Timkat Festival Ethiopia - ET Holidays Package

Package Overview

The festival of Timkat celebrates the baptism of Christ, and is considered to be Ethiopia’s most spectacular event. Timkat (which means “baptism”) is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany. This is a way to celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The Tabot, a prototype of the Ark of the Covenant is wrapped and carried by the priest on the head during the procession. This is a manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah, the time he was baptized at the Jordan River. The overnight event is so appealing that pilgrims from all over the world gather to witness. The clergy wearing robes and umbrellas of different shades performing dances and songs as the elders match with their weapons. It’s everyone’s happy day with spirited dances and rhythmic songs. After the ark is returned to its place, the crowds disperse and go home for merry making and feasting!Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include section
Alcoholic drinks
Video and camera fees if and where applicable
Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature
Entrance fees to any special ceremonies you might encounter by chance
Domestic flights
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include se

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Eve Of Timket

  On arrival in Bole International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to your hotel. After breakfast, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa which includes National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Ethnological Museum. After Lunch, you will be able to attend colorful procession of the Ethiopian Epiphany or “Ketera” in Addis Ababa. In this procession, the replicas of the Original Ark (Tabots) from different churches will be taken and are carried by priests under huge colorful umbrellas; Deacons also carry processional crosses, religious paintings and bells. In the occasion, a lot of people will sing, dance and ululates accompanying the Tabots all the way to the place where the Tabots are supposed to make their Overnight.

• Day 2 : Main Day Of Timket

  Today is main day for the celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany. Therefore, you will have a chance to see the sprinkling of the blessed holy water in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan in the hands of John. The Tabots (the replicas of the original Ark) are also carried back to their respective churches. In the evening, we invite you to a memorable farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with music and dance. After dinner, our driver will drop you at Bole International Airport for your onward flight. Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 3 : Addis Ababa - Bahirdar

  On your arrival our representative will take you to your hotel. In the morning you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries ((beautiful mural paintings, religious books, processional crosses and sacred artifacts). Afternoon drive 35km to the small village of Tis Abay to visit Blue Nile Falls, along the way enjoy the local life style and typical countryside of Ethiopia. Up on arrival hike through the beautiful scenery and cross over Portuguese bridge to the waterfall. Enjoy the fall and on the way back you will cross by boat the legendary Blue Nile River which joins the White Nile at Khartoum (Sudan) then form the longest river in the world. (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal depending on the season) Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 4 : Bahirdar - Gondar

  Early in the morning drive to Gondar. After lunch you will have a city tour of Gondar.
  
  Gondar; once was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia which was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas. It was a hub of art, music and literature for Ethiopia. Your visit will include the Royal enclosure, Fasiledes bath and the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie church which is well known for its intriguing ceiling paintings.
  
  Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 5 : Gondar - Axum

  Early in the morning fly to Axum, A city more than 3000 years of history and once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of the Covenant. The sightseeing of this ancient city includes St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository for ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park, Tombs of Kaleb and his son GebreMeskel, Ezana’s inscriptions and Dungur palace (popularly known as ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace)
  
  Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 6 : Axum - Lalibela

  Early in the morning fly to the holiest city of Lalibela. Lalibela is known for its well preserved Rock Hewn churches; each rock churches are carved out and crafted beautifully from a single Volcanic rock. Here you head on back to 11th c. mythical rock hewn churches of Lalibela; it is truly a world wonder. The time of Lalibela is the ultimate period of masonry. Late in the afternoon enjoy the surrounding breathtaking scenery and take part in a traditional Tej or honey wine taste experience related with the local legend of Ethiopia.
  
  Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Overnight: Hotel

• Day 7 : Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Departure

  Fly back to Addis. In the afternoon you will have leisure time and shopping. Late in the afternoon have a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurant then drive to the airport for flight back home.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• International flight
• 4* accommodation double/twin Bed basis
• Meal: full board basis.
• Attending 2 days epiphany ceremony in Addis Ababa.
• Half-day Addis Ababa city tour.
• English speaking guide service.
• All ground transportation
• Transfer from/to airport.
• 4nights hotel accommodation
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• All entrance fees according to the tour program
• Transfer from/to airport
• Ground transportation per the package itinerary
• Driver allowance
• Boat trip on Lake Tana
• English speaking guide services

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Exclusions

• Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include section
• Alcoholic drinks
• Video and camera fees if and where applicable
• Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature
• Entrance fees to any special ceremonies you might encounter by chance
• Domestic flights
• Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price include se

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Price & Rates

* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Abana Safaris View Profile

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• Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
• XXXXXX2781 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@abanasafaris.com View Mail ID

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