Day 04 FRI: Dubai
Day free. Enjoy the many attractions like the only 7 star hotel in the world, or visit the other emirate sheikhdoms offer. Optional, desert safari with camel ride, BBQ, and dances. (B)

Day 05 SAT: Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
A unique opportunity to enjoy the diversity amongst the traditional and modern UAE. Our exploration begins with a drive through of some of Dubai’s beautiful landmarks including the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque built in the tradition of the Fatimid mosques of Egypt; Jumeirah Beach, the iconic Burj Al Arab - the tallest standing hotel in the world; Palm - the largest man made island in the world. Drive via Burj Khalifa Tower, the tallest building in the world visiting the observation gallery and pass the Zabeel Palace driving to old Dubai to pass by the impressive palaces of the ruling family of Dubai enroute to the famous Dubai Creek. After visiting Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi Fort, we proceed to Sharjah, which takes pride in preserving art and local heritage. We stop at the Blue Mosque, Blue Souk renowned for its mosaic work, the historical Nabooda House, the Ajman Fort & Museum where we learn about the Emirates’ past before oil was found.
(B, D)

Day 06 SUN: Dubai / Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) - (flight)
This morning we fly to Africa’s capital city, Addis Ababa. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is located at 2,500 m above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain 3,000 m above sea level). Afternoon tour of Addis Ababa includes visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Mercato, Entoto’s old Imperial Compound.
Overnight: Dreamliner Hotel. Addis Ababa (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07 MON: Addis Ababa / Baher Dar
A short flight gets us north to Bahir Dar. Baher Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) falls: 100 m wide, the water plunges for 45 m, giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for a close look and then ascend the other side. The round trip takes about 10 minutes. We then cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. After lunch we explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of historical and cultural interest. Tour monasteries dating to 14th C, out of which they will visit the Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, famous for their old manuscripts, crosses, icons and paintings.
Overnight: Tana / Summerland Hotel, Baher Dar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 08 TUE: Baher Dar / Gondar (Drive 180 km)
We drive to Gondar the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire. It began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has distinct Islamic influences. Visit 17th century royal palace compound, the bath of King Fasil, the Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Visit the ruined palace of Queen Mentowab and the church of Qusquam. Visit a Falasha (Jewish) village where we also have an opportunity to meet with Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture. Visit Mini Fogera in the evening for Asmari music and food.
Overnight: Taye Hotel, Gondar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09 WED: Gondar / Lalibela
A short flight gets us to the historic city of Lalibela. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. Before lunch we visit the first group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches of this 13th-century “New Jerusalem.” After lunch, we visit the famous Yemrehane Kristos Church.
Overnight: Roha or Lal Hotel, Laibela (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10 THU: Lalibela
Morning after breakfast excursion by car to visit the unique cave church of Neakuto Leab, Next we visit the second group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches, see more of the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giorgis. (B, L, D)

Day 11 FRI: Lalibela / Axum
We fly to the historical city of Axum. The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (‘Book of Kings’) recount how Axum, as early as the 10th century B.C, was already the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the son of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign, one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. Visit the Stelae Park, Queen of Sheba’s palace, the Axum Museum, church of Saint Mary of Zion (where the original Ark of the Covenant is believed to have been housed). See the castle of King Kaleb and Mai Shum. To culminate today’s exciting day we visit the tomb of King Besen and museum inside the church grounds.
Overnight: Yeha or Ramhai Hotel, Axum (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12 SAT: Axum / Addis Ababa / Entebbe (Flight) (Uganda)
Upon arrival at Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Gately Inn, Entebbe (1 night)

Day 13: SUN: Entebbe / Mburo National Park
We drive to Mburo, which harbors several species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes. For birders, this is one of the best place to see the African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife. We visit the Royal Drum makers located right on the Equator - where one can stand with one leg on the northern and the other on the southern hemispheres. An exciting evening safari before we end for the day.
Overnight: Mantana Tented camp (deluxe) (1 night) (B, L, D)