• The Ruins of Aksum - Experience the history, nature and culture of Ethiopia’s ancient capital on this guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, learn about Axum’s fascinating history and impressive craftsmanship from a local guide and see important sites like St. Mary Zion Church and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace. Admire local jewelry and traditional clothing, enjoy a coffee ceremony, and hike to a beautiful mountain top monastery.
• Queen of Sheba Palace - The structure at Dungur is popularly known as Queen of Sheba’s Palace, though archaeologists are divided over whether it was the great woman’s palace or the 6th-century-AD mansion of a nobleman. Most leaned towards the latter, but the find during recent excavations of a relief carving depicting a beautiful woman (in the museum at St Mary of Zion Church) has caused some to wonder whether her palace may lie beneath the current ruins.

Details
Hours
8am-5.30pm
Price
archaeological sites combined ticket Birr50
Climb the observation tower at the back of the site for a view out over the 50-room layout. It has small undressed stones and walls recessed at intervals and unusually tapering with height. The well-preserved flagstone floor is thought to have belonged to a throne room. The palace also contains hidden treasure rooms, a private bathing area and a kitchen, where a large brick oven can still be seen. The stairwells suggest the existence of at least one upper story.

• Local tour guide
• A bottle of water and hot drinks
• Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off
• Cup of Ethiopian aromatic coffee on the street side

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tip for tour guide
• Other cost not offered in this program

History

• The Sanctuary that preserves the authentic Ark of the Covenant (St. Mary Zion Church)
• An expanse known as Stella field, featuring enormous, ancient single-stone granite pillars erected during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD
• The ruins of the illustrious Queen of Sheba’s palace and her bathing complex
• The commemorative stone of King Ezana (‘Ethiopia’s Rosetta Stone’), where the monarch recounts his triumph over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Ezana is credited with establishing the inaugural church in sub-Saharan Africa
• The Sepulchers of Emperor Kaleb and his progeny, exemplifying the exceptional interlocking stonework of the Axumite civilization in the 6th Century

Culture and Adventure

The Axumite heritage is renowned for its time-honored artisanal skills.

• Observers will witness the artisans performing elaborate weaving techniques used on traditional garments
• Visitors will encounter an array of genuine Ethiopian jewelry crafted by the nation’s premier gold and silver craftsmen

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.