Historical Axum Empire and Impressiv Gheralta Mt.｜Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival – Addis Ababa
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Rest to adjust to the altitude (2,400 meters). Afterward, explore Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum (home to the famous “Lucy” fossil), Entoto Mountain, and Merkato, the largest open-air market. Experience a blend of modern and traditional city life.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Axum
Fly to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. Visit the Archaeological Museum, tombs, Stelae Field, and the Maryam Zion Church. Learn about the Queen of Sheba, the Ark of the Covenant, and explore the relics of this once-powerful empire.

Day 3: Axum – Hawizen (Hiking 2 hours)
Drive to Hawizen via Adwa, site of the 1895 Italian victory. Visit the ruins of the Yeha Temple and the cliffside monastery of Debre Damo. Continue to Adigrat and then to Hawizen for the night.

Day 4: Gheralta Mountains – Hawizen (Hiking 4 hours)
Today you will hike to the highest point of the Gheralta which is 2700 above sea level to enjoy the view of the 4 corners of the remarkable Gheralta Mountains. Beneath the striking sandstone peaks that rise steeply into the sky, an irregular patchwork of semi-desert stretches to the horizon – the Hawzen Plain. This is an area of dramatic scenery, ancient history, vast skies and unforgettable sunsets. A place that makes you breathe deeply. There are about 35 rock-cut churches in the Geralta Mountains. This is the largest density of such rock-cut churches in all of Ethiopia
At the top of the mountain, you continue trekking to visit the church of Mariam Korkor & Danile Korkor, after visiting those churches we and enjoying the fantastic views, we descent and will drive back to Hawizan.

Day 5: Abune Yemata – Mekele – Addis Ababa (Hiking 2.5 hours)
Hike to Abune Yemata Guh, one of the most spectacular rock-hewn churches in the region. The climb involves crossing a stone bridge and walking along a narrow ledge. Visit the 5th-century church, known for its architecture and wall paintings. Afterward, drive to Mekele and fly back to Addis Ababa.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with local dishes and folkloric dance performances. Then, transfer to Bole Airport for your flight home or to continue your journey.