Day 1 - To Addis Ababa:

Fly from London to Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. (N)

Day 2 - Addis Ababa:

Arrive in the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon city tour, including the Ethnographic Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Mercato. Stay 1 night at the Radisson Blu Hotel or similar. (L, D)

Day 3 - To Hawzien:

Morning flight to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Short tour of Mekelle, including Bete Yohannes. Drive to Hawzien. Stay overnight at the Gheralta Lodge. En route, visit the rock-hewn churches of Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - To Axum:

Morning drive to Axum, the centre of early civilisation in Ethiopia and reputed home of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Stay 2 nights at the Yeha Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Axum:

Morning excursion to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebra Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent stele (obelisks). In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion, the Ark of the Covenant and Axum Museum. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - To Lalibela:

Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. Created as the ‘new Jerusalem’ by King Lalibela in the 12th century, Lalibela is still home to 11 rock-hewn churches, most of which are still used for worship today. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Stay 2 nights at the Mountain View Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Lalibela:

Morning walk up to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit Nakutelab Cave Church which is accessible by car. Afternoon visit to the south-east cluster of churches. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – To the Simien mountains:

Fly to Gondar, Ethiopia's first capital, located at the foot of the Simien mountains. Afternoon visit to the church of Debre Berhan Selassie and see its murals. Drive to the Simien Mountain Lodge and stay for 2 nights. Evening introductory talk on gelada monkeys, endemic to this area. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Simien mountains:

Morning scenic drive to Chennek, 3,620 metres above sea level and home to the endemic walia ibex as well as klipspringers and bushbucks. En route, pass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Ethiopia; stop to view gelada monkeys and take a short walk to a waterfall. A picnic will be arranged in a scenic spot. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - To Gondar:

Drive to Gondar and stay 1 night at the Goha Hotel or similar. Afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - To Bahar Dar:

Drive to Gorgora and visit the monastery of Debre Sina Mariam. Cross Lake Tana by boat and stop off at various island monasteries, including Daga Istafanos. Continue to the Zeghe peninsula and visit Ura Kidhane Mihret and Azuwa Mariam. Stay 2 nights at the Kuriftu Resort & Spa. (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Bahar Dar:

Visit the Blue Nile Falls at Tissisat. Afternoon visit to the Bezawit Palace and the market in Bahir Dar. Optional spa treatments available. (B, L, D)

Day 13 - To Addis Ababa:

Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Day room at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Dinner at a cultural restaurant and transfer to the airport. Fly to London. (B, L, D)

Day 14 - To London:

Early morning arrival.

(N) Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No meals.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa

The Radisson Blu Hotel is located in the upmarket Kazanchis business district, just minutes away from major attractions such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St George's Cathedral. The 204 ultra-modern chic rooms and 16 suites contain upscale amenities including air conditioning, a flatscreen television, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, a minibar and separate shower and bathtub. The Veres en Vers brasserie serves gourmet French cuisine and the Signature Bar & Terrace is a relaxing place for snacks and cocktails. The Rainforest Day Spa features a fully equipped gym plus a steam bath, relaxation area and four treatment rooms.

Gheralta Lodge, Hawzien

Located near to Hawzien, in the northern region of Ethiopia, Gheralta Lodge offers bungalow style accommodation and a small restaurant. With its unique chain of mountains, the Gheralta area is the home of the rock churches famous for their architecture, ancient paintings and manuscripts.

The Yeha Hotel, Axum

The Yeha Hotel is a government-owned hotel, built in a modern style in the centre of town, within walking distance of most of the ancient sites. It has one of the best elevated sites in Axum, overlooking the church and stelae park. Rooms are decorated in an ethnic style. Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela Mountain View Hotel is situated at an altitude of 2,680 metres at the edge of the Lasta Mountain chain. It has wonderful panoramic views of the mountain range and is an excellent place from which to view the sunset. The hotel rooms are clean and modern.

Simien Mountains Lodge, Simien Mountains National Park

The Simien Mountain Lodge is the highest hotel in Africa at 3260 m. This is an eco-friendly lodge built at Buyit Ras with wonderful views across the mountain range. The accommodation has traditional tukul-style exteriors and the interiors are very comfortable with tasteful decor. The main lodge building has a friendly bar with an open fire that is a great place to gather in the evening before dinner. The food is well above the usual standard found in Ethiopian hotels and the staff are friendly and hospitable. The lodge supports a local school and is able to organise visits, subject to timing.

The Goha Hotel, Gondar

The Goha Hotel is situated on a hill with a panoramic view of the town and its monuments, and with great sunsets from the terrace. Occasionally visitors will see the giant Lammergeyer, with its 3 metre wing span, soaring on the air currents by the hotel.

Kuriftu Resort & Spa, Bahar Dar

Situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the Kuriftu Resort comprises 28 stone bungalows set in gardens by the lake. Each room is decorated in a traditional Ethiopian style with en suite facilities, a four-poster bed, lounge and flat-screen television. The resort also boasts its own restaurant, spa and swimming pool.