Full-Day Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Tour with St. George Church

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts, and grottoes carved into red volcanic rock
• 02 Visit Lalibela's northwestern and southeastern church clusters in one day
• 03 Pay your respects at Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha and other sacred churches
• 04 See the famous monolithic Church of St. George carved in the shape of a cross

Embark on a full-day exploration of Lalibela's awe-inspiring medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts, and intricate tunnels carved from red volcanic rock. Discover the architectural wonders of the northwestern and southeastern church clusters, including some of Lalibela's most intricately carved exteriors. Complete your journey at the iconic monolithic Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a cross, one of the most breathtaking highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The final stop, and the highlight of any tour, will be the famous monolithic Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a cross.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore Lalibela's Rock-Hewn Churches

• Your exploration of the 11 medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts, and tunnels carved into the red volcanic rock starts with the northwestern cluster of churches.
• The visit will include Bet Medhane Alem (House of Holy Savior), Bet Maryam (House of Mary), Bet Meskel (House of the Cross), Bet Dengil (House of Virgins), and Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (House of Michael and Golgotha).
• In the afternoon, continue your tour with the churches of the southeastern cluster, which include the most intricately carved exteriors of all the churches of Lalibela: Bet Gabriel and Rufael (House of Gabriel and Raphael), Bet Merkorios (House Mercurios), Bet Amanuel (House of Emanuel), and Bet Abba Libanos (House of Father Libanos).
• The final stop, and the highlight of any tour, will be the famous monolithic Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a cross.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes

What's Not Included

• Lunch
• Hotel

What to bring

Headscarf to enter the churches

Know before you go

The tour of the churches will involve some stairs and uneven surfaces.

The itinerary can be designed as per the client's requirements.

Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular destinations in Ethiopia for good reason. Lalibela is home to the world-renowned 11 rock-hewn churches, noted as the New Jerusalem and known as the eighth wonder of the world. Each of our personalized tours of the ancient churches with our experienced guides takes you deep into a bygone time, creating a mystical atmosphere of spirituality and historical intrigue.

• An early morning service in one of the churches of Lalibela is available as an option.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

We can collect clients from the airport or their hotel, or meet at the ticket office at the entrance to the churches.

Tour start

22MV+79C, Unnamed Road, Lalibela, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.