2-Day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa: Rock-Hewn Churches
Three groups of rock-hewn churches, a night in Lalibela, and a Saturday or Sunday service with local worshippers
This 2-day tour from Addis Ababa flies you to Lalibela to explore the rock-hewn churches across the Northern, Western and Eastern groups, including Bet Medhane Alem (believed to be the world's largest monolithic church), Bete Giyorgis and Bete Amanuel. Day two begins with attendance at an early morning religious ceremony where local people gather for Sabbath prayers, followed by transfer to the airport for your return to Addis Ababa. The tour includes a guide in English or French, all entrance fees, airport transfers, and one night's accommodation.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Flight and Lalibela church visits
- Morning flight to Lalibela
- Meet at Lalibela airport
- Drive 23 km to Lalibela town
- Check in and refresh
- Visit Northern Group churches
- Visit Western Group churches
- Visit Eastern Group churches
- Overnight at Lalibela Lodge or Mountain View Hotel
Day 2: Attend religious ceremony and return
- Attend morning religious ceremony
- Transfer to Lalibela airport at 10:00 am
- Return flight to Addis Ababa
What’s included
- Round-trip flights from Addis Ababa to Lalibela.
- airport transfers on both days.
- a guide speaking English or French.
- entrance fees to all three groups of rock-hewn churches.
- one night's accommodation at Lalibela Lodge or Mountain View Hotel.
- breakfast on both mornings.
Times
- Every day 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Ethio Travel And Tours
Prices and times updated 12 days ago
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The experience
The tour starts with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. After landing, your guide meets you at the airport and drives about 23 km to the town of Lalibela, where you check in and refresh before the day's exploration begins. The Northern Group comes first: Bet Medhane Alem, home to the Lalibela Cross and believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, stands alongside Bete Maryam (possibly the oldest of the churches), Bete Golgotha (known for its carved arts and said to contain the tomb of King Lalibela), the Selassie Chapel and the Tomb of Adam.
After a break, you move to the Western Group, anchored by Bete Giyorgis, described as the most finely executed and best preserved of all the churches. The Eastern Group follows: Bete Amanuel (possibly the former royal chapel), Bete Merkorios (which may have been a former prison), Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Gabriel-Rufael (possibly a former royal palace). You spend the night at Lalibela Lodge or Mountain View Hotel.
Day two begins early. You attend a religious ceremony at one of the main churches, where local people gather on Saturdays and Sundays for Sabbath prayers and festivity. At 10:00 am, transfer service takes you to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.
Is this one for you?Book this 2-day tour if you want to see all three groups of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and attend a live Sabbath service with local worshippers: the early morning ceremony and the fixed return flight at 10:00 am on day two mean you experience both the churches and the religious life of the town without building the schedule yourself.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and French.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 18 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 2).
What are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela?
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are monolithic structures carved directly from stone, built in the 12th century and arranged in three groups across the town. Bet Medhane Alem is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, while Bete Giyorgis is noted as the most finely executed and best preserved. Each church carries historical and religious significance, with some believed to have served as royal chapels or palaces.
Can I attend a religious service during this tour?
Yes. On day two, you attend an early morning religious ceremony at one of the main churches of Lalibela, where local people gather on Saturdays and Sundays to observe the Sabbath Festivity and say their prayers. This happens before your 10:00 am transfer to the airport.
What's included in the 2-day Lalibela tour?
The tour includes round-trip flights from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, airport transfers, a guide in English or French, entrance fees to all the churches, one night's accommodation at Lalibela Lodge or Mountain View Hotel, and breakfast on both days. Vehicle and fuel costs are covered.
How far is Lalibela town from the airport?
Lalibela town is about 23 km from the airport. After you land and meet your guide, the drive to your hotel takes roughly an hour, giving you time to check in and refresh before visiting the Northern Group of churches.
What should I know about the religious ceremony on day two?
The ceremony takes place early in the morning at one of the main churches, and it is a genuine gathering of local worshippers observing the Sabbath. The tour arranges your attendance as part of the experience, and transfer to the airport is provided at 10:00 am, so the timing is built around your return flight.
2-Day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa: Rock-Hewn Churches
2d · EN · FR · at your hotel
from US$ 450 per person
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