Ethiopia · Religious & Spiritual

4-Day Lalibela Church Tour with Yimrehane Kirstos and Asheton Mary

4 Days Round trip from Lalibela Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, regarded as "living wonders" for 900 years
02 Visit the beautiful cave church of Yimrehane Kirstos and see ancient mummies
03 Hike to the mountaintop monastery of Asheton Mary at 3200 m above sea level
04 Attend an active church service at Bet Medhane Alem
05 Discover the way of life of the Ethiopian highland people

Immerse yourself in the history of Lalibela, Ethiopia, on this 4-day tour. Explore the world-famous UNESCO rock-hewn churches, visit the beautiful cave church of Yimrehane Kirstos, and marvel at ancient mummies. Trek to the mountaintop monastery of Asheton Mary, witness an active church service, and experience the beauty of the Ethiopian Highlands.

Trek to the mountaintop monastery of Asheton Mary, witness an active church service, and experience the beauty of the Ethiopian Highlands.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Lalibela

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Lalibela and Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela, take the airport shuttle transfer to town, and visit the rock-hewn churches.
After lunch, we will drive to Sits, where we will find a concentration of some of Ethiopia's most famous rock-hewn churches, referred to by many as "the living wonders of the world." These churches have been here for at least 900 years and remain an active Christian shrine and the spiritual centre of the country's religious life.
Then we will visit the northwestern cluster of churches. This group includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, and Bet Mikael & Golgotha.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 02

Yimrehane Kirstos and the Southeastern Churches

After breakfast, drive to Yimrehane Kirstos. The built-up cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by eighty years. This is one of the most beautiful built-up cave churches, constructed with marvellous woodwork and beautifully decorated inside and outside with remarkable architectural skill. At the back of the cave, you will also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago.
After lunch, continue to visit the southeastern cluster of Lalibela churches - Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 03

Asheton Mary Monastery and Bet Giyorgis

After breakfast, trek to visit the monastery church of Asheton Mary, 3200 m above sea level. The monastery is located a 2.5-hour walk from Lalibela and is still active.
On the way to the monastery, you will explore the way of life of the Ethiopian highland people.
After lunch, we visit the most famous of all the churches - Bet Giyorgis, a giant monolithic church in the shape of a cross, constructed in honour of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 04

Morning Church Service and Departure

Early in the morning, we will attend a church service at the biggest church of Lalibela, Bet Medhane Alem, to assure you that the churches have been active for 900 years.
After breakfast, we will drive back to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis.

I advise you to book the early flight back to Addis.