Lalibela Rock Churches: 3 Day Tour

Explore one of the most renowned destinations in Ethiopia, renowned for its stunning landmarks, with this three-day exploration of the Rock Churches of Lalibela.

Description

Day 1

Our journey begins with your pickup at Lalibela Airport, followed by transportation to your accommodation in Lalibela. After settling in, we will embark on a fascinating exploration of the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, an essential highlight of Ethiopia.

Our first stop will be Bet Medhane Alem, an impressive underground church carved entirely from a single rock, nestled within a 12-meter deep trench. While admiring its grand architecture, we will delve into the history of these eleven Ethiopian Orthodox churches that were created during the Zagwe Dynasty, throughout the 11th to 13th centuries.

Next, we will traverse a tunnel to access the Church of Biete Maryam, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, notable for its exquisite frescoes embellishing its interiors. Our tour will continue with visits to the churches of Lalibela, where we will marvel at Bet Golgotha and Bet Danaghel, leaving you in awe of these remarkable structures!

At the end of this captivating day, we’ll return to your hotel in Lalibela.

Day 2

We will rise early to witness one of Lalibela's iconic churches as it hosts a religious ceremony that has been ongoing for approximately 900 years!

Afterward, a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel will prepare us for our next destination, the Bet Yemrehanna Kristo, an important site of pilgrimage in Ethiopia. Here, we will enter the spacious cave housing this church, which is unique in that it is not carved into the rock like the others.

After our lunch break, our discovery of Lalibela continues. We will visit Bet Gabriel-Rufael, a church set within a 10-meter deep trench; Bet Abba Libanos, distinguished for its integration with the rock from which it was formed; and Biete Amanuel, once believed to be the royal family's private chapel.

We will conclude the day by returning to your hotel in Lalibela.

Day 3

Following breakfast, you will have the day at your leisure to enjoy the surroundings. At the designated time, we will escort you back to the airport, where we will part ways after three captivating days discovering the rock churches of Lalibela!

Accommodation

This trip includes 2 nights of bed and breakfast at Harbe Hotel in Lalibela (3 stars) or a comparable establishment.