2-Day Lalibela Tour: All 11 Rock-Hewn Churches with Guide

Two days walking through ancient stone churches carved into the earth.

A 2-day guided tour of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches with a local English-speaking guide, airport pickup, and hotel transfers. Day one covers seven of the eleven monolithic churches in the afternoon. Day two continues with the remaining four churches in the northern cluster after an early breakfast. The tour suits travelers arriving by air or staying in Lalibela who want to see the full site without arranging their own transport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Lalibela's First Churches

• Hotel pickup after breakfast
• Visit seven rock-hewn churches
• Explore trenches and tunnels
• Return to hotel late afternoon

Day 2: Visit Remaining Lalibela Churches

• Early breakfast and hotel pickup
• Visit northern cluster churches
• Transfer to hotel or airport

The experience

Lalibela's eleven churches are not built on the rock. They are carved out of it, each one sunk into a trench and connected by labyrinthine passages. A 2-day structure lets you move through them at a pace that makes sense: the first afternoon takes in seven churches (Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Denagil, Bete Michael, and Bet Giorgis), then an early start on day two reaches the four remaining churches of the northern cluster (Bete Gebriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos) before your departure. A local guide leads both days, sharing the history and cultural significance of each site as you move through the trenches and tunnels that link them.

The tour handles the logistics: if you arrive by air, the driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel, where the afternoon tour starts after lunch. If you're already staying in Lalibela, pickup happens after an early breakfast on day one. Hotel transfers and all transport between churches are included, along with the driver allowance and fuel surcharge. The guide speaks English and adjusts the pace to match your interests and fitness level.

Day two ends with a transfer back to your hotel or directly to the airport, depending on your flight. Service animals are welcome, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized infant seat if needed.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide for both days.
• airport pickup and hotel transfers.
• transport between all churches.
• driver allowance and fuel surcharge.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group Tour LalibelaGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00Pickup is included

Tour and private transfer combinedGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00Private tour with private transfers and a tour: a private round-trip airport transfer, a private guide, and private transfers from the hotel to the sites; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 100

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Addis Ethiopia Tours

Is this one for you?Two days gives you time to see all eleven churches without rushing through the trenches and tunnels, but it also means committing both days of your Lalibela stay to the tour. Plan accordingly if you want time for other activities in the area.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many churches do I visit on each day?

Day one covers seven churches in the afternoon: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Denagil, Bete Michael, and Bet Giorgis. Day two visits the remaining four churches of the northern cluster: Bete Gebriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos.

What happens if I'm arriving at Lalibela airport?

The driver and guide meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You'll start the tour in the afternoon after lunch, then continue with the full day two itinerary the following morning.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a local guide is included for both days and speaks English. They share historical and cultural insights about each church as you visit.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes airport pickup and drop-off, hotel transfers, the local guide, driver allowance, and fuel surcharge. Entrance fees to the churches are not included and are paid separately.

Can I bring an infant on this tour?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult's lap, or you can request a specialized infant seat when you book.