Day 1:  Early morning meeting with the Dinknesh staff at Tana, Summer Land or Papyrus Hotel. After breakfast you will take a boat to explore beautiful Lake Tana and visit the ancient monasteries of Ura-Kidanemehret & Azewa Mariam at the Zege Peninsula. In the afternoon time to relax in the garden of the Tana Hotel on the shores of the lake, possibility to spot colourful birds and monkeys and enjoy cool drinks. Dinner and overnight at Tana, Summer Land or Papyrus Hotel.

 

Day 2: After breakfast  drive to the Blue Nile Falls south of Bahir Dar (35km, about 1 hour drive). From the parking place you will enjoy a trekking tour with experienced guides through beautiful landscapes and up to the waterfalls. Picnic lunch. Then we continue the walk down to the falls and cross the river by boat. Walk back to the car and drive back to Bahir Dar. Possibility to experience the colours and odors of Bahir Dar's most popular open-air market or have a drink at Taitu Restaurant spotting hippos and pelicans. Dinner and overnight at Tana, Summer Land or Papyrus Hotel.

 

Day 4: Gondar is the 17th and 18th century capital of Ethiopia and has been called the "Camelot of Africa". The city is famous for its magnificent castles. Our guide will show you around the whole compound including beautiful Fasilidas Castle which was built in the late 1630's and early 1640's. Possibility to buy souvenirs. After a quick lunch in a local restaurant you will visit the "Bathing Palace of Emperor Fasilidas", which is used for the annual Timket or Epiphany celebrations. Dinner in a local restaurant and possibility to experience a traditional Asmari Bet where you can dance to Ethiopian music. Overnight at the Goha Hotel.

 

Day 5: After breakfast visit the ruins of the Qusquam palace that was built by Empress Mentewab (1730-1799) in the mountains just outside Gondar. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive back to Bahir Dar. End of programme.