Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

Africa Blue Nile Falls Day 1: UK to Addis Ababa Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight. Day 2: Addis Ababa D On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Embark on a tour of this sprawling capital, with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, before experiencing Merkato Market. Return to your hotel for your welcome dinner. Day 3: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar B/D After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your early flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival, continue on to Lake Tana, where you’ll glide across the lake on a relaxing boat ride. Later, witness the daily life at Pauper’s Village and Market before checking into your hotel. Day 4: Bahir Da B/D Today, visit the spectacular Blue Nile waterfalls, before an afternoon at leisure. Day 5: Bahir Dar to Gondar B/D This morning, drive to Gondar where its imperial past can be seen in the Royal Enclosure. Explore this ‘Camelot of Africa’ on today’s tour, before continuing on to the Gondar Market. Day 6: Gondar to Simien Mountains B/D Soak in breath-taking scenery on this afternoon’s walking tour of Simien Mountain National Park. Enjoy the chance to spot gelda baboons and witness Jan-Bar Falls. Day 7: Simien Mountains to Gondar B/D After a second walk around the National Park, travel back to Gondar to visit the arched doors and two- tiered thatched roof of Debrebrihan Selassie Church. Day 8: Gondar to Lalibela B/D After breakfast, fly to Lalibela. On arrival, visit the first group of 12th century churches, a collection of monolithic structures skilfully chiselled into rock. After, visit the nearby village and market to experience local life. Day 9: Lalibela B/D Enjoy another day exploring Lalibela’s famed churches as you cross the Jordan River. Later, return to the village for the afternoon and discover the sights and sounds of local life. Day 10: Lalibela to Arba Minch B/D After breakfast, fly into the heart of Great Rift Valley as you travel to the city of Arba Minch, via Addis Ababa. On arrival, check-in and, if time permits, travel to a nearby handicraft workshop and silk farm. Later, enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure. Day 11: Arba Minch B/D This morning, explore the awe-inspiring Rift Valley lakes, before a relaxing cruise along Lake Chamo. Travel onward to Nechisar National Park. Journey through the park on the lookout for the herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo and giraffe that roam. Day 12: Arba Minch to Hawassa B/D Travel to Dorze Village this morning. Explore distinctive, tall beehive-shaped huts and learn about the villagers’ nimble-fingered weaving techniques. Drive onward to the city of Hawassa, stopping en route in a village near Wolaita Sodos. Arrive in Hawassa and enjoy dinner at your hotel. Day 13: Hawassa to Addis Ababa B/D After breakfast, join Hawassa’s seafood lovers at the local market. A visit to nearby Abijatta Shalla National Park takes you into the heart of this lake region. Drive through the park, watching flamingos perched in the blue waters, pelicans and cormorants swooping down for a catch and fish eagles gliding through the sky. Day 14: Addis Ababa to the UK B/D This morning, embark on a trip to Debre Libanos Monastery, one of the most remarkable monasteries in Ethiopia. Return to your hotel and relax before a farewell dinner this evening. Later, transfer for your return flight to the UK. Ethiopia: A Cultural Odyssey Tour highlights ✔ Marvel at spectacular scenery and exotic wildlife at Simien Mountain National Park ✔ Witness the thundering Blue Nile Falls ✔ Explore the 12th century Rock- Hewn Churches, chiselled into the rocks of Lalibela ✔ Wander the imposing castle walls and crumbling battlements of ancient ‘Camelot of Africa’ ✔ Enjoy a day of wildlife watching around the Rift Valley lakes Tour includes • 12 breakfasts and 13 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Addis Ababa-Nexus Hotel, Bahir Dar-Blue Nile Avanti Resort, Gondar-Goha Hotel, Simien Mountains-Simien Lodge, Lalibela- Mezena Lodge, Arba Minch-Paradise Lodge, Hawassa-Haile Resort • Flights from London Heathrow with Ethiopian Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate Journey to the spectacular peaks of Simien Mountain National Park, visit UNESCO-recognised castles and fortresses in ancient Gondar, take in the impressive Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela. Arab Minch Hawassa Addis Ababa <  Bahir Dar Lalibela Gondar Simien Mountains National Park <        Coach Air Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £1,649 Departures & from prices 10 Nov 22 £2,759 7 Sep 23 £2,699 26 Jan 23 £2,799 5 Oct 23 £2,799 9 Feb 23 £2,799 9 Nov 23 £2,849 2 Mar 23 £2,749 2024 DATES AVAILABLE AT 2023 PRICES • A single supplement starts from just £619 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £1,649 129 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk