11 Days Timket( Epiphany) Festival Tour

11 Days

TYPOLOGIES

Cultural

DIFFICULTY

Low

MIN. AGE

3 Years

$ 2491

DESCRIPTION
MAP
PHOTOS

Amazing Experience

Tour Code: TFT221
Duration:10 nights and 11 days
Transportation: Air plane, Minivan, 4ᵡ4 Toyota Land
cruiser

The Ethiopian celebration of Timket (also known as Epiphany), is a symbolic re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. For Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, it serves as a renewal of their baptismal vow. Timket is a two-day festival, starting the day before, when the church Tabot (replica of the Ark of the Covenant) is taken from the church to a nearby location, usually near a body of water. This is representative of Jesus coming to the River Jordan. The Tabot spends the night in this location while the priests and other faithful hold an eve through the night. In the morning the water is blessed and is then sprinkled on the gatherers (or they may choose to bathe in the water), renewing their baptismal vows. Long parades then carry the Tabot back home to the church while the revellers sing and dance. Gondar is a popular place to witness Timket, as the Bath of Fasilidas provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities. Lalibela is another popular location, as is Addis Ababa, where it is held at the Jan Meda fairgrounds.

Day 1 January 18 City Tour of Addis Ababa and Timket Festival

Depending on your arrival, you will be well come!At Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Next day in the morning you will commence a guided city tour of Addis Ababa at 8AM.The city Addis Ababa was founded by Emperor Menelik 2 in 1886.Addis Ababa in Amharic means "New Flower". The capital city is home for Africa's Diplomatic capital with the presence of the Head Quartets of the African Union and many embassies. We continued our drive up to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) high for a panoramic view of Addis, visited the Entoto Museum with historical and Royal Exhibit, and the church of St.Mary. Drive back to Addis Ababa and visit Ethnographic Museum, National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Merkato Market (One of the biggest Open Air Markets in Africa).
After the city tour, drive to Jan Meda where Tabots are gathered from various churches. The ‘Tabots'(replicas of the Ark of Covenant), from each church march to the nearest water source,where the communal baptism takes place. The procession is accompanied by thousands of locals dressed in dazzling white traditional dress that contrasts the colours of the ceremonial robes and sequined velvet umbrellas of the priests.

Accommodation:Azzeman Hotel

Accommodation upgrades option: Best Western plus pearl Addis

Meals: None

Day 2 January 19 Addis Ababa – Timket Festival.In the late afternoon fly to Bahir Dar

Today we will wake up early to enjoy the main celebration day of Timket. Before we go to Jan Meda we drive out to visit Unity Park. This morning there will be mass and sermons happening all over Ethiopia in preparation for the blessing of the water. We will head back to Jan Meda to be part of this fascinating event. Here the patriarch will bless the water and baptize the crowd with the Holy water. The event and day then turns into a celebration with the churches singing hymns and providing musical performances to the crowd. This afternoon you will enjoy the festive atmosphere at a local restaurant and taste injera, coffee and locally brewed beer. In the late afternoon fly to Bahir Dar.

Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel

Accommodation upgrades options: Blue Nile Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Morning visit of Lake Tana monasteries .Drive for Excursion on Blue Nile falls(45km,1hr).

Visit Lake Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile falls.Accommodation:Jacaranda Hotel.

Day 4 Drive to Gondar(200km,3hrs)

Drive Gondar, enroute visit Rural Awramba Community.

Accommodation: Goha Hotel.

Day 5 Gondar city tour, in the afternoon drive to Simien

Visit:Gondar Castles, Fasilides Bath and Women's plough Shear,drive to Simien park.

Accommodation:Simien Lodge

Day 6 Explore Simien Mountains National Park and drive back to Gondar.

Accommodation: Goha Hotel.

Day 7 Fly Gondar to Lalibela

Visits,the first group rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Accommodation:Sora Lodge.

Day 8 Drive to Yemrehane Kiristos(40km,1hr)

Explore Yemrehanna Kristos church, then drive back to Lalibela to visit the Second group rock-hewn churches.

Accommodation:Sora Lodge.

Day 9 Fly to Axum

Explore Tombs and St. Mary of Zion church.

Accommodation:Sabean International Hotel.

Day 10 Full day, city tour of Archaeological sites of Axum.

Accommodation:Sabean Hotel.

Day 11 Fly,Axum to Addis Ababa.

Fly Axum to Addis Ababa, half day city tour of Unity Park.

In the evening/afternoon, a farewell party with free cultural dinner and traditional music to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals .After the farewell party transfer to Bole international airport for international departure. End of Tour.

Notice:This itinerary can be amended up on request

Hoya