WORLD HERITAGE SITE: “By Vast Expense and hideous pain, The Rock a Church became”,  (New History of Ethiopia; Ludolf, H, 1684).

Lalibella, The second capital of the ancient Ethiopian empire in the north (next to Axum) and graced with the most beautiful setting on the mountains of Lasta, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Days can be spent exploring the mysterious rock hewn churches carved from solid rock by one of the last kings of the Zagwe dynasty, Lalibela. Previously known as Roha, Lalibela is named after the king.

Gondar, medieval royal city, distinguished by its castles and imperial compound and by its churches, particularly Debre Berhan Selassie, the walls and ceiling of which are completely covered in murals. On a second day, visitors could see the very fine and recently restored medieval church of Debre Sina Mariam at Gorgora, at the northern end of Lake Tana, or make a day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park.

Bahir Dar, an attractive town, founded during the first decades of the 20thc, well lay out with palm lined avenues and with the blue of the lake in the background.

Lake Tana, a principal reservoir of the Nile, was known by the ancient Greeks as “copper tinted Lake” or “the Jewel of Ethiopia”, it is the largest lake, dotted with not less than 30 islands, on many of, which are found churches, unique monasteries and spectacular bird’s life. It had been serving as a link between Ethiopia and the ancient world. This spot is accessed by boats from the city. Here one could enjoy exploring church of St. Marry (monastery of Debra- Maryam), Hippos and the exact site where the famous Blue Nile River pours out of the lake. The most frequently visited place on Lake Tana is the Zegie peninsula, 20 kilometers, covered by a dense tropical forest. Walking through the forest topped by birds and  monkeys and bathed by the fragrance of strange flowers leads to the reverend monasteries in the nearby.

A smooth 54 km drive from Dire Dawa through rolling fertile hills takes you to Harar, glistening 1850 m up on a hillside. The high stone walls of the city pierced with five gates and topped by twenty five towers. En route there is an interesting scenic view.

The medieval walled city of Harar stands amid green mountains, on the east wall of the Great Rift Valley near the Somali border. Harar’s heritage is almost entirely Muslim and Oriental; with its 90 mosques and shrines. Harar is considered to be the fourth most sacred center of the Islamic world. Its Islamic character is best expressed in the Grand Mosque (AL JAMI), which dominates the town. Rightly renowned for its intricately worked filigree jewelry of Silver, Gold, and Amber.