Ethiopia Pilgrim Tour Package
Ethiopia
Duration
11 Days
Group Size
12-20
Season
All Year
Difficulty
Flexible
About the trip
Welcome to Ethiopia, a country where ancient faith is expressed through sacred churches, monasteries, murals, manuscripts, and living worship. This is a Catholic Pilgrim Tour designed to help you travel with purpose—spending time in places of spiritual significance while also experiencing the beauty of Ethiopia’s history, culture, and landscapes. Throughout the journey, you will visit key pilgrimage destinations such as Lake Tana island monasteries, the historic Royal Enclosure of Gondar, and the holy city of Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches carved in living rock. You will also explore sacred sites connected with early Christian traditions in the regions of Wukro and Axum, including the churches of the Tigray highlands and the ancient landmarks of Axum’s storied civilization. Moments of reflection are built into the itinerary—because pilgrimage is not only about seeing holy places, but also about prayer, worship, and deeper spiritual connection. You’ll have opportunities to attend holy mass, visit churches with reverence, and spend meaningful time in environments that have welcomed pilgrims for generations. Join us on this pilgrimage of faith, discovery, and devotion.
Included
All airport transfers transport using coaster buses
All Meals as per the itinerary with a single bottled water or beer
Guide services by our English-speaking guide accompanying all the way
Local guide fees
All entrance fees
Accommodation based on twin room basis
All taxes
Excluded
All international and domestic flights
Visa fee
Alcoholic beverages
Tips and items of a personal nature, like laundry
Itinerary
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Morning: Arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Transfer to one of the Catholic convent for overnight Afternoon: City tour of Addis Visit the national and ethnological museum. Drive to the largest open market called Merkato.
City tour of Addis Ababa
Holy Mass in the morning and start our day with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, located in Addis Ababa. Explore the museum's exhibits, including the famous fossilized skeleton of "Lucy," one of the oldest hominids discovered. Next, head to Holy Trinity Cathedral, an iconic religious site in Addis Ababa. Admire the beautiful architecture and intricate stained glass windows of this Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral. Visit the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie and other notable figures. Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious injera (a sourdough flatbread) served with various flavorful stews and dishes. After lunch, visit the Ethnological Museum located within the campus of Addis Ababa University. The museum displays a rich collection of cultural artifacts, traditional crafts, and traditional costumes from different ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Take a short drive to visit the National Palace, also known as the Jubilee Palace. Although not open to the public, you can admire the palace's grand architecture and beautiful gardens from outside. Overnight at Catholic Convent
Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
Explore Bahir Dar and Lake Tana, a captivating region in Ethiopia. Start our day with a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Visit the island monasteries scattered across the lake, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Admire the ancient architecture, vibrant murals, and religious artifacts housed within these spiritual sanctuaries. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Bahir Dar, strolling through vibrant markets, sampling local cuisine, and interacting with friendly locals. As the day draws to a close, we drive to a church to attend a holy mass After mass drive back to the hotel for dinner Overnight in Bahir Dar Hotel Sky Hotel
Full day In Bahirdar
We attend mass in the morning and after breakfast we embark on a full day boat tour over lake Tana to visit two most important island churches namely Narga Sillasie and Bete Mariam. Late afternoon we return back to Bahirdar for the night. Overnight in Bahir Dar Hotel Sky Hotel
Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar 178 kms
Depart from Bahir Dar and embark on a scenic drive to Gondar, a historic city often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa." Covering a distance of approximately 180 km (112 miles), enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Gondar, we check in to our Hotel. After having refreshments, we delve into its rich history by exploring the Royal Enclosure. Marvel at the well-preserved castles and palaces that showcase the city's former grandeur and royal heritage. We take lunch in one of the traditional restaurants. Return back to Bahirdar and attend a mass. Drive back to the hotel for dinner. Overnight Zoble Hotel
Gondar - Lalibela
AM we visit the renowned Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its exquisite ceiling artwork depicting biblical scenes. Admire the vibrant frescoes that adorn the interior, creating a truly captivating and spiritual ambiance. PM Fly to Lalibela and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Jerusalem/ Panoramic view Hotel
Full day in Lalibela
We spend full day visiting the rock hewn churches of Lalibela Overnight Jerusalem/ Panoramic view Hotel
Fly Lalibela - Addis Ababa
Morning attend Amharic mass at Bete Giorgis. Return to your hotel and breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight Catholic convent
Fly Addis - Mekele - Drive Gerhalta
Begin by visiting the ancient rock hewn churches of Wukro, and Abreha weasbeha church. Afternoon visit the famous Abuna Yemata Goh church known for its remote elevated location atop a cliff. Marvel at the ancient manuscripts and experience the unique atmosphere of this sacred site. Overnight Gerhalta Hotel
Drive Gerhalta - Axum
Proceed to Axum. Lunch at a local restaurant on our way to Axum. Explore Axum, Ethiopia's ancient capital Afternoon: Visit the Stelae Park, home to towering obelisks that symbolize Axum's rich history and ancient civilization. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and explore its mesmerizing architecture and religious artifacts. Discover the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace and the Tomb of King Kaleb, offering insights into Axum's legendary past. Explore the Axum Archaeological Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts dating back thousands of years. Complete our day with a visit to the Ezana Stone, inscribed with ancient inscriptions that reveal the fascinating history of Axum. Overnight in Axum Consolar Hotel
Fly Axum - Addis Ababa
Transfer to Axum Airport for a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will be visiting the largest open market in Africa. Overnight Addis Ababa Catholic Convent
Departure
Departure back to home.