Day 6 After breakfast, we will take a short drive north from Axum to view the tombs of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel which were excavated in the late 19th century and lie side by side under the ruins of their palace. Halfway up the hill to these subterranean vaults you can view the trilingual tablet which warns all comers that if removed the culprit will meet an untimely death and praises God for his help in defeating Yemeni invaders. A little distance away lies a hill top monastery and we can all visit the compound to view the many holy crosses and tomes. Only men are admitted to its interior but it is worth visiting for the beautiful views and sense of quiet after the hustle and bustle of Axum.

The Queen of Sheba’s palace, excavated as recently as 1952, is our next stop. On the other side of the road we will see the small stelae the largest of which is believed to mark her grave.

We return to Axum, for refreshments – perhaps a wholesome fruit juice from Nati.

There will be time for browsing the fair selection of handicrafts, artefacts and souvenirs available from the prolific shops. The modern Atranos Gallery is also worth a visit.

Returning to your hotel, you can swim if you choose or simply relax and enjoy an evening meal.

Day 7

Today we will wing our way to Lalibela, taking a morning flight and arriving in time for lunch.

After our meal, we will start your visit to the north-west cluster of the underground rock-hewn churches for which the town is famed. Eleven cruciform churches excavated from ground level downwards into red volcanic rock.

The town, capital of the dynasty, was named after King Lalibela, who was believed to be primarily responsible for building the churches. It is thought that the King may have been trying to build a new Jerusalem that would be a haven for Ethiopian Christians, far away from the Muslim marauders The story goes that, finding himself exiled in Jerusalem, Lalibela promised himself that he would recreate the holy city. Another version of the story tells that the churches of Bet Abba Libanos were built by angels. However it came about, they continue to amaze and delight all comers. After we have explored these churches your guide will discuss tomorrow’s options with you when we will visit the churches outside the town. Your guide will tell you about the churches and plan your route with you. You will have the choice of using the vehicle, with some walking, or of riding mules.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8

The day starts early whether you have chosen the vehicle or mule option. Using the vehicle, you will be able to visit one of the 4 churches near the village of Bilbilla. We recommend Bilbilla Chirkos - 30km outside of Lalibela– a semi monolithic church surrounded by trenches (and scaffolding) where we can find ancient paintings of George and the dragon and beautiful 800 year- old goatskin books. Sundry beehives provide a holy honey which is believed to have curative powers.

In the afternoon, you might visit the Nakuta La’ab Monastery, which is so named after the king who succeeded King Lalibela. It is a veritable treasure trove of crosses and paintings and you will also see its illuminated leather Bible. Alternatively, in the afternoon, you might prefer to visit the Yemrehanna Kristos monastery in its cave – the ‘wedding cake church’ because it looks like a giant chocolate cream cake. Apart from its stunning carvings and decorations, this church is known for hosting the bones of some 11,000 Christian pilgrims who came here to die.

If today you decide on the option of walking or taking a mule ride, we shall visit the Asheten Mariam Church. This involves an interesting journey, by mule or on foot, with spectacular views of the countryside and passing through friendly local villages. Then in the afternoon you can drive to Nakuta La’ab Monastery with its treasures as mentioned above.

We shall try to set aside some time so that you can browse in Lalibela’s small shops and stalls for souvenirs – maybe a Lalibela cross or some local weaving.

Overnight in Lalibela

Day 9

Today, we will fly back to Addis. After dropping your luggage at your hotel and freshening up, we will visit some of the many interesting sites. You can discuss with your guide who will make suggestions so that you can decide what you would like to be top of the agenda.

We recommend a visit to Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Menelik II Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of the former Emperor Menelik II and his family, and perhaps some of Addis Ababa’s monuments. These monuments include the Yeketit 12 at Arat Kilo, which commemorates the thousands of Addis residents massacred by the occupying Italians in 1937.

We can take a short drive out of the city up into the Entoto Hills, where there is an excellent viewpoint overlooking Addis Ababa. Here, you will be able to visit the Entoto Maryam church which was built by Emperor Menelik in 1876. As well as a museum nearby there is a magnificent 120 year old eucalyptus tree. You will then be dropped back at your hotel to be picked up at an agreed time and escorted to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. As well as sampling delicious traditional food - you will also have a chance to see a display of Ethiopia’s unique music and dancing.

Day 10

Depending on the time of your international flight, we will continue a tour of Addis. We propose a visit to the National Museum, whose exhibits includes the remains of the oldest human ancestor ever found, the world famous Lucy. Then we go to the bustling Piazza area where you may wish to have a coffee at the Tomoca cafe. After lunch at the Addis Ababa Restaurant, (one of the best traditional eateries in the capital) we will drive to Mercato, one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa. When you are done browsing and haggling, if you still have shopping to do, we can take you to see some of the local craftsmen at their work and to shops where it is possible to get beautiful locally carved gifts and furniture and other artefacts.

You might like to visit the Boston Day Spa for some massage therapy before your long cramped flight. The salon offers excellent facials, manicures and pedicures and they specialise in a sort of African Turkish bath. Whatever you choose to do on this last day in Ethiopia, we will be at your disposal and will take you to the airport in time for your international flight.

We only use local guides, educated within Ethiopia so although this tour includes two short flights we feel that it is, nevertheless a responsible choice. We will offer you a chance to offset the minimal carbon emissions incurred and in all other ways will protect the environment we visit. We take a non invasive approach, always removing all signs of our presence and respecting the environment with its vegetation and wildlife. Travellers may like to keep a record of animal and bird sightings for ongoing listing to be published on the website for other travellers – making a positive contribution to the conservation of the wildlife in the locality.Throughout your trip you will be staying in hotels run by local people where you will learn about local environmental, social and cultural issues. Ethiopia is pledged to be carbon neutral by 2025. Clients will be made aware of the various projects in Ethiopia with which Alligan Travel is personally acquainted. These projects are effecting a positive change to the environment by their actions; i.e. tree planting, seed distribution, recycling.