It is misleading that Ethiopia should frequently conjure images of a cracked, hard-baked plain dotted with famished children.  Though poverty does exist, in reality much of this amazing country is alive and green.  In fact, the central part of Ethiopia sits on an enormous, high plateau with beautiful mountain vistas. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world and has mild weather year round.

The other thing many people don't realize is that Ethiopia has one of the richest cultural histories in the world. Recent finds return the title of earliest discovered hominid fossil to Ethiopia. The Bible makes many references to Ethiopia, known as Kush, and the northern Axum Empire was one of the most advanced civilizations in the world from the 1st to 7th century AD.

Ethiopia has a great deal of art that reflects its long and fabled history. The island monasteries of Lake Tana are beautifully decorated with brightly-colored paintings from the Bible; of heaven and hell, angels and demons, Saints and dragons. Ethiopia is also known for its elaborately crafted silver and gold crosses, which come in a number of styles reflecting different kingdoms and historical periods. You also have the chance to see illuminated manuscripts written in ancient Geez script, and even older statues carved by the pre-Axumite Sabaeans. 

To say that Ethiopia is unique is an understatement. The only way to even begin to understand is to go and see for yourself. Our Historical Ethiopiatour is an 8-day trip that takes you to the highlights of the northern Historic Circuit. Our 13-day Trekking Ethiopia trip combines visits to castles and churches with hiking in the tremendously scenic Simien Mountains. Or you might opt for the Ethiopian Epic, a 12-day cultural adventure that combines the history of the north with visits to the tribes of the Omo Valley and that is featured in this month's National Geographic Traveler Magazine.