Tour Code 23= 8 days/7 nights tour to Tigray rock churches

Where as some of the churches are founded between 13th-14th centuries, especially churches around Geraltha mountain ranges. These stupendous rock hewn churches of Tigrai are curved into relatively in a remote mountain cliff faces on sandstone rock type. They still remain active worshiping centers of Ethiopian Orthodox religion, and are decorated with fresco paintings depected scene from biblical lore and tradatiinal stories.The rock hewn churches of Tigrai were generally excavated using very different methods compared with that of Lalibela rock hewn churches. Many of the churches are lie along the main road between Mekelle and Adigrat, Adwa and Axum, and are grouped under four major huddles/clusters. Some are accessible and can be reached easily from the main asphalt road. While others situated off from the main road and needs hours driving through mountainous and rough terrains.

Itinerary

Day 1- Addis Abeba

Arrive Addis Ababa and take city tour to visit National museum of Ethiopia, Trinity Cathedral, Markato, the biggest open air market in Africa, mount Entoto and more. O/n hotel

Day 2- Addis Ababa-Axum

Fly to Axum with the morning flight and meet with the driver waiting for you at Axum int'l airport. After check in hotel and short break, go for a city tour of the town that covers:

the stele park, tomb of king Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, the church of St. Mary of Zion where Ethiopians' believe that the original Ark of the covenant is reposited, Palace of Queen Sheba and many other ancient treasures. O/n hotel

Day 3- Axum-Adigrat

Early breakfast then drive to Adigirat with stops at the ancient Sabian settlement of Yeha Temple, today known for its ruins of buildings, like the moon temple of Yeha erected up b/n 8-6C BC for sacrificial purpose to the god of moon called Almuqah. More drive to Debre Damo monastry accessed by rope climbing and is allowed only men visitors. O/n hotel

Day 4-Adigrat-Hawzen

After breakfast drive to the churches of Tesfa cluster where you could see number of ancient rock hewn churches: such as Medhanialem Adi Keshu, Paulos and petrous. Then head to Hawzien. O/n hotel/ lodge

Day 5- Hawzen

Full day in Hawzien with excursion to Gerealtha mountain rock hewn churches, most of them are spotted at the very clffs of the escarpments rached using foothold and hand grips curved on to the rock faces. These are the church of Mariam Korkor, Daniel Korkor and Abune Yemata/Guh. O/n hotel/lodge

Day 6- Hawzen-Wukro

Take breakfast and start driving to Wukro, on the way, On the way visit Mariam Papasiti, the rock hewn churches of Abreha and Atsibeha. O/n hotel

Day 7-Wukro-Mekelle

After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to Mekele, the 2nd largest city in Ethiopia where about one million people are living. On the way, visit Wukro Qirkos Semi-monolithic churche and other churches near Mekelle. O/n hotel

Day 8- Mekelle-Addis Ababa

Take an early breakfast, pack your luggage and transfer to airport for your flight to Addis Abeba. Balance of the day, shopping and other activities then go to cultural restaurant for farewell dinner accompanied by local dishes and folkloristic dances. Finally, drop you at Bole Int'l airport for your departure home.

End of service

Offer

$2500/pax

Included in the package

-Room at 3-4* hotels.

-Meal in full board basis

-High roofed mini van all the trip

-All transfer in and out services

-All entrance fee

-English speaking guide all the way

-Local guide payments

-1 bottles of water/day/pax

-Porter fee

-Laundry service

-Gov tax

Not included in the package

-Client's domestic and int'l flight ticket

-photo and video charges

-Visa and insurance payment

-Tips

-Shopping expenses

-Any alcoholic drinks and so on.