Embark on a captivating day trip in Axum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization. Explore ancient palaces, tombs, and artifacts, and discover the legendary Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and the mysterious Judith stele fields.
- Axum - You will be picked up from any location within Axum city.
- Northern Stelae Field - Start your tour with a visit to the Northern Stelae Field. These renowned granite obelisks are historical relics and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tallest, the Great Stele, has fallen and broken into six massive pieces, but when it stood, it was 33 meters (108 feet) tall and weighed about 520 tons, along with other notable pre-Christian monuments.
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion - Visit the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. The first church dedicated to St. Mary was constructed in the 4th century by the first Christian kings of Axum, King Ezana and Syzana. The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, making Axum considered the second Jerusalem and a holy city in Christian tradition.
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskal - Explore the tombs of King Kaleb and his son King Gebre Meskal, located 2 km north of the city and built in a strategic location. This site was constructed in the 6th century and excavated in 1906 by a German archaeologist.
- Queen of Sheba Palace - The Queen of Sheba Palace, locally known as the Dongur Palace, was home to the wise Queen who lived in the 10th century B.C. She was the mother of Menelik I, who traveled to his father King Solomon and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum, later becoming the King of Axum.
- Queen of Sheba’s Bath - According to local tradition, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath was built by the Queen for her own recreational purposes, but it is also called Mayshum, meaning the chieftain’s water. Today, locals use the pool for swimming and during the Epiphany festival.
- Axum - After the tour, you will be transferred to your preferred location within Axum city. End
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points within Axum town
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Lunch
This is a full-day excursion in the historic town of Axum, the heart and birthplace of Ethiopian civilization. Situated in northern Ethiopia within the Tigray national regional state, Axum is in close proximity to the Red Sea and Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. The town boasts numerous ancient palaces, tombs, artifacts, and other historical relics. It is also believed to be the resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant.
The tour lasts for a total of 7 hours and includes visits to the following sites:
- Northern Stelae Field
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
- Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskal
- Queen of Sheba Palace
- Queen of Sheba’s Bath
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
