Itinerary

30th January 2009 Day 01:Overnight flight from the Uk to Addis Abba.

31st January             Day 02: Arrival and Sightseeing Addis
Our group will be met on arrival and transferred to the Hilton Hotel. Later in the afternoon we will begin our half day city tour of Addis with a drive up to Mount Entoto. The panorama from the peak is breathtaking. Then descending to Addis we will proceed to the Archaeological Museum. Finally we will drive to Merkato, the biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight at the Hilton Hotel.
1st February             Day 03: Fly Addis – Bahir Dar
Today we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Bahir Dar, where we will be transferred to the Tana Hotel.  Later, we will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the exquisite 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries with a very beautiful painted maqdas and priceless collection of crosses as well as crowns. We have the afternoon to relax. Overnight at the Tana Hotel.
2nd February            Day 04: Sightseeing Bahir Dar
In the morning, we will drive to the village of Tiss Issat to see the Blue Nile falls (please be aware that  due to the newly constructed electric dam in the vicinity the water level of the falls could be minimal). In the afternoon we take a sightseeing tour of Bahir Dar with the market and a drive to the Bezawit Hill for a panoramic view of the lake, the outlet of the Blue Nile as well as the town. Overnight at the Tana Hotel
3rd February             Day 05: Bahir Dar – Awra Amba – Gondar
Today we will drive to Gondar en route visiting the village of Awra Amba, which is located off the Woreta - Woldia ‘China-Road’. We visit this unique settlement that is considered to be a prime model for self-help and above all gender equality. Women have equal rights as men and there is no distinction in divisions of labour. Men cook, women plough, and religion has no authority. We then visit and drive to Gondar, founded in 1636 by the Emperor Fassiladas. Set in a beautiful landscape, it was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. We then visit the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie church (designated as a world heritage site by UNESCO) its walls and ceilings decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Overnight at the Goha/Lamergayer Hotel. 
4th February             Day 06:  Gondar – Buyit Ras
In the morning we visit the castles built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Then drive to Buyit Ras (a segment of the Semien Mountains) a sight which is  one of the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes - also named as 'the roof of Africa.' Overnight at the Semien Lodge.
5th February             Day 07: Buyit Ras - Sanqaber - Buyit Ras
Walk (2hrs) to Sanqaber (3250m), enjoying the scenery. Here we will be able to encounter birds and probably some game such as the endemic Gelada Baboon. We then drive or walk back to Buyit Ras. Overnight at the Semien Lodge.
6th February             Day 08: Buyit Ras – Axum
Leaving Buyit Ras and we drive on one of the most astounding drives in the world the road of Limo. Followed by the spectacular canyon of the Tekeze River, one of the principal rivers of Ethiopia. Overnight at the Yeha Hotel. 
7th February             Day 9: Sightseeing Axum
Today we  visit Axum, once the centre of a great empire, and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge'ez language and literature. Axum is the primary historical site in the North of Ethiopia. We take a city tour of Axum that includes; the Stelae Park, St. Mary's Church the Sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of the Covenant’, the Coronation Yard, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, Axum Museum and the quarry where the stelaes used to be made.  Overnight at the Yeha Hotel.
8th February             Day 10: Yeha Temple
Today we will visit the  5th century Temple of Yeha, which dates back nearly 3000years. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. Beside the remarkable temple, there is a church dedicated to Abba Aftse, one of the famous nine saints who came to Ethiopia in the 6th century from the east Roman Empire to teach the Gospel. Overnight at the Yeha Hotel.
9th February             Day 11: Axum – Lalibela
We will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the most famous churches and the scene of many major ceremonies. Also known, the ‘African Petra’, Lalibela and its rock hewn churches are arguably Ethiopian’s top attraction. We will visit; Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis.

Overnight at the Roha/Mountain View Hotel.
10th February           Day 12: Asheton Mariam
We take a morning trek (one hour mule or horse ride) to the 13th C. rock hewn monastery of Ashton Mariam along a road that looks like a twisted rope hugging the cliff and surrounded by wonderful scenery.
In the afternoon, we will visit the rest of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Overnight at the Roha/Mountain View Hotel.
11th February           Day 13: Lalibela – Addis - Dire Dawa
We are transferred to airport for our return flight to Addis. En route we will visit the Nakuto Le’abe Monastery. Nakuto Le’abe, son of King Gebre Meskel, abdicated his throne in 1270 AD and went to a cave to lead a hermit’s life. This cave has ever since become a monastery. It houses one of the most interesting collections of ancient crosses, illustrated manuscripts and other icons. Upon arrival we will directly check-in for our connection flight to Dire Dawa. (Please note, however, that we might stay overnight in Addis in case of cancellation of flight schedule by the Ethiopian Airlines.)   On our arrival we will be met and driven to Harar. Overnight at the Heritage Plaza Hotel.
12th February   Day14: Sightseeing Harar
Today we will visit Harar, which is a labyrinth of small streets surrounded by old city walls and whose architecture reflects a strong Islamic influence. On sightseeing of Harar we will visit the markets, the French poet- Rimbaud house, the harari museum and the tomb of the Emir who built the Harar walls known as Jugol. Tonight we will attend the hyena-man show. Overnight at the Heritage Plaza Hotel.
13th February   Day 15: Drive Harar – Dire Dawa; Fly Dire Dawa – Addis; Departure
We will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Addis. Upon arrival we transferred to Hilton Hotel for the days use.
As this is our final evening, we will enjoy a special “farewell dinner” where we will have the chance to taste various national dishes, and watch dances of various ethnic groups of Ethiopia; the traditional coffee ceremony will also be served.
Later, group will be transferred to the Bole International Airport for our night flight home.
14th February Day 16: Arrival UK

Each evening we will have the opportunity to come together to share our experiences.

Fully Inclusive Cost £2989
Includes:

International Flights (return from UK) with Ethiopian Airlines
All Internal Flights Addis –Bahir Dar,
Axum—Lalibela—Addis—Dire Dawa—Addis
All Ground Transport
All Portage Fees and Drivers
All Meals including Breakfast, Light Lunch and Dinner. Meals are a  mixture of hotels and local  restaurants.
All teaching and Facilitation with Dr Jude Currivan (excluding private sessions please contact Jude direct for further information)

The costs is based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room. A single room is available on this tour at an additional cost.

Excludes:
Visas
Tip for Main Tour Guide
Beverages
Personal expenses

Single Supplement £400
Terms and conditions

Cancellations: are subject to a 10% of the tour price. Cancellations 60 days prior to departure are subject to a non-refund of half the tour price; cancellation 21 days or less prior to departure date are non-refundable. We encourage you to purchase a commercial travel policy that includes trip cancellation insurance. This is a popular tour and is on a first come, first served basis.

Please be aware that the itinerary may change from that shown on the brochure. Please check the web site www.judecurrivan for any up- to- date changes and for the most up-to-date information regarding the trip itinerary.
Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2010 onwards maybe subject to change and confirmation.
Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation (unless otherwise stated). Please refer to the brochure and subsequent confirmation letters for details of what is included in the cost. A single supplement is available please indicate this at time of booking.
In response to global oil price rises, many airlines are now imposing fuel surcharges. Due to the volume of these surcharges, we will have to applying these additional costs to all new and existing bookings.  In response to global financial markets and the fluctuation in the rate of exchange prices advertised may be subject to change. We will always contact you to discuss any changes with you.
Compulsory Air Passenger Duty is included in our prices, where applicable.
Where the fuel surcharge or Air Passenger Duty is imposed or increases after the time of booking, this additional amount will be shown on the Final Invoice, sent 9-10 weeks prior to departure.
Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid, acceptable passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey and tour. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal gear etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the Company.

Any changes to prices will be kept updated on www.judecurrivam.com

 For useful information about Ethiopia visit:  http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/86/health/Africa/Ethiopia.html

Please note a reasonable level of fitness will be required to attend all the excursions. All excursions are optional.

At the time of print vaccinations are required for: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow Fever

Those wishing to travel with us from outside the UK please contact for prices excluding international flights.

Registration Form Ethiopia 2010

 

Name...........................................................................................................

Address........................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................
County.........................................................................................................

Post/ Zip code..............................Country.........................................................

 

Tel:.............................................................................................................

email:..........................................................................................................

 

Dietary Requirements (i.e Vegetarian)

 

Emergency Contact name and tel no:

 

Medical Conditions:

 

Please send with  your application a  copy of your passport (page with photo)

There is a single room supplement of £400 Please tick box if you would like a single room □

I enclose a deposit of £991.00 for the Ethiopian Tour

a 2nd payment of £999 is due no later than 15th  November 2009

a final payment of £999 is due no later than 15th December 2009.

 

All cheques made payable to: Dare To Be Yourself

 

For any further information please call Justina on 01380 725558 daytime or 01672 861182

Evenings and weekends