Experience Ethiopia’s most colorful and sacred celebration — the Timkat (Epiphany) Festival — while exploring the country’s legendary historical sites. Join local pilgrims as they celebrate the baptism of Christ with vibrant processions, chants, and traditional dances. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Lalibela, Gondar, and Bahir Dar, and discover the deep spiritual and cultural roots of Ethiopia.
7 Days Epiphany Timkat Festival
Gondar , Lalibela
From
$2100.00
Duration
10 days
Tour Type
Overview
Included/Exclude
- All airport transfers and ground transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches
- Boat trip on Lake Tana
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel or medical insurance
Tour Plan
Arrive in Addis Ababa, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short city tour including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic Mount Entoto.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Morning flight to Bahir Dar. Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret. In the afternoon, drive to see the Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most impressive natural sites.
Overnight: Bahir Dar
Drive to Gondar, the royal city of Ethiopia’s past kings. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasilides Bath, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church. In the evening, witness the Eve of Timkat—processions with priests carrying replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, accompanied by singing and dancing.
Overnight: Gondar
Join thousands of white-clad worshippers for the main Timkat ceremony. Experience the spiritual atmosphere as priests bless the waters at Fasilides Bath and the faithful reenact the baptism of Christ. Afterward, enjoy a festive afternoon with locals celebrating across the city.
Overnight: Gondar
Fly to Lalibela, the “New Jerusalem” and Ethiopia’s holiest city. Visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, marvels of 12th-century architecture carved entirely from solid rock.
Overnight: Lalibela
Explore the remaining rock-hewn churches, including Bete Giyorgis (St. George), the most iconic of all. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village to see traditional tukul houses and enjoy an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony with locals.
Overnight: Lalibela
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy free time for shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, attend a farewell cultural dinner with traditional music and dance before transfer to the airport for your departure.
End of tour.
Location
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Review Scores
3 thoughts on “7 Days Epiphany Timkat Festival”
Booking Tour
Max Guests
50
Min Age
12+
Tour Location
Languages Support
Last Minute Deals
3.6
It is a great place to shop not too far from New York. We took the bus from Port Authority and traveled through the countryside to get there.
3.2
This is the best tour on the east coast! It was amazing how many places we visited and what great memories we made!
3.4
We always stay at here when in town. The location is great, staff is wonderful and we love the overall feel. Beautiful view from the here.