2 nights / 3 days
Day 1:
Transfer to the airport. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and fly to the town of Lalibela. In the morning, visit the first group of churches of Lalibela. There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it’s exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty.
In the afternoon, we will make an excursion trip to Yimrehane Christos church located 42km from the town of Lalibela in the foothills of the highest mountain in Lasta Massif. Here you will see the magnificent church of Yimrehane Christos who is credited with the construction of a stone church built in the Axumite style, which bears his name. The church’s interior decorations make Yimrehane Krestos the most elaborate of all known ancient Ethiopian churches. Mural paintings high on the nave walls are considered the oldest surviving mural paintings in Ethiopia. Drive back to the town of Lalibela
Overnight Maribela Hotel or similar
Meals included (L, D)
Day 2:
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion out of town to Asheten Mariam, atop a mountain overlooking Lalibela, by mule back. The mountain views are impressive and panoramic and it’s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the “closest to God.”
In the afternoon, visit the second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s arc. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon.
Overnight Maribela Hotel or similar
Meals included (B,L,D)
Day 3:
Fly back to Addis Ababa. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your place.
Meals included (B)
