3-Day Lalibela Christmas Tour with Genna Ceremony and Churches

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover the eleven rock-hewn churches carved from volcanic rock
• 02 Explore sacred sites including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis
• 03 Experience the Genna ceremony with prayers, chants, and candlelight rituals
• 04 Enjoy authentic Ethiopian culture, coffee traditions, and local town life

Discover Lalibela on a three-day Christmas journey through its remarkable rock-hewn churches and sacred celebrations. Explore revered sanctuaries such as Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis, while learning about their spiritual and historical significance with your guide. Experience the atmosphere of Genna through prayers, chanting priests, candlelit rituals, and vibrant local traditions, alongside cultural moments such as coffee ceremonies and town markets. This tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Ethiopian faith, heritage, and the legacy of Lalibela's monolithic sanctuaries in northern Ethiopia.

Witness all-night prayers, chanting, and candlelight rituals led by clergy and pilgrims.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Lalibela

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Lalibela and First Church Visits

• Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela in the morning.
• Transfer to your hotel in Lalibela.
• Begin exploring the rock-hewn churches, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit important churches such as Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Lalibela.

2

Day 02

Christmas Eve Church Visits and Genna Ceremony

• Continue guided visits to more ancient churches and holy sites.
• Spend time understanding the history and spiritual importance of Lalibela.
• In the late evening, attend the Genna ceremony at one of the ancient churches.
• Witness all-night prayers, chanting, and candlelight rituals led by clergy and pilgrims.
• Return to your hotel for rest according to the tour pace.

3

Day 03

Christmas Morning Celebration and Departure

• Join the early morning Christmas celebration with prayers, singing, and festive traditions.
• Visit any remaining rock-hewn churches not covered earlier.
• Transfer to Lalibela Airport and fly back to Addis Ababa.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Domestic round-trip flights from Addis Ababa to Lalibela
• Two nights of accommodation in a hotel or guesthouse in Lalibela, usually with breakfast
• English-speaking local guide for all church visits and cultural sites
• Entrance fees to all UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches
• Airport transfers and sightseeing in Lalibela by private car or minibus
• Breakfast included on most days, with some tours including lunch or dinner
• Access to special Christmas Genna rituals in the churches

What's Not Included

• International flights to and from Ethiopia
• Visa fees or entry permits
• Most lunches and dinners unless mentioned in the package
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and optional activities
• Travel insurance, including medical or trip cancellation cover
• Optional excursions such as extra hikes, cultural workshops, or tours outside Lalibela

What to bring

• Warm layers for cold nights between 5 to 10°C in January
• Lightweight clothes comfortable for daytime sightseeing
• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for church visits
• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for stone paths and uneven terrain
• Hat, scarf, and gloves for chilly mornings and evenings

Know before you go

• Ethiopian Christmas Genna is on 7 January.
• Pilgrimage crowds are highest on the night of 6 to 7 January, so plan early.
• Lalibela weather ranges from 5 to 20°C in January.
• Bring warm layers for cool evenings and early mornings.
• Modest clothing is required, and shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Domestic flights may face delays, so allow flexibility in your schedule.
• Hotels become fully booked during Christmas, so reserve in advance.
• Respect religious rituals, and photography may be restricted.
• Always ask permission before photographing people, especially clergy or pilgrims.
• Remove shoes and hats when entering churches.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour start

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.