Exploring Ethiopia:
Ancient Kingdoms and Hidden Treasures
March 16 - 29, 2009


Read a detailed report from one of our travel partners who recently
made an advance trip to scout our itinerary.
Download report (361KB PDF)


Pacific Science Center's feature exhibition,
Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia will introduce you to Ethiopia's fascinating archaeological and cultural history. You will come face to face with Lucy - the oldest, most complete and best preserved fossil of any erect-walking human ancestor - as well as over 100 artifacts that span more than 200,000 years of Ethiopia's history. Pacific Science Center is very excited to offer our members the extraordinary opportunity to explore Lucy's ancestral home and experience Ethiopia's cultural legacy first-hand on Exploring Ethiopia: Ancient Kingdoms and Hidden Treasures.

Exploring Ethiopia: Ancient Kingdoms and Hidden Treasures has been created exclusively for Pacific Science Center and the Lucy's Legacy exhibition. Known as the Cradle of Mankind, Ethiopia is home to the world's oldest archaeological sites and offers sub-Saharan Africa's richest historical heritage. It is a land of spectacular antiquities, majestic landscapes, and diverse cultures. On our tour, we will visit many of the sites featured in Lucy's Legacy.

Our adventure begins in the vibrant capital of Addis Ababa and continues to Bahar Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Lalibela, Axum and Yeha. Highlights include meeting with a paleontologist who is making new discoveries in Ethiopia, interacting with villagers at a unique co-operative, seeing the first-century ruins from advanced civilizations at Axum, and visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the 12th-century Christian churches carved out of rock at Lalibela and the majestic Simien Mountain Range.

Itinerary Overview
Mon, March 16 - Depart for Ethiopia
Tues, March 17 - Arrive Addis Ababa
Wed, March 18 - Addis Ababa
Thurs, March 19 - Addis Ababa
Fri, March 20 - Lake Tana, Weyto Village
Sat, March 21 - Gondar, Awra Amba
Sun, March 22 - Simien Mountains National Park
Mon, March 23 - Lalibela
Tues, March 24 - Lalibela
Wed, March 25 - Axum
Thurs, March 26 - Yeha
Fri, March 27 - Axum, Addis Ababa
Sat, March 28 - Addis Ababa
Sun, March 29 - Return to USA

Trip Facts

  • 14 Days / 13 nights
  • $5,995 per person, land-only based on double occupancy
  • $2,029 international air from Seattle
  • $875 single supplement, waived if you are willing to share
A detailed trip itinerary is available for →download (253KB PDF).

For more information please contact Leah Hausman, Development Manager, Pacific Science Center at (206)443-3642 or email travel@pacsci.org