Ethiopia · UNESCO Heritage Sites

3-Day Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Tour with Asheton Monastery

3 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the eleven Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • 02 Visit the northern cluster of Lalibela's interconnected rock-hewn churches
  • 03 Hike or ride on a mule to the 13th-century Asheton Monastery
  • 04 Discover Yimrehane Kristos, a beautiful church built above water in a huge cave

Embark on an archaeological trip from Addis Ababa to discover the eleven Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site often known as "The 8th wonder of the world". Explore the remarkable churches, passageways, tunnels, and trenches carved from a single block of volcanic rock in the late 12th century. Hike or ride on a mule to the 13th-century Asheton Monastery, then visit Yimrehane Kristos, a beautiful church built above an expanse of water inside a huge cave. This journey also offers glimpses of the rural villages of the Ethiopian highlands before returning to Addis Ababa.

Hike or ride on a mule to the 13th-century Asheton Monastery, then visit Yimrehane Kristos, a beautiful church built above an expanse of water inside a huge cave.

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 Not applicable
Cities Addis Ababa, Lalibela
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Northern Church Cluster

  • In the morning, fly on Ethiopian Airlines to Lalibela, 700 kilometres north of Addis Ababa. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest before lunch.
  • In the afternoon, begin exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site unofficially known as "The 8th wonder of the world". Its 11 churches, passageways, tunnels, and trenches are interconnected and were carved in the late 12th century from a single block of volcanic rock by the Zagwye King, Emperor Lalibela.
  • Visit the first group, the northern cluster of churches, which comprises six churches.
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Lalibela.
2
Day 02

Asheton Monastery, Yimrehane Kristos, and Lalibela Churches

  • Take a morning hike or ride on a mule to Mount Asheton to see its 13th-century rock-hewn monastery and enjoy great views below the mountain.
  • Drive to Yimrehane Kristos to visit a beautiful church built above an expanse of water inside a huge cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. You will also get a glimpse of the rural villages of the Ethiopian highlands.
  • In the afternoon, continue exploring the remaining five churches of Lalibela.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Lalibela.

3
Day 03

Return to Addis Ababa and Farewell Dinner

  • Fly to Addis Ababa and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups.
  • Transfer to the airport for late-night departure if needed.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking Lalibela driver-guide
  • All transfers
  • Accommodation

What's Not Included

  • Meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not included above

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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