DAY 5: FLIGHT GONDAR – LALIBELA
In the morning, we will take the flight to Lalibela, the Black Jerusalem, and the ancient Roha (Ethiopian flight 0122 departing at 10:00 hrs and arriving at 10:30 hrs). Situated at an altitude of 2,600 m, it is undoubtedly the most impressive of the 8 Ethiopian cities classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Founded at the end of the 12th century by the Zagwe dynasty as a response to the progressive advance of Islam surrounding the imperial capital of Axum and as a result of the occupation of Jerusalem by Saladin’s troops. They tried to create in a single city the new imperial capital and a new Holy Land, as Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem were becoming a dangerous adventure. The new city evokes its inspiring counterpart with common names such as the Mounts Golgotha and Sinai or the River Jordan, which separates the city into two parts. In the afternoon, visit to the Nakuta Laab Monastery, 6 km from the city, built around a cave and housing many treasures. Overnight in Lalibela. Full board.
DAY 6: LALIBELA
Today will be dedicated to the visit of the 11 monolithic churches, literally excavated from the rock and divided into two blocks separated by the River Jordan. The first group symbolizes earthly Jerusalem, and the second group symbolizes the celestial one. Separated from both groups is Bete Giorgis, symbolizing Noah’s Ark and built in honor of Saint George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. Inside all the churches, beautiful Byzantine-influenced murals, manuscripts, prayer sticks, and numerous antiquities can be observed. They remain places of worship during the religious calendar festivities. Overnight in Lalibela. Full board.
DAY 7: LALIBELA
The morning will be dedicated to the visit of the Yemrehana Kristos church at 2,700 m altitude and 30 km from the city. Undoubtedly the most beautiful in the surroundings, it is built inside a cave. Access is via a path surrounded by junipers ascending the mountain slope. It is a magical place with a spring of healing holy water that throughout history attracted many people. Behind the church, you can see the remains of 10,740 Christian pilgrims who apparently traveled from very remote places to die there. In the afternoon, you can stroll through the city and relax. Overnight in Lalibela. Full board.
DAY 8: FLIGHT LALIBELA – AXUM
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Axum (Ethiopian flight 0122 departing at 11:00 hrs and arriving at 11:40 hrs). The ancient Axumite capital is located at an altitude of 2,130 m at the foot of the Likanos and Zohado mountains and on the edge of the Azebo plateau. A thousand years before our era, and under the commercial influence of the Kingdoms of the Arabian Peninsula, it became a caravan center and defensive point to protect the ports of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Semitic racial and cultural influence progressively colonized Ethiopian camitic territory. From here comes the story of the Queen of Sheba, who, according to legend, traveled from Axum loaded with fabulous gifts to the court of King Solomon, king of the Jews, and who during her long stay there became pregnant by Solomon, giving birth to Menelik there in Axum. This gave rise to all the subsequent emperors to justify a noble lineage linked to the Chosen People and in the succession line of King David, King of Zion and custodian of the Tablets of the Law and the Ark of the Covenant. Legend has it that Menelik, as an adult, traveled to the kingdom of Judea to meet his father, who anointed him with sanctified royal oil and handed him the Ark upon his return to Axum. Therefore, to this day, all Ethiopians claim that it is hidden in the Church of St. Mary of Zion after an 800-year stay in the Cherkos Monastery on Lake Tana. No one can see it except the custodian. Axum declined with the arrival of Islam and today is a quiet agricultural city with archaeological remains of that glorious past. We will visit the famous Obelisks, the monolithic Steles, the ruins of the Royal Palace, the tombs of the kings, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where women are not allowed entry. Overnight in Axum. Full board.
DAY 9: AXUM – ADIGRAT (220 Km)
Departure to the village of Yeha at an altitude of 2,200 m. In the heart of the village is the Temple of Yeha, one of the most interesting and oldest in Ethiopia from the 6th century BC. With the arrival of Christianity, the temple adapted to the new rite. We continue the route to Tigrai, and if the road allows, we will visit the Debre Damo monastery, which is located on a difficult-to-reach pinnacle and only allowed for men. We continue to the Teka Tesfai church group to visit the disused Church of Petros and Paulos, built on a sanctuary excavated in the rock and on a ledge. We will continue to Medhane Alem Adi Kasho, this being the largest church and one of the oldest (10th century). Overnight in Adigrat. Full board.
