Ethiopia is just about the only country in Africa never to have been colonised, and its people claim the longest continuous monarchy in history, 3000 years of kings. The country is also unusual for its rich Orthodox Christian heritage, which the Ethiopians maintained even when all its neighbours embraced Islam in the 7th century. The Ethiopia Signature tour is an in-depth exploration of the unique archeological treasures of the country. Start in Addid Ababa the capital city, known for the bustling Mercado marketplace where thousands of stalsl sell a profusion of goods from the entire country. Fly to Bahir Dar where you tour the island monasteries of Lake Tana, and drive to Gondor to see the royal castles of ancient dynasties. Then fly to Lalibela, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the famous underground carved churches. These amazing cathedrals were carved from soft lava rock, resulting in a complete building composed of a single contiguous rock. Fly to Axum with its gigantic carved stellae and the holy church that legend claims holds the Ark of the Covenant.

Day 1
Addis Ababa
Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Located in the centre of Addis Ababa’s downtown core, yet encircled by 15 acres of lush gardens, the Addis Ababa Hilton is a comfortable and convenient hotel for getting to know Ethiopia’s capital city. With 356 suites, rooms, and self-contained apartments, the hotel is designed to facilitate long term stays, while also welcoming those who are on the go. The décor and amenities offer all the necessities of home with a healthy dose of African influence in the impeccable service and Ethiopian architecture. Dining offers a variety of choices to made from any of the 5 bars, restaurants, and lounges, which include all extremes, from pizza to traditional Ethiopian kitfo. Besides discovering the city of Addis Ababa, challenge guests or travel buddies to a game of squash or tennis. With a growing population of 2 million people, Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Located at the geographic center of the nation the city is the political and cultural center. Founded in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the last in a succession of capitals of the great Abyssinian empire dating back to the pre-Christian Axum. The city has interesting museums and churches - but most notable is the continent's largest open air market. The Addis Merkato, located in the Addis Ketema district of western Addis Ababa, is the primary retail, wholesale and distribution point for the city and the central highlands.

Day 2
Addis Ababa
Includes a tour of the Ethnological Museum, which holds many archaeological and historical findings including the famous complete hominid fossil remain of 'Lucy' locally known as 'Dinknesh' meaning wonderful. Trinity Cathedral is a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to Ethiopia. Merkato is the largest open-air market in Africa, a confusing, but fascinating; glimpse of the vast range of goods and artefacts available from all parts of the country. Admire the stupendous views of the city with its surrounding plains and volcanic cones from Mount Entoto, at 3200m the highest peak in Addis. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Sheraton Addis, as part of Starwood Hotels’ Luxury Collection, is considered the most exquisite hotel in Ethiopia. Situated comfortably and conveniently in this large city, it is not far from the major development agency meeting spots, such as the UN Conference center. With 293 deluxe rooms and suites, the Sheraton Addis has built a name for elegance and pampering in this deprived nation. With restaurants offering a wealth of continental options, chefs successfully meet the cravings of home for guests and officials from across the world. On some nights, a talented live band has been known to take the stage with lively African music. In the day, the flower beds and dazzling compounds are worthy of a stroll, while others choose to swim underwater to music at the Aqua Club.

Day 3
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
Take your flight from Bole International Airport to Bahir Dar today. The flight duration is approximately 1hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Includes a cruise on Lake Tana to visit the famous 14th century monasteries of Ura Kidanemihret, Azewa Mariam and the island monastery of Kibran Gebriel (where only men are allowed). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Bahar Dar is a small town set on the south-eastern shore of Lake Tana. It is just 30 km from the spectacular Tisisat Falls. Here the Blue Nile creates an awe-inspiring sight as it plunges into the gorge below. From Bahar Dar you can explore some of the ancient monasteries that have been built around Lake Tana, or on its many Islands. These include Dek Stephanos with its priceless collections of icons, the remains of several medieval emperors, Kebran Gabriel and Ura Kidane Mehret with its famous frescoes. The colourful local market at Bahar Dar is renowned for its weavers and wood workers. The Tana Hotel, a modern 64-bedroom hotel has rooms with private bath & shower, restaurant with seating capacity of 137 (dining style), well-equipped kitchen, coffee bar and pool side terrace, spacious veranda, telephone, fax, televisions with Satellite reception capabilities, well-equipped laundry, stand-by power generator. Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and and the largest lake in Ethiopia. Remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian Church are kept in the isolated island monasteries. The interior walls of the monasteries are famous for their religous paintings of bible storiess. Visitors are welcomed by boat - although some monasteries do not allow women visitors. The Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay) are located about 30 km to the south of the city.

Day 4
Bahir Dar - Gondar
Transfer from Bahir Dar to Gondor with private vehicle and driver. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635, is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches - in particular, Debra Berhan Selassie which represents a masterpiece of the Gondarene school of art. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Gonder was the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia and is notable for its medieval castles and churches. The City's unique imperial compound contains a number of castles built between 1632 and 1855 by the various emperors who reigned during this period. These dramatic castles, unlike others in Africa, display a richness in architecture that reveals the Axumite traditions as well as the influence of Arabia. Other treasures of Gonder include the 18th century palace of Ras Beit, the bath of Fasilades, the ruined palace of Kusquam, and the church of Debre Berhane Selassie with its unique murals. The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill with a commanding view of the city of Gondar, the city with its enchanting and mysterious castles. The Hotel has 4 suites, 60 twin bed rooms, restaurant, 2 cosy bars, well-equipped laundry, stand-by power generator, garden, telephone, fax & satellite TV. Gondar (Gonder) was once the old imperial capital and capital of the historic Begemder province, and is north of Lake Tana. During the seventeenth century, the city's population is estimated to have exceeded 60,000 and was the second largest city in the world. In 1678, the visiting Armenian bishop Hovannes remarked that the city was "twice as big as Istanbul".The most famous buildings in the city lie in the Royal Enclosure, which include Fasilides castle, Iyasu's Palace, Dawit's Hall, a banqueting hall, stables, Mentewab's Castle, a chancellery, library and three churches. Near the city lie Fasiladas' Bath, the Qusquam complex, built by Empress Mentewab; the eighteenth century Ras Mikael Sehul's Palace and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church.

Day 5
Gondar - Lalibela
Take your flight from Gondar Airport to Lalibela today. The flight duration is approximately half an hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Also known, as ‘Africa Petra’, Lalibela and its rock hewn churches are arguably Ethiopian’s top most attraction. You will start your tour this afternoon and continue in the morning. This afternoon you will visit rock hewn churches. These churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Roha Hotel in Lalibela, Ethiopia, is the most comfortable and desirable lodging in town. Snuggled into the bosom of this mountain village, the 64 room hotel and its staff guarantee impeccable service. Try the local food, which is typically made with spicy meats and vegetables along with flat bread and salads. Situated a mile outside of town, you will find yourself taking pictures of the intricate artifacts adorning this attractive, simple space. More humble than the crystal chandeliers and gold-plated walls of more arrogant hotels, the Roha boasts something above high ranked holiday hot spots. With a lush countryside and some of history’s most incredible monolithic churches from centuries of yore, there is little need for spas and tennis courts in this region. Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and is a center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Lalibela was intended to be a New Jerusalem in response to the capture of Jerusalem by Muslims. Famous around the world for its monolithic churches which set a benchmark for rock-cut architecture. There are 13 churches, assembled in four groups, most are thought to have been built during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Day 6
Lalibela
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Also known, as ‘Africa Petra’, Lalibela and its rock hewn churches are arguably Ethiopian’s top most attraction. You will start your tour this afternoon and continue in the morning. This afternoon you will visit rock hewn churches. These churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Roha Hotel.

Day 7
Lalibela - Axum
Take your flight from Lalibela Airport to Axum today. The flight duration is approximately half an hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Private tour of Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city. The 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion is built on the site of a much older church probably resembling that of Debre Damo, dating from the 4th century AD. The Cathedral is the repository of the crowns of some of Ethiopias former emperors. According to church legend, it also houses the original Ark of the Covenant - thus making St. Marys the holiest sanctuary in Ethiopia. Many of the oldest relics of Axum are towering obelisks, carved from single pieces of solid granite, several are more than 500 tones in weight and stand twenty meters high. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Axum, Ethiopia's most ancient city, and capital of one of the most glorious empires of the past, is one of the most illustrious links in the Historic Route. The Axumite Empire flourished 3,000 years ago. Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent stelae or obelisks, the graves of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary bath of the Queen of Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was built based on an earlier 4th Century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original ark of the covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum houses are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. The Yeha Hotel has 3 suites with private baths, 60 twin bed rooms with private baths, 157 seat restaurant (dining style), 153 seat bar, telephone, fax, satellite TV, well equipped laundry, stand-by generator, garden. Axum, or Aksum, is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from the region from 400 BC into the 10th century. It was the centre of the (eventual) Christian marine trading power the Aksumite Kingdom, which predated the earliest mentions in Roman era writings (around the time of the birth of Jesus). The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims that the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum houses the Biblical Ark of the Covenant in which lies the Tablets of Law upon which the Ten Commandments are inscribed. This same church was the site Ethiopian emperors were crowned for centuries. Axum is considered the holiest city in Ethiopia and is an important destination of pilgrimages.

Day 8
Axum - Addis Ababa
Take your flight from Axum Airport to Bole International Airport today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Traditional Ethiopian entertainment from the different ethnic groups at a local restaurant. Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Depart from Bole international airport - end of itinerary.