5 Days Short Trip Ethiopia Tour
Tour Highlights
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Explore UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
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Cruise on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries
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Witness the dramatic Blue Nile Falls
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Experience the unique social model of Awra Amba community
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Discover Ethiopia’s capital—from history to vibrant culture
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Enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine & live traditional music
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa City Tour
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, meet your Papyrus Tours representative and transfer to your hotel.
After check-in and refreshment, enjoy an introductory city tour featuring key landmarks such as:
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National Museum of Ethiopia – home of “Lucy” fossil
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Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa
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Entoto area panoramic viewpoints
Optional: Visit a local humanitarian community project supported by Papyrus Tours.
Evening: Welcome dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional dance performance.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 2: Fly Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar | Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls
Morning flight to Bahir Dar, the lakeside town known for its warm hospitality.
Activities:
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Boat tour on Lake Tana, visiting one of its famous island monasteries—rich with religious books & ancient murals
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Opportunity to spot hippos, pelicans, and water birds
Afternoon:
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Drive to Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat” – Smoking Water)
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Short hike and scenic viewpoints
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Cross the Blue Nile by small boat (water-level permitting)
Overnight: Bahir Dar
Day 3: Bahir Dar → Awra Amba → Lalibela
Depart Bahir Dar and drive through stunning landscapes toward Lalibela.
En-route stop:
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Awra Amba Community – a groundbreaking model of equality where:
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Women & men share equal rights
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Religion is separated from governance
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Cooperative work supports community welfare
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Continue driving to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most sacred Christian destination.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 4: UNESCO Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
A full day dedicated to the remarkable 12th–13th century rock-hewn churches—entirely carved from solid volcanic rock.
Explore multiple church clusters including:
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Bet Medhane Alem
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Bet Maryam
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Bet Giyorgis (St. George), Ethiopia’s most iconic church
Late afternoon: Visit the local market & artisan shops.
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 5: Fly Lalibela - Addis Ababa | Souvenir Shopping & Departure
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
Depending on flight time:
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Visit Shiro Meda traditional clothing market or
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Explore craft shops for souvenirs
Farewell cultural dinner with coffee ceremony.
Transfer to airport for international departure.
