3-Day Visit Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela & Addis Ababa

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrive in Addis Ababa | City Tour

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be met by your guide from Essence Ethiopia Tours and transferred to your hotel. After a short refreshment, begin a guided city tour of Ethiopia’s dynamic capital.

Highlights of the day include:

National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil Lucy and other important archaeological finds

Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the most significant Orthodox churches in the country

Ethnological Museum, located within Addis Ababa University, offering insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions

Drive up to Entoto Hills for panoramic views over the city (weather permitting)

Visit Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, for a glimpse into daily local life

The day concludes with dinner at the hotel or a traditional restaurant, offering Ethiopian cuisine and cultural atmosphere.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sun View Addis Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Lalibela | Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Lalibela, located in Ethiopia’s northern highlands. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge or hotel.

Begin a guided exploration of the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved directly from solid volcanic rock in the 12th–13th centuries and still active places of worship today.

Visits include:

The Northwestern Church Group, featuring Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Mariam, Biete Maskal, and Biete Denagel

The Southeastern Church Group, including Biete Gabriel-Rufael and Biete Abba Libanos

The iconic Biete Ghiorgis (St. George’s Church), carved in the shape of a perfect cross

Your guide will explain the religious symbolism, architectural techniques, and historical significance of these sacred sites. In the evening, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lalibela and optional cultural experiences.

Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+11 Photos

+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Visit | Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning visit in Lalibela. Depending on time and interest, this may include:

Additional church visits

A short walk through the local village

Optional visit to a nearby monastery (time permitting)

Later, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, connect with your international departure flight or transfer to a day room/hotel if required.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.