ETHIOPIA and Easter Festivities:

With Dr. Michael DiBlasi

Ethiopia, formerly called Abyssinia, is one of the oldest countries in the world. Perched atop Africa’s highest plateau, the country is protected by forbidding deserts and tropical lowlands. In this mountainous isolation Ethiopians developed a written language and a sophisticated culture based on a deep love of religion. Ethiopia's Orthodox Church predates the Vatican and is one of the oldest continuously Christian churches in the world. The very first Muslims, facing persecution in Mecca, were granted refuge in Ethiopia and established places of worship before Islam triumphed in its birth place in the Arabian peninsula. Ethiopia has a fascinating and rich history. Ethiopian legends claim that the Axumite Kingdom dates back to when the Queen of Sheba ruled the land, and that Ethiopia’s first king, Menelik I, was the son of this queen and King Solomon of Israel.

Far Horizons proudly presents a 17-day trip to one of the world’s most remote and fascinating countries. The trip is planned around the Easter celebrations in Axum where priests dressed in sparkling white robes lead the faithful in prayers and chants. The exciting itinerary includes spectacular scenery, visits to fabulous ancient ruins, and the opportunity to mingle with the many different indigenous groups of the area.

ITINERARY: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Leave USA.

Day 2: Arrive London. Transfer to the British Airlines flight to Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, in the very early morning. Transfer to our hotel with time to rest. In the late morning, drive north to Mount Entoto. In 1881 Emperor Menelik II made his permanent camp here, after the remains of an old town, believed to have been the capital of the 16th century monarch Lebna Dengel, were discovered. Menelik took this discovery to be a divine and auspicious sign for his new capital. We will view the Church of Mariam, where Menelik was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889, and the Church of Archangel Raguel. Gather this evening for our festive welcome dinner party. Overnight in the Ghion Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Axum. This ancient city, with its half-buried ruins of palaces, monolithic stelae, and subterranean tombs, is one of Ethiopia's most historic sites. Reputedly the capital of the Queen of Sheba, today Axum is the hub of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Park of the Obelisks where several colossal monoliths still stand together, marking the tombs of the Axumite royals. Nearby, is the subterranean Tomb of Ramha, a former king of Axum. Beneath the Palace of Kaleb, steep stone steps lead to underground galleries and chambers, locally believed to be the treasury of Emperor Kaleb. Visit an historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek, and explore the tomb of King Basen, who ruled at the time of the birth of Christ. Also explore Gobadura, where Axum’s giant stelae were quarried, and see the impressive relief drawing of a lion cut into a large boulder. Ceremonies for tomorrow’s Easter celebrations begin this evening as priests and deacons lead worshippers in singing and dancing, all accompanied by the rhythmic throbbing of drums. We will join tonight’s festivities. Dinner is free. Overnight in the Ramhai Hotel for three nights. (B/L)

Day 5: An all day road trip takes us east through dramatic volcanic formations to Yeha, the capital of the earliest kingdom in Ethiopia. Here, the pre-Axumite Temple of the Moon is the oldest known sacred site in Ethiopia dating to about 700 B.C. It is reputed to be the best preserved example of South Arabian style temple architecture in the world. Next to the shrine is the Church of Abune Aftse, one of the “Nine Saints” who did much to spread Christianity in Ethiopia. This building's front facade has been fitted with carved stones from the original temple. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Today is Easter and the air is filled with excitement as people gather for the religious ceremonies so important to the Orthodox believers. Axum is where the Ark of the Covenant of Biblical fame is reported to be hidden within the compound of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion. We will see the new, and rather garish church built with the support of Haile Selassie, and the small outbuilding nearby that purportedly houses the renowned Ark. Continue to the Axum Museum to see ancient pottery and glass, Roman amphorae, bronze jewelry, clay figurines that reveal the hairstyles of ancient Axum, and artifacts from the trip leader's excavations. This afternoon, we will have a private tour of the trip leader’s excavations at Ona Nagast. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Fly from Axum to Lalibela. Eight hundred years ago King Lalibela created a marvelous gift to the world. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, Lalibela contains towering churches that were carved from the soft, volcanic tuff in which they stand. Some lie almost completely hidden in deep trenches, and others stand in open quarried caves. A complex and bewildering labyrinth of tunnels and narrow passageways with crypts, grottoes, and galleries connects them all. Within this mystical world, priests go about their daily tasks, seemingly oblivious of the outside world. Standing 38 feet tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches. Overnight for two nights at the Roha Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Spend today exploring more of the rock-carved churches of the area. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. Bet Golgotha houses remarkable reliefs of figures, early Christian art rarely seen in other parts of Ethiopia. We will also visit Yemrehane Christos, a striking church sited within a cave built by King Yemrehane Christos (let Christ show the way) who ruled before King Lalibela. (Note: To reach this church we must hike a short distance up rather steep terrain.) Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 9: Fly to the royal city of Gondar where magnificent fortified palaces dominate the landscape. The oldest and most impressive is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Other royal buildings include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of this king's wife. Just outside of town is the Bathing Palace where Epiphany is celebrated each year. Also visit the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly colored ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels. Overnight at the Goha Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 10: This morning’s drive takes us to Gorgora on the northern shores of Lake Tana. Thirty-seven islands dot this immense body of water, and twenty of them shelter historic churches and monasteries, many decorated with impressive paintings. We will board a boat for a cruise on Lake Tana to visit several of the island’s monasteries. Located on the largest island on Lake Tana, Narga Selassie is ornately decorated. The interior walls are entirely painted with exuberant, colorful frescoes of saints and their adventures. Originally founded in the 12th century, the medieval church of Debre Sina Mariam has been recently restored. Located on the forested Zege Peninsula, Ura Kidhane Mihret is the most impressive of the southern monasteries. The walls of the church are completely covered with remarkable 16th-century murals that offer a revealing look into medieval Ethiopia. Nearby is Azuwa Maryam, containing several fascinating paintings. Overnight for two nights at the Ghion Hotel in Bahir Dar with dazzling views of the lake. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 11: Bahir Dar is still visited by tankwas, papyrus boats made by the Woyto people who live on the shores of the lake, and with luck we will see them. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, and the most dramatic wonder here is the Blue Nile Falls; in flood-stage it is more than 1300 feet wide. After dropping over a sheer chasm more than 150 feet deep, the mist drenches viewers a half mile away. In a gorge created by the waterfall is a small rain forest lush with tropical vegetation and inhabited by lively monkeys and a multitude of spectacular birds. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Today’s flight returns us to Addis Ababa with the rest of the day free. Lunch and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore. Gather this evening for a special dinner in one of Addis Ababa’s fine restaurants. (B/ /D)

Day 13: An early morning departure takes us south of Addis Ababa towards the Rift Valley. Our first stop is at Melka Kunture, one of the most important Paleolithic sites in Ethiopia, where one of the excavators will give us a private tour and lecture. Along the Awash River where Melka Kunture is located, have been found the fossils of hippopotamus, rhinoceros, and elephants. Continue to the church of Adadi Mariam, the southern-most rock hewn church in Ethiopia. Contemporaneous with those of Lalibela (in fact local tradition says that it was built by King Lalibela in 1106), the church was carved below ground level and contains 24 windows surrounded by a wide, high tunnel. It is still being used today. Our final stop is at Tiya, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, where we can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stone monoliths that stretch across parts of sou only a limited number of single rooms available here.) (B/L/D)

Day 14: Set in a volcanic crater, Awassa Lake is the smallest in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Here, we may view hippos, grivet monkeys, and colobus monkeys with their wonderful white faces encircled by deep ebony crowns. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy such avian wonders as the silvery-cheeked hornbill, black-winged lovebird, and Abyssinian black-headed oriole. The city of Awassa with its diverse ethnic mix will be especially enjoyable as we walk through the daily market where colorful villagers negotiate for fish. In the afternoon, visit the Rift Valley Lakes of Abyata and Shala, part of a national park, to view the rich concentration of brightly colored flamingoes. Shala, the southern lake, fills a crater almost 1000 feet deep, while nearby Abyata is a shallow pond – each creating it’s own environmental niche. Here we may also baboons, Grant’s gazelle, the huge hornbill, pelicans, and plenty of kites and hawks. Bring your binoculars! (B/L/D)

Day 15: Early this morning we will enjoy a ‘primate walk’ as we follow the baboon troops and Colobus monkeys along the trail. In the afternoon we will walk along the lake edge for a close-up view of the hippos relaxing in the water. (B/L/D)

Day 16: This morning’s drive takes us back to Addis Ababa where we will have the rest of the day free. Those wanting more adventure can visit the open-air market, one of the largest in Africa, where dizzying displays of food, spices, carpets, religious artifacts, and lovely gold jewelry entice tourists and natives alike. Overnight at the Hotel Ghion. Tonight’s specially arranged dinner will be a festive farewell to Ethiopia. (B/L/D)

Day 17: A very early transfer to the Addis airport for our flight to London. (Please note that an overnight in London may be necessary before connecting flights to the USA.)

(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.

STUDY LEADER: To Be Announced

2009 TRIP DATES: To Be Announced

2009 TRIP COST: CALL

NOTE ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO ETHIOPIA: This itinerary is built around the British Mediterranean (part of British Airways) flight schedule from London's Heathrow Airport into Addis Ababa, and the flights are not daily. Should the air schedule change our itinerary must change. Information on possible flight schedules and airfares will be sent upon registration.

NOTE ON BISHANGARI LODGE: Bishangari is an eco-lodge on the eastern shores of Lake Langano by the well-preserved Munessa Shashamene Forest. Shadowed by huge ancient fig trees and located in a natural wilderness, the lodge encompasses a wildlife sanctuary of wetlands where baboons laze about during the day and hippos come to feed at night, ancient equatorial forest with several 500-year old trees and home to velvet and colobus monkey, antelopes and warthogs, and a secluded beach. The entire lodge is ours alone for the three days we are there. Please be aware, however, that there are only nine bungalows which means that group members normally in a single room may have to share here. While at the lodge, daily excursions have been planned; you may choose to remain behind to fish, swim or just unwind on the porch of your bungalow. After the faster pace of the northern part of Ethiopia, we will enjoy the relaxation in an environmentally friendly environment.

PLEASE NOTE: This trip is for the hardy! This itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this part of the world is still under-developed. The infrastructure throughout Ethiopia is not what we have learned to expect in more modern countries. Our four-wheel drive vehicles are well maintained, but there will be some long days with travel over unpaved roads. We have carefully chosen hotels that are the best available, but they frequently are not up to Western standards - there will be times when our rooms will not have hot water, or perhaps will have no water at all; the standards of cleanliness will occasionally be less than we would like; and electricity might be sporadic. Many of the religious buildings in Ethiopia are not open to women, and we have intentionally included sites in which all are welcome. Long walks may be required to reach some areas, including walks over steep gradients and over poorly maintained paths. The adventurous nature of the itinerary makes it essential that participants be in good physical condition and have the ability to maintain a flexible attitude. Team spirit and a sense of humor will be helpful! If you have questions about your ability to handle this sort of challenge, please call us.

RESERVATION: A deposit of $500 payable to Far Horizons and a separate check for $100.00 payable to the Center for Archaeological Studies, Boston University will reserve your place on this trip. (Your $100.00 donation check is tax deductible. Please note at the base of your donation check or on an accompanying letter the following: To be used wholly and exclusively for excavations in the Axum Project, and not to be used for administration.) Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.

LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS