Lalibela Tour: Explore Ancient Rock-Hewn Churches

Discover Lalibela’s ancient rock-hewn churches and stunning landscapes on a 2-day tour. Explore hidden crypts and UNESCO wonders in Ethiopia’s historic gem.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Addis Ababa- Lalibela

Lalibela - Day 1: The Adventure Begins

Catch a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela where your guide will be waiting for you. Spend the afternoon exploring the clusters of rock-hewn churches. You’ll begin with the north-western cluster: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. Our local guides will help you understand the historic significance of this World Heritage Site.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of the religious festivals, you’ll be a part of something few people ever experience.

Lalibela -Asheton Maryam

Asheton Maryam Monastery - Your day starts with an early morning service before visiting the south-eastern cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.

Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis. If you’ve done any research into Lalibela, you’ll have seen pictures of Bet Giyorgis. It’s the most well-preserved of all the churches and is a sure highlight of any visit of Lalibela.

In the afternoon, hike to Hudad Lodge. This hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on your starting point. We’ll happily make the appropriate arrangements to limit/maximise your hiking time depending on your preferences. En route, visit Asheton Maryam, a church carved into the cliff face at an elevation of nearly 4,000m. Spend the afternoon in the hills of Lalibela.

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Gluten free
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Entrance fee of Lalibela
  • Entrance fee of Asheton Maryam
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Government tax
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Domestic Flight
Additional Information

Step back in time for a few days in ancient Lalibela. Explore the medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock underlying the town almost a millenia ago. Ethiopia possesses some of the most impressive architecture found anywhere, particularly at Lalibela, where the rock-hewn churches have been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The landscape is equally memorable and Ethiopia is home to some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. The UNESCO world heritage site of Lalibela is one of the biggest hitters in the collection, with its fascinating churches carved out of the bare rock all concentrated within walking distance of the town

Location
Edna Mall Roundabout
Africa Avenue
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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I9223ulaurorar
Jun 10, 2024
Amazing architecture with knowledgeable guide - Melsie an excellent guide, very knowledgeable for Lalibela and its surroundings! We really enjoyed our three and a half days with Melsie who was an excellent guide. His extensive knowledge on the architecture of Lalibela, on Ethiopian religion, and religious art but also on ornithology, vegetation and agriculture of the surrounding area made our visits fascinating. In addition, Melsie has always been attentive to our needs and interests.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edwinbw8024gp
Jun 7, 2024
Fantastic guide - This was a trip of a lifetime. Ayalew was always on time and he kept to the schedule we agreed on. He and the driver picked me up at the airport and dropped me off at the airport. I stayed in Lalibela for 2 nights. The schedule was to see the churches. Ayalew walked me through all the ways that connect all the churches in the mountains. I had many questions for the priests, so Ayalew would translate all of the priests' answers in the most proper manner. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me, but you won't regret booking your Lalibela trip through him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dorkaa247
Jun 5, 2024
life time experience - We just came back from lalibela two days trip.we had a wonderful experience with danakil depression tours.it was the most memorable trip we ever had.lalibela is one of the most famous place in the world,guide lodge and food was excellent .specially our guide ayalew made our trip smooth and memorable.overall we had such an amazing experience. Thanks to the manager Mickey for all efforts he did to our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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