Ethiopia “Finding the True Cross” Meskel Festival Tour September 2028

Find detailed tour information in our brochure. Download our Ethiopia “Finding the True Cross” Meskel Festival Tour September 2028 tour brochure.

Price: Only $4,799 per person, with double room occupancy, without air-fare

DAY 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa (Light Activities)

> Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, a representative will welcome and transfer you to your hotel. Given varying flight times, today's program is light and flexible. You might enjoy a city orientation drive or traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or relax at the hotel to recover.

DAY 2: Addis Ababa City Tour & Shopping

> After breakfast, we will begin the day with a visit to Unity Park, exploring Ethiopia’s history and culture within the Grand Palace Museum.

> In the afternoon, experience the bustling atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where thousands of traders sell everything from spices and coffee to woven baskets and traditional crafts.

> Enjoy Ethiopian dinner with traditional music and dance performances.

DAY 3: Addis Ababa Tour Continues

> Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy” and other remarkable archaeological treasures.

> Afterwards, continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, renowned for its stained-glass windows and beautiful artwork.

DAY 4-5: The Ancient Churches of Lalibela

> Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela

> Exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a visit to the first group of rock-hewn churches, masterpieces of medieval architecture carved from volcanic rock in the 12th century

DAY 6-7: Fly to Addis Ababa to Experience the Meskel Festival

> Join the vibrant Meskel Festival, also known as the Finding of the True Cross, is one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated religious festivals, observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church every September.

> Highlights include Bet Medhane Alem, believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Maryam, with its remarkable frescoes.

DAY 8: Shopping & Cultural Night

> Free morning to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

> In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of your journey with a farewell cultural dinner, featuring Ethiopia’s most beloved dishes and a lively performance of music and dance.

DAY 9: Departure to US

> You might have time for some last-minute shopping or leisure before your departure for the Airport for your international flight.