Ethiopia's Timkat Festival

Timkat Festival

Timkat is the most important festival in the Ethiopian calendar. Known as the Ethiopian Epiphany, it marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. On 19 January, Ethiopian Christians celebrate His baptism at the festival of Timkat.

A 12 night itinerary introducing you to the wealth of religious, historical and archaeological sights of Ethiopia including the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace, Lalibela, the Blue Nile Falls and Emperor Haile Selassie's Palace.

Day 1
London Heathrow

Depart London Heathrow on the overnight flight to Addis Ababa.

Day 2
Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, the modern capital of Ethiopia where you will be met by your guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. This is a lively, cosmopolitan city with plenty to do and see. A city tour will introduce you to some of the many museums and churches, in particular the Archaeological Museum, as well as visiting the Mercato, the largest market in eastern Africa between Cairo and Johannesburg. Overnight Addis.

Day 3
Axum

Depart on flight to Axum. During your stay, your guide will take you on a tour of Axum, introducing you to the wealth of archaeological remains. The old and new churches of St. Mary of Zion, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace together with the Bath of the Queen of Sheba and King Kalebs's Palace. There is also an opportunity to visit the city's museum. Two nights Axum.

Day 5
Lalibela

Depart on flight to Lalibela, a remote monastic settlement where a series of 'rock churches' are found. Your guide will take you on several guided tours of the rock churches on foot, and an early morning mule trek to the mountain-top monastery of Acheton Mariam. Plus an excursion to the cave church of Na'akuto Le'ab. Three nights Lalibela.

Day 8
Bahar Dar

Depart on flight to Bahar Dar. Tour the lakeside town, including the Blue Nile Falls and the viewpoint at Emperor Haile Selassie's Palace. An afternoon is spent taking a boat trip on Lake Tana to the monastery of Oura-Kidanemehret. Dating back to the fourteenth century, this decorative church is adorned with colourful frescos, illustrating both biblical lore and historical scenes from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Two nights Bahar Dar.

Day 10
Gondar

Depart by vehicle to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Many Emperors and Warlords, courtiers and Kings built magnificent palaces and castles, many of which have survived the ravages of time and allow the modern day visitor to glimpse at the grandeur of a bygone era. The guide will take you on a tour of the castles, the impressive Bathing Palace of Emperor Fasiladas, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully decorated ceilings and walls depicting various biblical scenes, and Kusquam Abbey. Two nights Gondar.