History and Archeology

• Explore Addis Ababa, a magical portal to the mystical land of Ethiopia and a gateway to the ancient sites of Africa.  Enjoy the city from Mt. Entoto. The first settlement in Addis Ababa, the compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact museum as well as Menelik II palace.

• With its Director, visit the National Archaeological Museum and discuss about the history and display of the museum, which houses a cast of the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy, the ancestor of all Human kind. Its historic rooms feature, among other artefacts, crowns, weapons, and pictures of wartime heroes and kings.

• Visit St. Georgeís Cathedral. Designed in the traditional octagonal shape, this cathedral was built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopiaís victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa. The Cathedral houses a small museum in the compound and the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist who completed the stained glass windows of the Africa Hall.

• Privately take part in a lecture about Ethiopian History and arts, with one of renowned Ethiopia Historians from Addis Ababa University.

History and Archeology

• In Lalibela, UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the ìNew Jerusalemî,  visit the famous rock-hewn churches . The almost-pristine condition and incredible orientation of these churches, literally carved out of the ground, is perhaps why theyíve been given the unofficial title of the ëEighth Wonder of the World.í Marvel at one of the greatest religious-historical sites in the Christian World, a place that some locals believe was constructed by thousands of labourers during the day, aided by angels at night.

• Exclusively meet with one of Ethiopian Orthodox Church Priests and get information about Christianity in Ethiopia and Lalibela Rock churches, and attend a Church ceremony, when hundreds of white-robed pilgrims bear witness to Christianity in its most moving form.

• With an art historian, ready to unveil all the beauties of this place, visit Gondar, once the imperial city and capital of Ethiopia, with all its antique palaces and  castles. The centre of Gondar is an interesting melange of Gondarine architecture and Art Deco, the latter dating back to Italian occupation between 1936 and 1941, around the central Piazza. Gondarís Royal Enclosure will provide you with a fascinating insight into royal life during the 17th to 19th centuries. Get mesmerized by the marvel of the glorious frescoes, arched doors, and ceiling replete with 135 winged cherubs.

NATURE

• Immerse in a memorable experience by visiting Bahir Dar and drive to the Blue Nile Falls ñ known locally as Tissiat ñ which means ìThe Smoking Water.î  The Falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges some 150 feet, giving rise to picturesque streams of clouds and rainbows.

• Enter the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie at Bizeit, with great views of the town and the place where the Blue Nile flows out of the lake, and take an exclusive private tour of the palace.

• Embark on a private cruise to Lake Tana. The Lake Tana area is where coffee was first cultivated. Visit two of the renowned Island Monasteries of the Lake, namely: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. Both have wonderful paintings which depicts the scene from the Old and the New Testaments of the Holy Bible all over their walls.

• Drive to Simien Mountains National Park. The Unesco World Heritageñlisted site is one of Africaís most beautiful ranges, full of dramatic cliffs, rocky escarpments, and breath-taking views. Sit and watch groups of gelada monkeys who playfully watch you back, or gaze at the magnificent walia ibex, an endangered species found only in the northern mountains of Ethiopia.

Traditions and Folklore

• Addis Ababa, founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik about 1892, shows little sign of losing its youthful, lusty edge and is the pulsing heart of this eclectic nationís resurgence as one of the worldís fastest-growing economies. Stop by Shiro Meda Market, to have a taste of fine traditional Ethiopian textiles, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewellery.

• Visit the Makush Art Gallery, and get an overview about the modern and contemporary art scene in Ethiopia from its owner, Tesfaye Hiwet. The Gallery is a testament to the burgeoning art sense in Addis Ababa and it contains vivid paintings and woodcarvings from the 70 artists that this gallery supports.

• Immerse yourself in the colors of the market around Lake Tana, typical hand-woven capes and scarves made of good local cotton, and the Weyto village, known for the production of Tankwa boats, reed boats made from papyrus.

• Enjoy a cultural night with Ethiopian wine and traditional music and dance. Ethiopian traditional dances have unique body movements and steps. In Ethiopia, music is played on instruments such as the masenqo, which is a bowed lute with just one string. Lyres with various numbers of strings are also played and drums are sometimes used.

• Privately take part in a coffee ceremony. Coffee production in Ethiopia is a longstanding tradition which dates back to dozens of centuries. Ethiopia is where arabica, the coffee plant, originates. The coffee ceremony is typically performed by the woman of the household mainly for the purpose of getting together with relatives, neighbours, or other visitors.