Lalibela Rock Churches: 3 Day Tour
Description
Day 1
On the first day, we'll pick you up from Lalibela Airport and take you to your hotel in Lalibela. After dropping off your luggage, we'll start discovering the area's famous UNESCO-protected rock-hewn churches - a must-see in Ethiopia!
First of all, we'll visit Bet Medhane Alem, an enormous underground church carved out out of a monolith and set in a 12-metre deep moat. As we admire its impressive architecture, we'll learn about the history of these 11 Ethiopian Orthodox churches, carved out of the rock during the Zagwe Dynasty, between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Connected by a tunnel is the Church of Biete Maryam. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this rock-hewn church stands out for the striking frescoes decorating its walls and ceilings. We'll continue to discover the churches of Lalibela admiring Bet Golgotha and Bet Danaghel. You'll be left speechless by these incredible structures!
Finally, we'll return to the hotel in Lalibela.
Day 2
Early in the morning, we'll visit another of Lalibela's famous churches to attend one of the religious ceremonies that have taken place here for some 900 years!
We'll then renew our energy with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, before heading to Bet Yemrehanna Kristo, an important pilgrimage centre in Ethiopia. We'll enter the large cavern in which this church is built, where we'll see that, unlike the others, it's not actually carved out of the rock.
After taking a break for lunch, we'll continue to discover Lalibela. We'll visit Bet Gabriel-Rufael, a temple built in a 10-metre deep moat; Bet Abba Libanos, one of the most unique of the churches, as its roof and floor remain attached to the rock from which it was carved; and Biete Amanuel. Did you know that this church is believed to have been the private chapel of the Ethiopian royal family?
We'll end the day by returning to the hotel in Lalibela.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure. At the agreed time, we'll take you to the airport, where we'll say goodbye after three unforgettable days exploring the rock churches of Lalibela!
Accommodation
This tour includes 2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the Harbe Hotel in Lalibela (3 stars) or similar.
More Information
Duration
3 days.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Pickup and drop–off at Lalibela Airport
Transport by minibus
English–speaking guide
Entrance fees
2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 3–star hotel
Not included
Lunches and dinners
When to book?
You can book up until 3 days before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
Provider
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Dan Lalibela Tours
Corporate name: Daniel Shewalem Berga
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.