Lalibela

Tours

Discover the highlights of Addis Ababa and Lalibela on a 3-day tour. Visit the National Museum, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Begin your tour in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Visit the National Museum, which houses some of the country’s historic treasures. See the collection of fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia, including the 3.5 million-year-old remains of ‘Lucy’, the oldest hominid ever found. Continue to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Overnight Metas Hotel. On day 2, fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. Overnight in Lal Hotel. On day 3, return to Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines. Enjoy an optional half-day city tour of Addis Ababa with an evening cultural dinner. And ready for your departure.

Day 1: Upon your arrival at the airport, one of our guides will warmly greet you and accompany you to your hotel in a shared car. Once you've completed the check-in procedures, your exciting exploration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela will begin. We'll start with the North-western cluster, which comprises of five magnificent churches. From noon until 2 pm, these churches are closed for lunch break. During this time, we'll take you to one of the finest restaurants in town, where you can indulge in a delicious meal. Afterward, in the afternoon, we'll continue your immersive experience by visiting the South-eastern cluster, which encompasses five more stunning churches. Lastly, you'll have the opportunity to witness Lalibela's most renowned church, Bet Giyorgis, a remarkable tribute to Saint George. You'll spend the night at your comfortable hotel in Lalibela. Day 2: After enjoying your breakfast either at your hotel or a local café, your half-day hike will commence directly from there. Within just 15 minutes, you'll find yourself outside the town, immersed in the beauty of nature above Lalibela. As you make your way towards the mountain monastery Asheten Maryam, you'll navigate the hills along ancient paths that have existed for countless years. The breathtaking views will captivate you, prompting frequent stops along the route. Amidst the picturesque landscape, you'll catch glimpses of fields, charming farmer's villages, and encounter friendly, curious children as well as local vendors offering handcrafted dolls. Visiting and entering the monastery is entirely optional (entrance fee applies), and you can also choose to explore the surrounding area. Regardless, the view promises to be perfect from any vantage point. As you continue your hike, we'll pause in one of the charming villages to partake in the famous Ethiopian Coffee ceremony—an authentic experience with three rounds that take a little time but are worth every minute. If you're interested, our gracious hosts will gladly showcase their way of life, allowing you to ask questions and learn from your knowledgeable guide. If you're lucky, the farmer's wife might even offer a demonstration on baking injera, the beloved Ethiopian bread, provided she has it prepared—fermentation requires 3-4 days. Afterward, as you leisurely make your way back to Lalibela, you'll reflect on the beautiful countryside and gain a deeper understanding of the rural Ethiopian farmer's life. For those seeking a different mode of transportation, you can opt to ride on the back of a mule or horse to the monastery. After ample rest in the afternoon, we invite you to immerse yourself in local culture at Torpedo, a popular bar, where traditional live music, dance performances, and a taste of Honey-Wine await you. You'll spend another comfortable night at your hotel in Lalibela. On the following morning, we'll arrange your transportation to the airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure experience.

Discover the highlights of Ethiopia on a 5-day tour. Visit the Blue Nile Falls, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the ancient city of Axum. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana and attend a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance show. Day 1: Addis Ababa - Lalibela Morning: Take an early flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its monolithic rock-hewn churches. Visit the Northwestern Cluster, which includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Giyorgis, the latter being the iconic cross-shaped church. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner while experiencing a local cultural show featuring music and dance. Overnight: Lalibela. Day 2: Lalibela - Gondar Morning: Fly from Lalibela to Gondar, known as the "Camelot of Africa. "Check into your hotel upon arrival. Late Morning to Afternoon: Visit Gondar Castle (Fasil Ghebbi), a World Heritage site featuring a complex of palaces and castles. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning interior with a ceiling adorned by angelic faces. Evening: Stroll through Gondar’s local markets to explore traditional crafts and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel. Overnight: Gondar. Day 3: Gondar - Bahir Dar Morning: Depart by car to Bahir Dar (approximately 3-4 hours). Enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way. Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon: Take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile. Visit two significant island monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehret: Known for its vibrant frescoes and sacred artifacts. Azwa Mariam: Smaller but equally captivating with its peaceful surroundings. Afternoon: Drive to the Blue Nile Falls. Evening: Return to Bahir Dar for a relaxed dinner by the lakeside. Overnight: Bahir Dar. Day 4: Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa - Axum Morning: Fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa and connect with a flight to Axum. Afternoon: Upon arrival, visit Axum's ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include: The Obelisk of Axum, a towering granite stele. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. The Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins. Evening: Relax at your hotel after a day of exploration. Overnight: Axum. Day 5: Axum - Addis Ababa Morning: Explore more of Axum, including the King Ezana’s Stele, tombs of kings, and the archaeological museum. Visit a local market to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Afternoon: Fly back to Addis Ababa. Evening: Option to enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Overnight: Addis Ababa. N:B:- "To ensure a seamless travel experience to and within Ethiopia, I highly recommend Ethiopian Airlines for both your international and domestic flights. Renowned for its reliability, convenience, and affordable services, Ethiopian Airlines ensures a smooth and comfortable journey.

Day 1 – Addis Ababa On arrival at Bole Int Airport, the Aman Ethiopia Tours team will meet you & transfer you to your hotel then later start Exploring Addis Ababa. Visit the various museums, including the National Museum where you’ll discover ‘Lucy’, the fossilized skeleton of an ancient human ancestor dating back 3.2 million years who changed our understanding of human evolution. Heading to the Mercato market, the largest open-air market in Africa, and experience a traditional coffee ceremony. Discover what Haile Selassie and Sylvia Pankhurst have in common at the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral. See why the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Ethiopia its number-one place to visit in 2015.

Day 1: Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch •⁠ ⁠Morning flight to Arba Minch, where our guide will welcome you. •⁠ ⁠Visit the Dorze village, known for its beehive-shaped huts and vibrant weaving culture. •⁠ ⁠Experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with the Dorze community. •⁠ ⁠Relax at a lodge in Arba Minch. •⁠ ⁠Overnight: Tourist Hotel Day 2: Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi (~290 km, 6-7 hrs) •⁠ ⁠Take a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles and hippos. •⁠ ⁠Explore Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for terraced farming and "waka" grave markers. •⁠ ⁠Journey to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe, with a chance to witness a bull-jumping ceremony. •⁠ ⁠Overnight: Emerald lodge in Turmi Day 3: Turmi – Omorate – Dassanech Tribe – Turmi (~150 km, 4-5 hrs round trip) •⁠ ⁠Travel to Omorate, cross the Omo River by traditional canoe, and visit the Dassanech tribe. •⁠ ⁠Return to Turmi and immerse in Hamar village life. •⁠ ⁠Enjoy an evening of traditional Hamar dances, including the Evangadi. •⁠ ⁠Overnight: Emerald lodge in Turmi Day 4: Turmi – Karo Tribe – Jinka (~280 km, 7-8 hrs) •⁠ ⁠Visit Korcho village to meet the Karo tribe, famous for intricate body painting. •⁠ ⁠Capture stunning photography along the Omo River. •⁠ ⁠Continue to Jinka, the gateway to the Mursi tribe. •⁠ ⁠Optional visit to the South Omo Research Center. And on the wags. Visit Mursi tribes famous on theri lips and also Visit Benna Stick boy's. •⁠ ⁠Overnight: Nasa Hotel in Jinka Day 5: Jinka – Fly back in Addis Ababa. •⁠ ⁠ to Jinka and fly back to Addis Ababa . And have Farewell to ready for your Departure .

Day 1: Fly to Lalibela Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town of Lalibela. Spend the day visiting the rock hewn churches of Lalibela including the cross-shaped St. George church. There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world". The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Overnight Lalibela Day 2: Fly back to Addis Ababa After breakfast, visit more rock hewn churches in Lalibela. Then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your place.

we pick up you from lalibela Airport. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town of Lalibela and to your hotel. Spend the day visiting the rock hewn churches of Lalibela including the cross-shaped St. George church. There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world". The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Therfore, you will discover 11 amazing churches of Lalibela which is divided in to three groups. 1 A general view of Lalibela. The first group is comprised of Biet Medani Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), Biet Mariam (House of Mary), Biet Mascal (House of the Cross), Biet Denagel (House of Virgins), and Biet Golgotha Micael (House of Golgotha Michael). 2 The southern churches are Biete Amanuel, Biete Qeddus Mercoreus, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Lehem, and Biete Gabriel-Rufael. 3 bete Georgia's the last churches.

Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela on a 3-day tour from Addis Ababa. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, hike to Mount Asheton, and visit the Yemrehanna Kristos church. On day 1, fly to Lalibela and tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of 11 monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. On day 2, take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th-century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town. Alternatively, drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option, continue with a tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon. On day 3, return to Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines. Opt for a half-day city tour of Addis Ababa with an evening cultural dinner. Transfer to the airport for a late-night departure if needed. N:B:- "To ensure a seamless travel experience to and within Ethiopia, I highly recommend Ethiopian Airlines for both your international and domestic flights. Renowned for its reliability, convenience, and affordable services, Ethiopian Airlines ensures a smooth and comfortable journey. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip as you explore the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Ethiopia. Welcome to an unforgettable adventure with Essence Ethiopia Tours!"

Day 1 In the morning, fly north to Lalibela and be transferred to your hotel. After lunch, visit the first group of Lalibela Churches which are located north of a small stream named Jordan River. These Churches were carved during the time of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) and are registered by unesco as a World Heritage Site. Day 2 After breakfast, have an excursion trip to the cave-built church of Ne’akuto Le’ab (13th Century AD) which is famous for its wide collection of ancient crosses, manuscripts, and icons. If this day is Saturday, spare some time at the interesting weekly market of Lalibela. After lunch, visit the second and third group of churches of Lalibela. In the city of Lalibela you will see about Eleven Rock Churches organized into groups of three. Biete Medhanealem Biete Maryam Biete Golgotha Mikael Biete Maskal (House of the Cross) Biete Denagel (House of Virgins) Biete Giyorgis Biete Amanuel Biete Qeddus Merkoreos Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abba Libanos) Biete Gabriel-Raphael Biete Lehem (Bethlehem Hebrew: בֵּית לֶחֶם, House of Holy Bread). Fly back to Addis Ababa the next morning. Day 3 Lalibela – Addis (flight) End of the Trip

17-Day Ethiopia Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Explore key landmarks and cultural sites. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Danakil Depression Drive to Ragad to witness salt mining activities. Visit Dallol's colorful landscapes, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Overnight in Hamadella. Day 3: Dallol to Erta Ale Drive to Erta Ale, home to the world's only permanent lava lake. Trek to Dodom, then camp near Erta Ale. Day 4: Erta Ale to Mekelle Watch the sunrise over the crater. After breakfast, descend and visit Lake Giulietti before heading to Mekelle for the night. Day 5: Mekelle to Gheralta Explore Tigray's rock-hewn churches, including Abrha We Ashibha and Abune Yemata Guh. Overnight in Hawzen. Day 6: Hawzen to Axum Visit the ruins of Yeha and Debre Damo Monastery before returning to Axum for the night. Day 7: Exploring Axum Discover Axum’s historical sites like the obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, and St. Mary of Zion Church. Overnight in Axum. Day 8: Axum to Simien Mountains National Park Drive to Sankaber, stopping at the park head office to register. Enjoy a short trek around the campsite. Overnight in Sankaber. Day 9: Trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp Hike to Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls, taking approximately 6 hours. Day 10: Trek from Gich to Chennek Trek to Chennek via Imet Gogo, observing stunning views and endemic wildlife. Overnight in Chennek. Day 11: Summit Ras Bwahit Trek to Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, Ras Bwahit (4,430m), then return to Chennek. Day 12: Morning Trek and Transfer to Gondar Explore Chennek in the morning, then transfer back to Gondar. Day 13: Historical Gondar Visit Fasilidas' Castle, Fasilidas Swimming Pool, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar. Day 14: Gondar to Bahir Dar Drive to Bahir Dar, then enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting historic monasteries and a local market. Day 15: Blue Nile Falls Visit the Blue Nile Falls in the morning, then return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Day 16: Gondar to Lalibela Fly to Lalibela and explore rock-hewn churches, including the Northwestern and Southeastern Clusters. Overnight in Lalibela. Day 17: Lalibela to Addis Ababa Attend early church services if applicable. After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy sightseeing and overnight stay in the city. This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.