Ethiopian religious
festival celebrations are colorful and vibrant. Book this special tour
and visit the people when they celebrate Timket- Epiphany festival in
Lalibela. The tour also includes a visit of the major historical sites.| Price: | USD $3,360 per person |
| Type: | Tour |
| Duration: | 13 days |
| Customise: | This Tour can be customised |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| Supplement: | Plus USD $400 for a single person booking |
| Persons: | minimum (2) maximum (11) |
| Accommodation: | Hotel |
| Activities: | Cultural Tours, Historical Tours |
Itinerary
 |
Trip Dates 15 - 27 January 2013, 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 developed a culture all of its own: its language, customs and arts are all distinctive. Surprisingly, not much has changed and the culture of the people is as it was long time ago. Religion is a constant and central feature of Ethiopians society. The traditions and festivals that take place thought out the country are deeply rooted and all are the more poignant.
Ethiopia also has rich tradition of secular and religions music, singing and dancing, and these together constitute an important part of Ethiopian natural life.
The main Highlights of this Ethiopia tour is to visit the celebration of Ethiopian Epiphany- Timket, on 19 January in Lalibela. Lalibela is one of the Holy towns in the country; Timket festival is celebrated so colorfully and differently. It is the best place to attend Timket festival in Ethiopia. The tour also includes a visit of Ethiopia Historic Route. The tour called the Ethiopia 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.
Day 1: 15 January: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ghion Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ghion Hotel
Day 2:16 January: Drive to Dessie
Drive from Addis Ababa to Dissie through the Great Rift Valley. Continue driving through Tarma Ber, viewpoint as well as the escarpment of the rift valley. We will be arriving in Dessie in early afternoon Overnight Fasika Hotel
Day 3: 17 January: Drive to Lalibela.
After breakfast we drive to Lalibela on the way we will visit Hike Estrifanos monastery on the island of Lake Hike. After lunch stop at Woldia, continue to Lalibela driving through the highland area of Delb. 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. Overnight Mount View Hotel
Day 4: 18 January: In lalibela.
After breakfast 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. Afternoon attend Eve of Timket, Epiphany at Lalibela. Overnight Mount View Hotel
Day 5: 19 January: Whole day attend the Timket Festival in Lalibela
Timket- Epiphany
Timket, or Timkat, is Ethiopian language for Epiphany. Although the holiday commemorating Christ's baptism in the River Jordan is observed by Christians all over the world, Timket is of special significance in Ethiopia. It is the most important and colourful event of the year.
The festival starts at Timket Eve, January 18, eleven days after the orthodox Christmas. Although the festival is largely religious, it has no lack of secular elements such as partying and match-making. According to the Ethiopian epic Kebra Negast, the Ark of the Covenant was abducted from Jerusalem to Ethiopia during the first millennium BC. Since then, it has become the most sacred element of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Early afternoon in the Timket Eve, the replicas of the Ark, covered by silks, are carried solemnly by priests from each church to the nearby body of water. Accompanying the procession are tens of thousands of church members and believers, chanting, dancing, drum-beating, horn-blowing, prayer-stick-waving and sistra(a simple musical instrument)-rattling. All in all, it resembles the scene described in the Old Testament.
As evening falls, the priests and the pious believers participate in overnight vigil around the Arks until dawn. Then huge crowds gather around the water. After the chief priest blesses the water, the celebration reaches its climax. Many jump into the water, the rest are eager to get a splash. After the religious vows are renewed, some of the Arks are paraded back with the same celebrating fashion.
Day 6: 20 January: Drive to Mekele
On this day, you drive long to Mekele through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery (gigantic, ups and downs and magnificent landscape). Overnight Axum hotel
Day 7: 21 January: Drive to Axum
Drive to Axum through the Adwa Mountains en route you visit the monastery of Debre Damo. Continue to Axum and a short visit of temple for it is over 2500 years old Temple of the Moon and the church of Aba Aftse. Overnight Remehay Hotel
Day 8: 22 January: visit of historical and archaeological sites in Axum.
The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: the archaeological museum, 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. You also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. 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. Overnight Remhay Hotel
Day 9: 23 January: Drive to Gondar
On this day, you drive long (380kms) but enjoying very beautiful and spectacular landscape along Tekeze Gorge and Semien Mountains. The drive goes through the Tekeze valley, crossing the Tekeze River. Then After the road rises from1400 meters through hairpin bends down the mountain side to 3100 metres in just 40kms! The drive up to Debark town showcases not only the immensely beautiful Simien Mountain massifs but also the people who eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. You will arrive in Gondar early in the evening. Overnight Red Fox Hotel
Day 10: 24 January: Tour of drive to Bahir Dar Gondar
After breakfast visit attractions in Gondar including: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Then we drive to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay at Papyrus hotel. We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Gondar to Bahir Dar - 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. On arrival in Bahar Dar you will be transferred to Papyrus hotel, Bahar Dar is a small town set on the southeastern shore of Lake Tana, It is the capital city of its region and an important commercial centre. Bahar Dar is the base to explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, and the Blue Nile water falls. Overnight at Papyrus hotel
Day 11: 25 January: Tour of Gondar and drive to Bahir Dar
After breakfast we pay a visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire'. Four hundred metres wide when in flood and 45 meters deep, the falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets, which drench onlookers up to a kilometer away. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff from which injera, the national bread, is made. Drive back to Bahir Dar lunch in the hotel. After lunch, for the rest of the afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. Overnight at Papyrus hotel
Day 12: 26 January: Morning visit Blue Nile and then Drive to Debre Markos.
After breakfast drive to Debre Markos. We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Debre Markos over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The drive is through Amhara people which is the famous Teff (a grain in which injera, the national bread, is made) growing area in the country. Overnight Shabel Hotel
Day 13: 27 January: Drive Addis Ababa; evening fare well dinner then departure
After breakfast drive to Addis Ababa en route you will visit the famous Blue Nile George and the Debre Libanos Monastery. Evening we will invite you a fare well dinner at in one of the cultural Ethiopian restaurants for Ethiopian dish and cultural dances from different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flight.
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 developed a culture all of its own: its language, customs and arts are all distinctive. Surprisingly, not much has changed and the culture of the people is as it was long time ago. Religion is a constant and central feature of Ethiopians society. The traditions and festivals that take place thought out the country are deeply rooted and all are the more poignant.
Ethiopia also has rich tradition of secular and religions music, singing and dancing, and these together constitute an important part of Ethiopian natural life.
The main Highlights of this Ethiopia tour is to visit the celebration of Ethiopian Epiphany- Timket, on 19 January in Lalibela. Lalibela is one of the Holy towns in the country; Timket festival is celebrated so colorfully and differently. It is the best place to attend Timket festival in Ethiopia. The tour also includes a visit of Ethiopia Historic Route. The tour called the Ethiopia 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.
Day 1: 15 January: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ghion Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ghion Hotel
Day 2:16 January: Drive to Dessie
Drive from Addis Ababa to Dissie through the Great Rift Valley. Continue driving through Tarma Ber, viewpoint as well as the escarpment of the rift valley. We will be arriving in Dessie in early afternoon Overnight Fasika Hotel
Day 3: 17 January: Drive to Lalibela.
After breakfast we drive to Lalibela on the way we will visit Hike Estrifanos monastery on the island of Lake Hike. After lunch stop at Woldia, continue to Lalibela driving through the highland area of Delb. 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. Overnight Mount View Hotel
Day 4: 18 January: In lalibela.
After breakfast 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. Afternoon attend Eve of Timket, Epiphany at Lalibela. Overnight Mount View Hotel
Day 5: 19 January: Whole day attend the Timket Festival in Lalibela
Timket- Epiphany
Timket, or Timkat, is Ethiopian language for Epiphany. Although the holiday commemorating Christ's baptism in the River Jordan is observed by Christians all over the world, Timket is of special significance in Ethiopia. It is the most important and colourful event of the year.
The festival starts at Timket Eve, January 18, eleven days after the orthodox Christmas. Although the festival is largely religious, it has no lack of secular elements such as partying and match-making. According to the Ethiopian epic Kebra Negast, the Ark of the Covenant was abducted from Jerusalem to Ethiopia during the first millennium BC. Since then, it has become the most sacred element of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Early afternoon in the Timket Eve, the replicas of the Ark, covered by silks, are carried solemnly by priests from each church to the nearby body of water. Accompanying the procession are tens of thousands of church members and believers, chanting, dancing, drum-beating, horn-blowing, prayer-stick-waving and sistra(a simple musical instrument)-rattling. All in all, it resembles the scene described in the Old Testament.
As evening falls, the priests and the pious believers participate in overnight vigil around the Arks until dawn. Then huge crowds gather around the water. After the chief priest blesses the water, the celebration reaches its climax. Many jump into the water, the rest are eager to get a splash. After the religious vows are renewed, some of the Arks are paraded back with the same celebrating fashion.
Day 6: 20 January: Drive to Mekele
On this day, you drive long to Mekele through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery (gigantic, ups and downs and magnificent landscape). Overnight Axum hotel
Day 7: 21 January: Drive to Axum
Drive to Axum through the Adwa Mountains en route you visit the monastery of Debre Damo. Continue to Axum and a short visit of temple for it is over 2500 years old Temple of the Moon and the church of Aba Aftse. Overnight Remehay Hotel
Day 8: 22 January: visit of historical and archaeological sites in Axum.
The ancient city of Axum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: the archaeological museum, 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. You also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. 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. Overnight Remhay Hotel
Day 9: 23 January: Drive to Gondar
On this day, you drive long (380kms) but enjoying very beautiful and spectacular landscape along Tekeze Gorge and Semien Mountains. The drive goes through the Tekeze valley, crossing the Tekeze River. Then After the road rises from1400 meters through hairpin bends down the mountain side to 3100 metres in just 40kms! The drive up to Debark town showcases not only the immensely beautiful Simien Mountain massifs but also the people who eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. You will arrive in Gondar early in the evening. Overnight Red Fox Hotel
Day 10: 24 January: Tour of drive to Bahir Dar Gondar
After breakfast visit attractions in Gondar including: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Then we drive to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay at Papyrus hotel. We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Gondar to Bahir Dar - 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. On arrival in Bahar Dar you will be transferred to Papyrus hotel, Bahar Dar is a small town set on the southeastern shore of Lake Tana, It is the capital city of its region and an important commercial centre. Bahar Dar is the base to explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, and the Blue Nile water falls. Overnight at Papyrus hotel
Day 11: 25 January: Tour of Gondar and drive to Bahir Dar
After breakfast we pay a visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire'. Four hundred metres wide when in flood and 45 meters deep, the falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets, which drench onlookers up to a kilometer away. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff from which injera, the national bread, is made. Drive back to Bahir Dar lunch in the hotel. After lunch, for the rest of the afternoon we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. Overnight at Papyrus hotel
Day 12: 26 January: Morning visit Blue Nile and then Drive to Debre Markos.
After breakfast drive to Debre Markos. We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Debre Markos over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The drive is through Amhara people which is the famous Teff (a grain in which injera, the national bread, is made) growing area in the country. Overnight Shabel Hotel
Day 13: 27 January: Drive Addis Ababa; evening fare well dinner then departure
After breakfast drive to Addis Ababa en route you will visit the famous Blue Nile George and the Debre Libanos Monastery. Evening we will invite you a fare well dinner at in one of the cultural Ethiopian restaurants for Ethiopian dish and cultural dances from different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flight.
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
• 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 with 4WD Toyota Land cruisers
• Experienced Tour Guide accompanying through out the trip.
• Local Guide and scout fees in parks and villages
• Half day boat cross on Lake Tana
• 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
• Insurance
• Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa
• Any kind of 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
From 4 - 7 members = USD $ 2620 per person
From 8 - 11 members = USD $ 2360 per person
September
11, on the Western calendar, is both Ethiopia’s New Year’s Day and the
Feast of St John the Baptist. The day is called Enkutatash meaning the
‘gift of jewels’, when the famous Queen of sheba returned from her
expensive jaunt to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed
her back by replenishing her treasury with fuku, or jewels.
On
the even of Meskal tall branches are tied together and yellow daisies,
popularly called Meskal flowers, are placed at the top. During the night
these branch are compound gates and ignited. This symbolises the action
actions Empress Helena who, when no one would sow her the Holy
Sepulchre, lit incense and prayed for help. Where the smoke drifted she
dug and found three crosses. To one them, the True Gross, many miracles
were attributed.
The
Ethiopian Christmas, also called Lidet, is not the primary religious
and secular festival that it has become in Western counties. Falling on
7th January, it is celebrated seriously by a church service that goes on
throughout the night, with people moving from one church to another.
Traditionally, young men played a game that is similar to hokey, called
genna, on this day and now Christmas has also come to be known by that
name. This celebration is unique to Lalibela and attracts many visitors.
Enormous
effort is put into the occasion. Tej and tella (Ethiopian mead and
beer)are brewed, special bread is baked, and sheep are fattened for
slaughter. Gift are prepared for the children and new clothes purchased
or old clothes mended and laundered. Everyone- men, women and
children-appears resplendent for the three-day celebration.
Lost
in the desert planes of Ethiopia’s Bale province lies the secrete of
Sheikh Hussein. Its glistening white domes float in a vast sea of
emerald green scrub. This remote shrine and its sacred compound house
the tomb of a Saint renowned for his miraculous powers. Although little
is known of Sheikh Hussein’s history, his shrine has become the site of
one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary pilgrimages.
The
then rule of Ethiopia, or Nejashi, granted asylum to the first
refugees, 11men and four wives, who entered his territory in 615. The
second Hijira (flight) consisted of 101 Muslims. The Quraysh are said to
have asked the Ethiopian ruler to hand over the exiles to them, but
this was strongly rejected. Among the refugees were the prophet’s
daughter Ruquyya, his future wives Umma Habiba and Umma Salama and his
cousin and leader of the religious exiles, Ja’afar Ibn Abu Talib. Many
of the Muslims stayed in the end were buried at the sacred village of
Negash, north of Wukro about 60 Kms from Mekelle, the capital of Tigray
Regional Start. The Negashi of the Habersham, as the king is known in
the Arab World, died in 630 and was also buried there.
Islamic
festivals have a special meaning fir Muslims of Ethiopia because of he
historical like. Ramadhan is one of the holiest periods in the Islamic
calendar. Life changes dramatically during Ramadhan. After breaking
their fast at sun-down, people stay awake until early hours, feasting,
visiting friends and praying. At dawn they eat the meal that will last
them until sunset. At the end of Ramadhan, the festival of Idd-ul-Fitr
is celebrated. 
