Lalibela — 3 days tour

Take an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela (approximately 1 hours), where you will stay for two nights. Despite the town of Lalibela being isolated in the Lasta Mountains at 2,630 metres above sea level, it is still the home of Ethiopia’s top sight, and one of the world’s greatest historical and religious sites. Between 1137 and 1270, several astounding rock-hewn churches were constructed in Lalibela; astonishing because most are not built from carved freestanding rocks, but instead created from huge single blocks of stone unearthed by the digging of enormous pits. You will spend two afternoons exploring the extraordinary churches that look like they’ve been dropped down from the sky. The Northern Group contains seven churches, a tomb, a chapel and a sunken chapel. At the centre of the group is Bet MedhaneAlem, measuring 33.5 metres by 23.5 metres and said to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. A tunnel connects three of the churches in a courtyard to the east, whilst another tunnel connects two other churches to the west of Bet MedhaneAlem. However it is Bet Giyorgis (St George’s), carved in the form of a Greek cross and lying slightly apart from the main northern cluster, which is the most famous and frequently photographed. This church is exceptionally well-preserved and is probably the most visually perfect. The Eastern group of five churches includes the only hypogeous church, where only the roof remains attached to the overhead rock.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight hotel

This morning you will drive for 42 kilometres (approximately 1.5 hours) out of Lalibela to YemrehannaKristos, the most incredible church outside of the town. According to local tradition, King YemrehannaKristos built the church between 1087 and 1127, and had it constructed within a cave rather than excavated. It sits atop a foundation of olive wood panels and features whitewashed marble panel exteriors. You’ll enter through a huge door, carved from a single piece of olive wood, and see the artwork that covers the walls, pillars and the roof. The inside is replete with motifs, symbols, meanings and detail, and gypsum covered walls feature paintings that are said to be original — undamaged after all this time due to the conditions in the cave and its remote location. The remains of thousands of pilgrims who came to the church to die are also located in the cave. The church is one of the most incredible sights around, made even more atmospheric and authentic by the fact that its remote location makes it rarely visited by travellers.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight hotel

This morning you’ll have free time to walk through the cobbled streets of Lalibela, where the homes are unlike anything else in Ethiopia — two-story circular stone buildings that are huddled together on the steep slopes of the surrounding craggy mountains and rocky escarpments. Morning flight (approximately 1.5 hours) takes you back to Addis Ababa. Check back in at the Hotel for day use and spend the afternoon exploring the city of Addis’ best markets and shops for purchasing last minute gifts and souvenirs.  We’ll meet for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate and toast our time in Southern Ethiopia.

Meals: B, L, D

End of Tour