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Phone: +251 988 111 222
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2 Days Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa
Eleven medieval churches carved from solid rock
About The Tour
2 Days Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa: The Rock Hewn Churches
Eleven medieval churches carved from solid rock
Overview
Lalibela is Ethiopia’s most famous sight and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 12th and 13th centuries, under King Lalibela, eleven churches were cut down into the red volcanic rock, linked by trenches, tunnels and passages. Pilgrims still come here in white shawls to pray, and services are held every day.
This 2 day tour from Addis Ababa uses the short flight to Lalibela, so you see all the churches without long drives. It is ideal if you have limited time or a stopover in Ethiopia. Your guide meets you at Lalibela airport and stays with you throughout.
Duration
2 Days (1 Night)
Suggested Accommodations
- Lalibela: Mountain View Hotel or Tukul Village Hotel
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Lalibela, Northern Group of Churches
Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela (about 1 hour). Transfer to your hotel, then visit the northern group of churches: Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, Bete Maryam with its painted ceilings, and Bete Golgotha. In the late afternoon visit Bete Giyorgis, the cross shaped church, in the best light. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 2: Eastern Group of Churches and Fly Back
Visit the eastern group, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Gabriel Rufael, walking through the dark tunnel that pilgrims call the path to hell and out into the light. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. If your flight allows, add a coffee ceremony in a local home.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simien Mountains. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Licensed Lalibela church guide
- Lalibela churches entrance ticket
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Lalibela
- Lunch and dinner
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
October to March is dry and sunny. For something special, come for Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) on 7 January, when thousands of pilgrims fill Lalibela. Book early for Genna as hotels sell out. See our Genna and Timkat tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Lalibela as a day trip?
Yes, with an early flight in and a late flight out, but you will feel rushed. Two days lets you see both groups of churches and Bete Giyorgis at a calm pace.
What should I wear?
Modest clothes covering shoulders and knees. You take your shoes off in each church, so bring socks and shoes that are easy to remove.
Can I stay longer?
Yes. Our 3 day Lalibela tour adds Yemrehanna Kristos and the Asheten Maryam monastery hike.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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