Dek island, Azwa Mariam at Zege Peninsula and Ura Kidanemheret at Zege Peninsula. Overnight Tana Hotel
Day 9: Thursday: 25 Sept: In Bahir Dar visit Blue Nile Falls and in the afternoon city tour
After breakfast visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. Drive to the small town of Tiss Abay here you take-off the vehicle and walk the uphill for about 20-30 minutes to reach the best view point of the falls. NB. Since recently the water is diverted for hydroelectric power the fall is not as magnificent as the pictures you saw. In the afternoon make a city tour of Bahir Dar, that includes a visit of the colorful market where some one could find the baskets, pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best place for view and birding. Overnight Tana Hotel
Day 10: Friday: 26 Sept: Fly to Addis Ababa. Afternoon Attend Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa
After breakfast you will check in to the Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Afternoon Attend Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa at Mreskel Square.
Meskel Festival- Finding of the True Cross: Among Ethiopia's Coptic Christian traditions is the September 26 Meskel Festival marking the finding of the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. The festival is ancient; dating back 1,600 years and it is celebrated with yellow Meskel daisies placed on top of huge bonfires that are light in the evening in front of the throngs of celebrators. Many of the rites observed throughout the festival are said to be directly connected to the legend of Empress Helena. On the eve of Meskal, tall branches are tied together and yellow daisies, popularly called Meskal Flowers, are placed at the top. During the night those branches are gathered together in front of the compound gates and ignited - This symbolizes the actions of the Empress who, when no one would show the Holy Sepulcher, lit incense and prayed for help. Where the smoke drifted, she dug and found three roses. To one of the three, on the True Cross of Jesus, many miracles were attributed. Return to Hotel after attending the event. Overnight Ghion Hotel
Day 11: Saturday: 27 Sept: Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and drive to Harer
After breakfast fly to Dire Dawa, the second largest city of Ethiopia. Upon arrival drive 55kms to the Walled city of Harar. After check in to Belyneh hotel, will visit The City Wall, the Gates and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari Gegar houses; visit the Hareri museum, Rimbaud House, a fine traditional house dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harar. As evening falls local men attract wild hyenas to the city in a bizarre spectacle as they bravely feed these dangerous scavengers. In the evening you will visit this “Hyena Man”. Overnight Heritage Plaza hotel
Day 12: Sunday: 28 Sept: In Harer
After breakfast visits the colorful Muslim Christian markets (known for basketry) and one traditional Hararie house within the famous walled city. Afternoon leisure Overnight Heritage Plaza hotel
Day 13: Monday: 29 September: Fly back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast drive to Dire Dawa where you will have a short stay then transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. En route we stop at the town of Awaday to see the biggest “Chat market in the country”. “Chat” a stimulant leaf where people chew to be exited. The rest of the day shopping: in the evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian Restaurants with the dancing from the different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flight. END OF THE TRIP
Price includes:
• Meet and greet at airport
• All accommodation based on twin room occupancy
• Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis
• Meals out of Addis, on full board basis including local non-alcoholic beverage
• All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages.
• All transfers and visits in Addis Ababa using mini-bus according to the itinerary.
• All Ground transportation including insurance, fuel and all costs of the driver.
• Experienced Tour Guide accompanying through out the trip.
• Local Guide and scout fees in parks and villages
• A mule ride out of Lalibela town
• Full day boat cross on Lake Tana from Gorgora to Bahir Dar
• Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food and Music
• A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program
• Government taxes
Price doesn’t include• International flights
• Domestic Flights
• Insurance
• Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa
• Alcoholic drinks
• Video filming and photography fees
• Incidental meals, snacks and drinks
• Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc
• All what is not included in the list above
Group Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 11
DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS
4 - 6 members = USD $ 1720 per person
7 - 9 members = USD $ 1645 per person
10 – 11 members = USD $ 1456 per person
Itinerary Variation
Occasionally it may be necessary to amend the itinerary to take account of changes to domestic flights, over which we have no control.
Other Information
Ethiopia is a newly-developing tourist destination and some facilities may not be to an expected standard. We have included the best available hotels but some facilities are not expected in some hotels.
Extension trip or Additional Accommodations
To extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour and accommodation – contact Africa Guide
Passport
Before traveling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Visa Requirement
Visas are required for all visitors to Ethiopia (with the exception of nationals of Djibouti and Kenya) and are readily available from Ethiopian diplomatic missions abroad. Except in the case of a few nationals, passengers in transit in Ethiopia, holding confirmed onward bookings within 72 hours, can obtain transit visas on arrival. However, in this case, passports are held at the airport until departure and a pink colored receipt card will be issued. Nationals from the following countries can obtain visas on arrival; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Quiet, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, S. Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK and USA. Note that Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities. Please ensure that you check with the embassy or relevant consular authority or get your agent to confirm requirements before travel.
How to get in to Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a major hub for international airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline of Ethiopia, provides excellent links with East, West and South Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with connections to America and the Far East. The national airline also offers domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia, as well as most regional centers. All international services arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Other airlines serving Ethiopia include: Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egyptian, Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Saudi, Aeroflot, Yemeni, and Turkish Airways.
What to wear
Clothing will depend on the time of the year, it is best to remember that Ethiopians are fairly conservative in their dress, suits and ties being standard in offices. Tourists should take light, summer clothes for the daytime and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or Jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Although the daytime temperatures are not very high, the sun is strong and people coming pale and pasty from a European winter should be careful of sunburn -long sleeved shirts may be advisable. For the same reason, people sensitive to the sun should take sunglasses, a hat, or prepare to buy one here. For walking around the historic sites or in the countryside, light but strong walking shoes are recommended. Sandals will not provide protection against stones or thorns. There are small rains in March and April and the main rains are from June to September - unless you are coming during the main rains, it is not necessary to bring rain wear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
