Tour overview

This is a 2 day trip which start and end in Addis Ababa and takes you to the remarkable rock churches of King Lalibela, a UNESCO world heritage site.It’s an incredible combination of history, tradition, culture and religion. You will discover fascinating and ancient rock churches you can’t find anywhere in Africa. A morning flight takes you towards north to the small and religious town, Lalibela. Named for the Saint King who built them, Lalibela is famous around the world for the monolithic churches carved into the bedrock of the region. This tiny northern town hosts several pilgrims and adventure-seekers that flock to one of Ethiopia’s most iconic sites for an Ethiopia adventure holiday.According to scripts of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Lalibela is considered as the second holy city of Christianity following Jerusalem, due to its 11 monolithic rock hewn churches.King Lalibela’s goal was to create a ‘New Ethiopian Jerusalem’, and he recreated many biblical scenes, such as the stable, out of carved rock. These remarkable rock churches are still a sacred pilgrimage destination for many. Lalibela’s 11 churches are carved out of a hillside, which is made of soft reddish volcanic rock. The Bete Giyorgis is by far the most spectacular of these churches. Carved out of the ground, and shaped from the inside out, it is one, unbroken piece of stone. Bete Giyorgis is connected to the other sunken stone churches through a series of elaborate tunnels. The eleven rock-hewn churches are divided into two main groups by the UNESCO World Heritage confederation. To the north of the Jordan River you will find Bete Medhani Alem (House of the Savior of the World), Bete Mariam ( House of St. Mary), Bete Meskel ( House of the Cross), Bete Denagel( House of Virgins), Bete Golgotha &Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael). South of the Jordan you can see Bete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel), Bete QeddusMercoreus (House of St. Mercoreos), Bete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos), Bete Gabriel Raphael (House of Gabriel Raphael), and BieteLehem (House of Holy Bread). Bete Ghiorgis (House of St. George) sits apart from the others. While many can describe the impact of the churches of Lalibela, their true magnificence awaits those who see them with their own eyes.

Included

  • Entrances Fees
  • Accommodations
  • Transportation
  • Internal Flights
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Qualified Driver
  • Bottle of Water
  • Transfers from/to Hotel & Airport

Not Included

  • International Fights
  • Meal
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Guide and Driver Gratuity (Tip).
  • Any other personal expenses which are not mentioned in the included list

Day 1: Fly to Lalibela & Explore the famous 11 rock churches of king Lalibela

In the morning transfer to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for a short Scenic flight to Lalibela. Up on arrival at Lalibela airport you will be welcomed by your Guide from Memento Ethiopia Tours and transfer to your accommodation. You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic sites. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are believed to be built 900 years ago by Saint King Lalibela. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ‘8th Wonders of the World’, ‘Jerusalem of Africa’ and ‘Petra of Africa’. It is a deeply spiritual place and UNESCO world heritage site. These churches are divided into two groups. The first group symbolizes Earthly Jerusalem while the second represents Heavenly Jerusalem. Today you will visit the first group of churches.
 Overnight: Lalibela.
 Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 2: Excursion to Yemrhane Kristos Church & Second Group Churches of Lalibela.

Today’s excursion takes you out of the town of Lalibela and visit one of fascinating rock churches located around the town. In the morning drive out to Yemrhane Kristos cave church built inside the cave in Aksumite wood and stone construction style. The church has become famous for its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is Saint King Yemrhane Kristos a predecessor of Saint King Lalibela. Drive back to Lalibela and after lunch break visit the Second Group of 11 Rock Churches of King Lalibela.
 Overnight: Lalibela
 Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Day 3: Fly Back to Addis Ababa, Farewell Dinner & Return Home

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport to catch a fight that takes you back to Addis Abeba. Arrive in Addis in the afternoon. Visit the National Museum and Entoto Mountain. Then you will be transfer to hotel to rest and get settled before your night flight or you can do last minute shopping. In the evening enjoy final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant with cultural danses. Later this evening you will be transferred to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for your return flight back home. Your vacation ends here.