Historical Tour of Ethiopia & Meskel Festival
Join us on this Historical Tour of Ethiopia scheduled to include the 2015 Meskel Festival. Explore the fascinating history of Ethiopia with visits to ancient cities, picturesque hinterlands and UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The main Meskel celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire, the Demera, in Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. This tradition is based on the revelation by the mother of the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, which revealed the exact location of the True Cross. The ancient festival dates back 1,600 years and is celebrated with huge, evening bonfires with large, orderly but noisy torch-carrying throngs of participants accompanied by ornately robed priests carrying silver Coptic crosses. The flowering of the cross-shaped Meskel daisies also marks the end of the 3-month long rainy season and the return of the sun. This is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed!
Ethiopian Highlights 8-Days
Come and tour the many highlights of Ethiopia, one of the most storied countries in the world with 9 UNESCO world heritage sites. Explore its myriad of ancient cities including Addis Ababa, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela with their centuries old murals, churches, and castles. Visit one of the sources of the Nile at the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, the second largest waterfall in Africa.
Back Roads Of Ethiopia, 10 Days
Explore the back roads of Ethiopia! Ethiopia is known for its storied history and ancient form of Christianity, but it is also touted for diverse sect of cultures. Come tour its villages and national parks and see its various ethnic groups such as Mursi. You will also have the chance to view traditional woven bamboo house construction and garment weaving.
Ethiopian Timket Festival and Historical Route, 10 days
Experience the wonders of Ethiopia. Journey through the Historical Route, stopping at Addis Ababa, Bahar Dar, Gondar, Sankaber and Axum. Also, witness the Ethipoian Timket Festival in Lalibela, which commemorates the birth of Christ.
Historical Ethiopia, 11 Days
Explore the long history of Ethiopia with this tour through its ancient cities, churches, and picturesque hinterlands. Ethiopia, home of a number of ancient Christian kingdoms, is widely touted for the beautiful architecture of its castles, and their expressive murals and frescos. The centerpiece of this country’s vast historical artifacts are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, literally carved out the face of a cliff.
