Lalibela and the Rock-Hewn Churches Tour — 3 Days

    This cultural tour takes you to one of the world's most incredible manmade creations, commonly referred by many as one of the “living wonders of the world”. These 11 remarkable edifices were carved out of solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism. 

    If you just have only a couple of days and you have to choose one tour, this UNESCO World Heritage Site excursion is truly a must-see.

    Trip Highlights

    • Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of “the living wonders of the world" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Be carried away by the magnificent carved architecture.
    • See the amazing fresco paintings
    • Visit the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.
    • Try various Ethiopian foods.
    • Attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Addis Ababa, Lalibela

    Early in the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for the flight to Lalibela. After checking into Mount View Hotel, drive to the site where you will  find a concentration of some of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches, often referred to as one of “the living wonders of the world”. These churches are, and they have been for at least 800 years, an active Christian shrine, the spiritual center of the country’s  religious life. The monolithic churches were carved out of a 2,600-square-meter natural rock terrace in the 12th century AD by King Lalibela.

    Bete Medhani Alem, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, measures 37.7 ft. in height, covers an area of almost 2625 square ft., and has walls that are up to 6 feet thick. A plain building supported by 36 pillars on the inside and another 36 pillars around the  outside, Bete Medhani Alem was modeled on the original St. Mary Zion Church built by King Ezana in the 4th century at Axum.
     
    The rock-hewn churches that you will visit today include Bete Medhani Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, Bete Golgotha Michael, and Bete Giorgis.

    Accommodation: Mount View Hotel, Lalibela (Meals: L, D)

    Day 2: Asheten Mariam, Lalibela

    In the morning, trek to the top  of Asheten Mariam Monastery, famous for its 12th-century monastery church and beautiful view at 10,298 ft above sea level. We will walk/mule ride through dramatic highland scenery that eventually ends in a beautiful, serene agricultural hamlet.

    After lunch and rest at the hotel, you will continue your journey into Ethiopia’s long and marvelous history with a visit to other of Lalibela’s remarkable churches. Their architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed! After visiting the second group of churches, we will walk to the village through the complex, bewildering labyrinth of underground tunnels of the monastery where the monks and nuns live.
     
    The rock-hewn churches that we will visit this afternoon include Bete Gebriel, Bete Mercorios Bete Amanuel, Bethlehem, and Bete Aba Libanos.
     
    Accommodation: Mount View Hotel, Lalibela (Meals: B, L, D)


    Day 3:  Lalibela, Addis Ababa

    After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. (Meals: B)

    Additional Info

    • Trip Type: Cultural Tour
    • TourCode: GHET-WE6
    • JourneyType: Private Journey
    • TourDuration: 3 Days
    • Activities/Description: This cultural tour takes you to one of the world's most incredible manmade creations, commonly referred to by many as one of the “living wonders of the world”. These remarkable edifices were carved out of solid rock, in a region where the rugged landscape still protects the churches from mass tourism.
    Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours has been operating responsible travel activity and adventure holidays in Ethiopia for more than a decade.Travel to Ethiopia with Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours and discover amazing Ethiopia. We have a wide selection of holiday tour packages including the following: cultural tours for groups and individuals, family holiday options, varied adventure tours and travel packages, photo expeditions, trekking adventure holidays, cultural explorations in the Omo Valley, and photo tours in Ethiopia. We are the local travel specialists and the leading Ethiopian tour operator based in Addis Ababa. Contact us for your holiday in Ethiopia.
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