3-Day Christmas and Rock Hewn Churches Tour in Lalibela

Lalibela Christmas (Genna)

Highlights

Discover the eleven rock hewn churches carved from volcanic rock

Explore sacred sites including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis

Experience the Genna ceremony with prayers, chants, and candlelight rituals

Enjoy authentic Ethiopian culture, coffee traditions, and local town life

Addis Ababa, Lalibela

cultural, sightseeing, Volcano

Private Tour

3 Days

Easy

English, French, German

Description

Discover Lalibela on a three day Christmas journey, exploring rock hewn churches, sacred ceremonies, chanting priests, candlelit rituals, and vibrant local traditions. Walk through Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis, observe pilgrims in prayer, and enjoy cultural moments such as coffee ceremonies and town markets. Marvel at panoramic views and spiritual heritage while learning about Ethiopian history and faith through guided insights into the significance of Genna and the legacy of these remarkable monolithic sanctuaries in northern Ethiopia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Explore the First Churches
- 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 overnight in Lalibela.
Day 2: Christmas Eve and Night 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.
Day 3: Christmas Morning 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.

What's Included

Domestic flights round trip Addis Ababa to Lalibela

Two nights 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 Excluded

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

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.

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

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 4	/person
5 to 10	/person
This is a private tour

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Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

3-Day Christmas and Rock Hewn Churches Tour in Lalibela

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Explore the First Churches

Day 2: Christmas Eve and Night Ceremony

Day 3: Christmas Morning and Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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3-Day Christmas and Rock Hewn Churches Tour in Lalibela

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Explore the First Churches

Day 2: Christmas Eve and Night Ceremony

Day 3: Christmas Morning and Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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