Itinerary (private tour example)

Day 1 — Arrival / Flight to Bahir Dar → Lake Tana boat trip

• Morning flight Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar (approx. 1 hr).

• Boat excursion on Lake Tana: visit one or two island monasteries (e.g., Ura Kidane Mihret) and see their painted murals and ancient manuscripts. traveladventures.org+1

• Evening: stroll along the lakeside, overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 2 — Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) → Drive to Gondar

• Morning drive (~1 hr) to Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay) — viewpoints and short walk/hike. Wikipedia

• After lunch drive to Gondar (approx. 2–3 hours).

• Late afternoon orientation walk around Gondar town, overnight in Gondar.

Day 3 — Gondar: Fasil Ghebbi & historic sites → Fly or drive toward Lalibela

• Morning guided visit to Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), Debre Berhan Selassie Church (famous ceiling paintings) and Fasiledes’ Bath. UNESCO World Heritage Centre+1

• Afternoon: transfer to the airport for a short scheduled flight to Lalibela (if available) — otherwise an overnight drive or an overnight in Gondar then early morning travel to Lalibela (note: flight schedules vary). Overnight Lalibela.

Day 4 — Lalibela full day (rock-hewn churches)

• Full day exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela (Groupings of Northern and Southern clusters, St. George, tunnels and chapels). Time for services or quiet reflection if a religious ceremony is occurring. UNESCO World Heritage Centre+1

• Sunset viewpoint over the town, overnight Lalibela.

Day 5 — Morning in Lalibela → Return flight to Addis Ababa

• Optional early morning visit or market time in Lalibela.

• Midday/afternoon flight Lalibela → Addis Ababa. End of tour.

Price (sample per person, private tour)

These are example prices for a private 2-person booking using mid-range hotels. Prices fluctuate with season, number of travellers, and domestic flight costs.

• Base price, twin-share (per person): USD 795 – 1,050

  • Typical breakdown (approx.): accommodation (4 nights) $180–300, guide & driver $180–260, private vehicle & fuel $120–160, boats & local transfers $70–120, local guide & entrance fees $80–120, agent admin $65–90. Domestic flights are extra or can be bundled (see below).

• Single-room supplement: add USD 120 – 220.

• Private guide upgrade / luxury hotels: expect +20–50% on the upper end.

• Domestic flights (two short flights: Addis→Bahir Dar and Lalibela→Addis): USD 220 – 420 per person total depending on carrier and booking time (low-cost seats cheaper; last-minute fares higher). Flights are variable — we can quote exact fares when you confirm travel dates.

Price — What is included

• All transfers and private ground transportation as per itinerary.

• Private English-speaking guide (local guides at some sites may be included).

• Accommodation: 4 nights in mid-range hotels (twin share).

• Boat trip on Lake Tana to island monasteries (entrances where required).

• Private vehicle, fuel, driver, parking.

• Guided visits and site entrance fees (where noted in the itinerary).

• Bottled water in vehicle, local taxes.

Price — What is excluded

• International flights to/from Ethiopia.

• Domestic flights unless explicitly added to the package (quoted separately).

• Travel insurance, visas, personal expenses (tips, laundry, phone).

• Meals not specified as included; alcoholic drinks.

• Any permit/entry fees that vary by season or special events (these will be itemized).

• Entrance fees during religious services when sites restrict tourist access (local practice respected).

• Anything not listed under “included.”

Practical notes & booking tips

• Best time to travel: October–February (dry, cooler) for more comfortable sightseeing. Rainy months can affect access to the Blue Nile Falls trails and some rural roads. Wikipedia

• Health & safety: bring height-appropriate footwear for Lalibela’s uneven stone and modest clothing for churches and monasteries (shoulders & knees covered).

• Timing & flights: domestic schedules change; flights between regional centers can be limited — confirm flights before finalizing the itinerary. (I can check current flight options for your dates if you want.)

• UNESCO sites: Lalibela and Fasil Ghebbi are UNESCO World Heritage sites — expect modest entrance fees and visitor rules.