Ethiopian American Travel Tours

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Ethiopian American Travel Tours

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

BAHAR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA

5 days/4 nights

BAHAR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA & AXUM

8 days/7 nights

BAHIR DAR is located on the southern shores of Lake Tana from where excursions by boat can be made to the lake's islands and peninsulas and to the "Tissisal Falls", (the most spectacular waterfalls of the country).The fascinating Blue Nile Falls are situated 35 km southeast of Bahar Dar. The Blue Nile draws its strength from the large reservoir, Lake Tana. Set at 1,830 in. above sea level. The lake includes more than 30 islands and peninsulas, most of which shield ancient monasteries, decorated with wonderful wall paintings from the 12th to the 20th century. Among its multitude of monasteries, some can only be visited by men.

GONDAR surrounded by the lower hills of the Southern Semien Mountains, lies at 2,200 m. above sea level. "The City of the Castles" is one of Ethiopia's most fascinating cities, founded by Emperor Fasilidas in 1632. At this time, Gondar became the royal capital city of the country in subsequent years; several castles were built, each unique in size and architecture. Gondar is a city rich in fabulous history and ancient monuments. For many centuries it was the center of fine arts, music, science, religion, commerce and administration. The most interesting church of Gondar is "Debre Berehan Selassie". This Trinity-Church is built in a rectangular shape, its ceilings are decorated with beautiful winged angels, and its walls with impressive scenes depicting biblical events.

LALIBELA set at 2,600 m. above sea level in the rugged mountains in the northern end of Wollo, is the most exciting attraction of the country. From here the Zagwe Dynasty ruled the country for several centuries. Formerly known as Roha, the town of Lalibela bears the name of its most famous king: "Lalibela" (1181-1221 AC). He was the one who gave orders to carve the churches out of solid rock. There are in total 11 amazing churches, some of which are monolithic, architecturally unique buildings, finely carved, some decorated with beautiful paintings. There is nothing that could be more attractive than the fascinating and impressive churches with their ancient architecture and carvings. The churches of Lalibela are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.

AXUM is one of the most important archaeological sites of Ethiopia. It is well known for its ruins of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba who reigned around 1000 BC. The greatest mystery of all, however, is that the son of the Queen of Sheba, Menelik I, first king of the Solomonic Dynasty, brought with him the Ark of the Covenant from the Temple of Jerusalem to Axum. The Ark of the Covenant is believed still to be kept in the Church of St. Mary of Zion erected on the original location of the oldest church of Ethiopia. The Axumite Kingdom's conversion to Christianity in the 4th century makes Ethiopia, after Armenia and Georgia, the third oldest Christian country. The site of the country's most ancient city, shields and shelters a great number of priceless relics. Other ancient sites are the 2,000 years old stelae, (some are even much older), which are made from single blocks of granite carved to represent multistory houses.

Axum

Gondar

Bahir Dar

Lalibela

Historic Route

Main Attractions in Northern Ethiopia

Eastern Route of Ethiopia

Main Attractions in Southern Ethiopia

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