Expedition with Calypso to Ethiopia: from the north to the south of the country

Arrival in Addis Ababa. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. A short introductory trip around Addis Ababa with visits to Mount Entoto and the National Museum. In the afternoon, souvenir shopping and return to the hotel.

Stay: Getfam International Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Bahir Dar. A boat trip on Lake Tana. The program includes a visit to the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery (early 14th century) and the museum at the church, a walk in the coffee forest, and the delta of the Blue Nile (the place where the river flows out of Lake Tana). Return to Bahir Dar in the afternoon.

Stay: Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Morning transfer to Gondar (185 km) and a tour of Gondar: visiting the complex of royal palaces (17th–18th centuries) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, a tour of the Debre Berhan Selassie Church (18th century).

Stay: Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Trip to Simien National Park (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). A 2-3 hour walk in the park. There is a good chance to see the endemic gelada monkeys. Return to Gondar in the evening.

Stay: Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Morning flight to Lalibela. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a tour of the 12th-13th century churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — on this day, we visit the northern group of seven churches. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Stay: Mezena Lodge, Lalibela.

Continuation of tours in Lalibela: morning visit to the Genete Maryam Church, located 40 km from Lalibela (11th century church). In the afternoon, a tour of the museum and St. George's Church.

Stay: Mezena Lodge, Lalibela.

Morning tour of the churches of Lalibela — the southern group, which includes four churches. Return to the hotel and transfer to the airport. Flight to Addis Ababa on a day flight. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and rest until the evening. Evening dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music — food and drinks at the tourists' expense.

Stay: Getfam International Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Transfer to the airport and morning flight to Jinka. Check-in at the hotel and a walk to the settlement of the Aari people (farmers and craftsmen). Return to Jinka.

Stay: Nassa Hotel, Jinka.

Morning tour to the Mursi people's settlement. Mursi women are known for inserting a clay disk (debi) into a cut on their lower lip. Distance of 120 km. Return to Jinka, breakfast, and then transfer to Turmi, 125 km distance. Upon arrival, a tour of the local market, then check-in at the hotel and rest.

Stay: Buska Lodge, Turmi.

Morning tour to the settlement of the Nyangatom people. The women of these people have adopted the fashion of wearing numerous beads and necklaces around their necks. These beads (their quantity and quality) determine the social status of the family. The next morning tour is to the settlement of the Karo people, who decorate their skin with patterns made of clay, ocher, and chalk. Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by a tour to the settlement of the Hamar people. Hamar women apply a mixture of clay, ocher, and oil to their skin and hair, giving the skin and hair an unusual red-brown hue.

Stay: Buska Lodge, Turmi.

Transfer to Arba Minch, 285 km. Stop along the way for a tour of the Konso people's settlement (the cultural landscape of the Konso people — a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Upon arrival in Arba Minch, check-in at the hotel and rest. There is a pool and sauna (free of charge).

Stay: Haile Resort, Arba Minch.

Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Addis Ababa. Souvenir shopping and rest at the hotel until 8:00 PM. Then transfer to the airport by hotel minibus and flight home.