• 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