Ethiopia · UNESCO Heritage Sites

4-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Addis Ababa and Lalibela

4 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Addis Ababa's landmarks, including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato market, and Mount Entoto
  • 02 Discover the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved from solid rock and dating mostly from the 13th century
  • 03 Visit both the first and second groups of Lalibela churches, each with unique architectural and spiritual significance
  • 04 Trek or ride a mule to the high-altitude Asheton Maryam Monastery for panoramic views and historic insights
  • 05 Travel to Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery, an ancient Aksumite-style cave church built from red tuff rock and wood

Embark on a 4-day cultural and historical journey through Ethiopia, beginning in Addis Ababa with visits to the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato market, Mount Entoto, and St. George's Church. Fly to Lalibela to discover its UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock and dating mostly from the 13th century. Continue with a mule trek to the high-altitude Asheton Maryam Monastery and a visit to Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery, an ancient cave church built in Aksumite style from red tuff rock and wood.

Fly to Lalibela to discover its UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock and dating mostly from the 13th century.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Mount Entoto
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Highlights

  • Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your guide for the transfer to the hotel.
  • Take a short break at the hotel before beginning the city tour.

  • Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to archaeological treasures, including the fossil remains of "Lucy."

  • Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical site.

  • Wander through Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.

  • Drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city.

  • Visit St. George's Church, a historic Ethiopian Orthodox site.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

2
Day 02

Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

  • Have breakfast before flying to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rock-hewn churches dating mostly from the 13th century.
  • Visit the first group of churches: Bete Medhane Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), Bete Maryam (House of St. Mary), Bete Meskel (House of the Cross), Bete Denagil (House of the Virgin Martyrs), Bete Golgotha-Mikael (House of St. Michael), and Bete Giorgis (House of St. George).

  • Return to the hotel for lunch.

  • In the afternoon, visit the second group of churches: Bete Gabriel-Rufael (House of St. Gabriel and St. Raphael), Bete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel), Bete Merkorios (House of St. Mercurius), and Bete Abba Libanos (House of Father Libanos).

Overnight in Lalibela.

3
Day 03

Asheton Maryam Trek and Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery

  • Have breakfast and set out on a mule trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery, a semi-monolithic church located on a mountain ledge at 3,000 meters above sea level, accessible by walking, mule riding, and partial driving.
  • Return to Lalibela for lunch.

  • In the afternoon, drive 42 kilometers west of Lalibela to Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery, a built-up cave church with ancient Aksumite-style architecture, constructed from red tuff rock bricks and supported by wooden beams.

Overnight in Lalibela.

4
Day 04

Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

  • Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa.
  • Continue with additional sightseeing in the capital or enjoy personal activities.

  • Visit Tomoca Coffee House for a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience.

  • Transfer to the hotel or Bole International Airport for your departure flight.

  • End of services.

Lalibela rock-hewn churches, National Museum of Ethiopia, Mount Entoto

Where this trip takes you

Lalibela rock-hewn churches, National Museum of Ethiopia, Mount Entoto

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in a 3*-4* hotel or lodge
  • English-speaking guide service

  • Meals on a full-board basis

  • All entrance fees to sites and attractions

  • Car and mule or horse rentals

  • Fuel expenses

  • Driver and muleteer allowances

  • Local guide payments

  • Bottled water as needed

  • Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Government tax and other applicable charges

What's Not Included

  • Local and international air tickets

  • Shopping expenses

  • Any other personal expenses such as cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and similar items

  • Tips and gratuities

What to bring

  • Trekking shoes
  • Walking stick

  • Light clothes

  • Mosquito repellent lotion

  • Thick socks to wear when walking into the churches

Know before you go

  • Remove shoes and hats before entering any Ethiopian Orthodox church.
  • Refrain from smoking cigarettes when approaching the compound of any church.

  • Women are advised to cover their hair inside the compound of any church, although it is not obligatory.

  • Avoid giving sweets or candies to small children, as it may discourage them from attending school.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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Starting from

USD 950 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $950.00 — $1,200.00
Double Sharing $950.00 — $1,200.00

When

Travellers

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