Ehiopian Epiphany with Exotic
“Timket”‐Feast of the Epiphany festive
Timkat is the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, which marks Epiphany (January 20) on the European Calendar. Timkat is a three‐day celebration,
beginning on the Eve of Timkat with dramatic and colorful processions. The
Great Timket Day itself, which commemorates Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, is followed on the third day by the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, one of Ethiopia’s most popular saints. The night before, priests take the Tabot (which symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant) containing the Ten Commandments from each Church. Concealed by an ornamental cloth, it is taken to a tent, close to a consecrated pool or stream, accompanied by much ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and the burning of incense. In Addis Ababa many tents are pitched at Jan Meda, to the northeast of the city centre. At 2:00am there is a Mass, and crowds attend, with picnics lit by oil lamps. At dawn the priest extinguishes a candle burning on a pole set in a nearby river using a ceremonial cross. Some of the congregation leaps into the river. The Tabots are then taken back to the Churches in procession, accompanied by horsemen, while the festivities continue.
Day 1: City tour of Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to a reserved hotel. An overview of the tour schedule will be given. The rest of the day visiting the historical sites in Addis Ababa, including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains discovered in the arid Afar region in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3,200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. This evening we gather for an orientation in the hotel. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Flight to Bahir Dar
Today, we fly to Bahir Dar. In the morning, we visit the Blue Nile Fall locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’, and in the afternoon Lake Tana and the island monasteries. It will be a boat trip to the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3: Flight to Lalibela
In the morning, visiting Lalibela ‐ a World Heritage Site, which is often described as the 8th wonders of the world and the second Jerusalem created by King Lalibela in the 12th century. It will be absolutely one of the highlights of your trip to Ethiopia. In the afternoon, you visit the first group of six churches which lie in the rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 4: Flight to Axum
In the morning, have a visit to the archaeological sites in the ancient city of Axum. The ancient city of Axum ‐ a World Heritage Site, is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: The archaeological museum, the magnificent monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 6: Flight to Gondar
After breakfast transfer to the airport and flight to Gondar. visiting the town of Gondar includes the Castles of Gondar‐ a World Heritage Site, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. In the afternoon, attending the eve program. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 7: Gondar the Ethiopian Timkat Festival
Whole day attending the colorful Ethiopian festival of the Orthodox Christians ‘Timket’ at Fasiledas pool celebrating the whole day.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 8: Flight back to Addis
After breakfast transfer to the airport then back to Addis. In the afternoon you will be free until you have a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, followed by folkloric music and dances. Then it will be time for transfer to the airport to connect with the recommended flight home.
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