8-Hour Addis Ababa Heritage Tour with Adadi Mariam and Tiya

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover the ancient rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam, established by King Lalibela
• 02 Visit the UNESCO-listed Stelae of Tiya with 36 intricately carved stone grave markers
• 03 Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local countryside restaurant
• 04 Explore the prehistoric site of Melka Kunture, where 1.8-million-year-old stone tools and fossils were discovered
• 05 See the Lion of Judah monument and other historical landmarks in Addis Ababa

Embark on a full-day journey from Addis Ababa to explore Ethiopia's rich heritage, including the ancient rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam and the UNESCO-listed Stelae of Tiya. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch before visiting the prehistoric site of Melka Kunture, home to fascinating stone tools and fossils.

Next, visit the Stelae of Tiya, where you can see 36 intricately carved stone grave markers that were erected between the 12th and 14th centuries in honour of a local hero.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Addis Ababa, Tiya

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Adadi Mariam, Tiya Stelae, and Melka Kunture Excursion

• Discover the ancient rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam, the Stelae of Tiya, and the prehistoric site of Melka Kunture on a full-day tour from Addis Ababa.
• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local restaurant.
• Start your tour with a pick-up from your hotel in Addis Ababa at 8:00 AM.
• Head south to Adadi Mariam, located 62 kilometres from Addis Ababa. Explore the ancient rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam, established in the 13th century by King Lalibela.
• Next, visit the Stelae of Tiya, where you can see 36 intricately carved stone grave markers that were erected between the 12th and 14th centuries in honour of a local hero. This site is recognized as one of Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
• Following lunch, proceed to Melka Kunture, a prehistoric site where numerous stone tools and fossils, dating back 1.8 million years, have been discovered. Finally, return to Addis Ababa.
• If time permits, you will have the opportunity to see the Lion of Judah monument and other historical landmarks.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private guide
• Private transportation
• Tickets: entrance fee for Adadi Mariam and Tiya
• Unlimited bottled water
• Ethiopian coffee or tea

What's Not Included

• Personal expenses
• Photography fees
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips

What to bring

• Passport
• Cash

Know before you go

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Be prepared for a full day of exploration.
• Respect local customs and traditions at religious sites.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour start

6GWWJGH2+X2XX, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.