Day 1: Depart home country
Overnight flight toward Addis Ababa. Begin reading the story of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and the Ark tradition.
Opening commissioning prayer at the gate.
Day 2: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive in the highland capital and settle in; gentle orientation at altitude (over 2,300 m — take it easy) and a visit to a city church.
Opening devotional service; reflection on Ethiopia's ancient faith.
Day 3: Addis Ababa & flight to Lalibela
The National Museum (home of 'Lucy') and Holy Trinity Cathedral, then a short flight north to Lalibela in the highlands. Settle ahead of the great churches.
Evening prayer; preparation for the rock churches.
Day 4: Lalibela — the northern churches
The astonishing 12th–13th-century churches carved down into the rock — the northern cluster including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world. Allow a full, careful day among the trenches and tunnels.
Witness Orthodox prayer and chant in a living church; quiet reflection.
Day 5: Lalibela — Bete Giyorgis & southern churches
The iconic cross-shaped Church of St George (Bete Giyorgis) and the southern cluster, plus the surrounding hermitages. Another full day; the carving and devotion are overwhelming.
Pray at the Church of St George; reflection on faith hewn from stone.
Day 6: Timkat / festival day (or monasteries)
If timed for Timkat (19 January), the Epiphany celebration fills Lalibela with processions, white-robed pilgrims and the ceremonial tabot — an unforgettable day. Otherwise, visit nearby rock monasteries.
Join the Timkat Epiphany procession and water blessing; renewal of baptismal faith.
Day 7: Fly to Axum
Fly to Axum, ancient capital and the holiest city of Ethiopian Christianity — the towering stelae and the church said to house the Ark of the Covenant. Begin exploring this sacred place.
Prayer at the chapel of the Ark; reflection on the covenant tradition.
Day 8: Axum to Gondar
Travel or fly to Gondar, the 17th-century 'Camelot of Africa' — the royal castle compound and the painted Debre Berhan Selassie church with its famous angel-covered ceiling.
Quiet prayer beneath the angels of Debre Berhan Selassie; midday prayer.
Day 9: Gondar & the highlands
More of Gondar — the bath of Fasilides, still used for Timkat — and the dramatic Simien highlands scenery as time allows. A fuller day before returning.
Thanksgiving service for the journey; reflection on Ethiopia's witness.
Day 10: Depart via Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa to connect with the international flight home.
Closing blessing for the road home.
