Lalibela Exclusive Heritage Tour: Discover Ethiopia's Sacred New Jerusalem
Experience from
$630.00
The Experience
Lalibela is a medieval town in northern Ethiopia and the historic center of the Zagwe Dynasty, which ruled much of Ethiopia from approximately 1137 to 1270 CE. During this period, Christianity flourished throughout the kingdom. Inspired by deep religious devotion, King Lalibela envisioned creating a "New Jerusalem" in Ethiopia to provide a sacred pilgrimage destination for Ethiopian Christians facing the hardships of traveling to the Holy Land. To realize this vision, King Lalibela commissioned the construction of eleven remarkable churches, each carved from a single block of living rock. Built during the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, these monolithic masterpieces represent one of the greatest architectural and spiritual achievements in the world. Today, the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continue to attract pilgrims and visitors from across the globe.
Full Itinerary
Discovery of Northern Church Cluster
• Meet and greet at Lalibela Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel in Lalibela.
• Welcome Ethiopian coffee and briefing about the history of Lalibela.
• Check-in and short rest.
• Visit the northern group of churches or the heavenly Jerusalem including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagel, Bete Golgotha-Mikael.
• Visit the famous self-standing churches of St. George in the late afternoon to see the captivating sun set over the church.
• Back to hotel in the evening.
Exploring the second group of churches or the Earthly Jerusalem
• Attend a religious ceremony subject to the church calendar.
• Visit the second group of churches including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos
• Lunch at a traditional local restaurant.
• Back to the hotel for rest and have a walk in the afternoon and shopping to souvenir shops based on the interest of the tourist.
• Visit one of the best local “Azmari bet” traditional cultural entertainment venue to taste local wine, liquor and traditional music in the evening (with the cost of the tourist)
Included
• Church entrance fees
• Airport transfers (Lalibela Airport to Hotel)
• Private vehicle for all local excursions
• Bottled water throughout the tour
• Traditional Ethiopian coffee experience
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Professional national English/French speaking tour guide
• All fuel and driver expenses
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
Excluded
• International and domestic flights
• Accommodation
• Meals (unless specified)
• Personal expenses and tips