Overview
Lalibela, a small town in northern Ethiopia, is one of the most sacred places in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its 11 rock-hewn churches carved directly into the mountainside in the 12th and 13th centuries, Lalibela is often referred to as the “New Jerusalem.” This three-day trip will immerse you in the rich history, spirituality, and culture of this extraordinary destination.
Itinerary
Late morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit northern group of Lalibela rock-hewn churches, namely: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel. Late afternoon, visit the purely monolithic standalone Church of Bete Giyorgis, with spectacular sunset view. Overnight at Top Twelve hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, visit the southern group of churches namely; Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Lehem. In the afternoon, hike/drive to Asheton Mariam monastery where you will enjoy the 360 degrees view of Lalibela. Overnight at Top Twelve hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
After having breakfast at your hotel, drive to Lalibela airport. On the way visit the cave church of Neakuto Leab, built inside a natural cave, with some parts carved into the rock and others constructed using stone and wood. After the visit transfer to Lalibela airport for your departure. End of Tour!
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
The churches were not constructed in a traditional way but rather were hewn from the living rock of monolithic blocks. These blocks were further chiselled out, forming doors, windows, columns, various floors, roofs etc.
The five churches of the northern group are: Biete Golgotha Mikael, Biete Mariam, Biete Denagel, Biete Maskal, and Biete Medhani Alem. The southern group contains another five churches: Biete Lehem, Biete Gabriel Rafael, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Qeddus Mercoreus.
In its center lies a unique complex of 11 churches cut out of the living rock some 800 years ago. Their construction is traditionally attributed to King Lalibela (approximately 1181-1221), of the Zagwe dynasty, who attempted to create a new Jerusalem on African soil, accessible to all Ethiopians.
