Thomas W., United Kingdom · Sep 2026
Clear from the first email
The itinerary and the price were exactly as described, and our questions were answered quickly.
Northern Highlights in a Week
Seven days linking Gondar, the Simien foothills and Lalibela for those with a little less time.
From USD 1,890 per person
Check datesOverview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Where
- Northern · Gondar
- Travel style
- Small group
- Best season
- October to March
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Price
- USD 1,890 per person
A shorter route through the north that keeps the essentials: castles, mountain views and rock-hewn churches.
Two domestic flights keep the pace easy.
Highlights
- Gondar’s royal enclosure
- A day walk in the Simien foothills
- The churches of Lalibela
What is included
- Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A local English-speaking guide
- Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
What is not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Fly to GondarGondar
A morning flight north and a first look at the town.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Town walk
Day 2 Fasil Ghebbi and the painted churchGondar
The royal enclosure, Fasilides’ Bath and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie.
Activities
- Royal enclosure
- Painted church
Day 3 Simien foothillsDebark
A day trip to the park for a walk with gelada baboons and wide views.
Activities
- Day walk
- Gelada viewing
Day 4 Drive to Lalibela countryLalibela
A flight to Lalibela and a first church visit at sunset.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Sunset viewpoint
Day 5 The churches of LalibelaLalibela
Both church groups and Bete Giyorgis, with a local guide.
Activities
- Two church groups
- Bete Giyorgis
Day 6 A hilltop monasteryLalibela
A morning walk to a hilltop monastery and a relaxed afternoon.
Activities
- Monastery walk
- Free time
Day 7 Return to Addis AbabaAddis Ababa
A flight to Addis Ababa and your onward transfer.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Airport transfer
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
A look at the trip
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 12 years and over
- Group size
- 2 to 12 travellers
- Meeting point
- Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
- Accessibility
- Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sun protection
- A warm layer for cool evenings
- A small day pack
- A reusable water bottle
Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Standard policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 60 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 30 to 59 days before departure | 75% refund |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | 25% refund |
| Fewer than 8 days before departure | No refund |
Reviews
What travellers say
5.0
★★★★★Based on 3 reviews
Lucia R., Spain · Sep 2026
Every day had a reason to be there
We never felt rushed or lost, and the guide brought the history to life.
Jonas B., Sweden · Sep 2026
A trip I will talk about for years
Well paced, well guided and full of small surprises.
Reviews are read and approved by our team before they appear.
Questions
About this tour
How does this differ from the Historic Route?
It is shorter and swaps Axum and Bahir Dar for a day in the Simien foothills. It suits those with about a week.
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