The trip begins with a city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato market, Entoto Mountain, and the National Museum, which houses Lucy’s remains.
The next day, travelers fly to Lalibela, known for its rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the famous Bet Giyorgis.
On the third day, they visit Yimrehane Kirstos, a cave church older than Lalibela’s churches, and explore the southern cluster churches.
Finally, they fly back to Addis Ababa, stopping for souvenirs and enjoying traditional Ethiopian cuisine with live entertainment before their departure.
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
You will be picked up from the airport or your hotel by our guide for a full-day adventure in Addis Ababa. We will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the most important religious sites in the city.
From there, we will head to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Here, you will get a chance to see how business is conducted in the Ethiopian capital. The market offers almost every commodity needed by the locals, and you can also buy souvenirs from the arts and culture section.
Next, we will drive to Entoto Mountain, where you will enjoy the best views of Addis Ababa. We will also visit the National Museum, which houses the remains of Lucy, the oldest Homo sapien, believed to have lived over 3 million years ago.
As we drive around the city, you will see various historical monuments that play an important role in the history of both Addis Ababa and Ethiopia.
Day 2: Flight to Lalibela (Eight Wonders of the World)
After breakfast, we will take a flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the New Jerusalem. This town is famous for its rock-hewn churches, considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World.
These churches are carved directly from rock, and their construction is an architectural marvel. Upon arrival, we will check into our accommodation before heading out to explore.
The northern cluster churches include:
- Bet Medhane Alem
- Bet Maryam
- Bet Meskel
- Bet Danaghel
- Bet Mikael
- Bet Golgotha
One of the most famous churches here is Bet Giyorgis, built in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.
Day 3: Lalibela – The Church of Yimrehane Kirstos
After breakfast, we will visit Yimrehane Kirstos, a church built inside a cave. It is believed to have existed even before the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The church is beautifully decorated, and its architecture is truly impressive. You will also see the remains of pilgrims who visited this site centuries ago.
Later, we will explore the southern cluster churches, including:
- Bet Gabriel-Rufael
- Bet Merkorios
- Bet Amanuel
- Bet Abba Libanos
Day 4: Flight Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, we will take a flight back to Addis Ababa. Along the way, we will stop to buy souvenirs. We will also stop for lunch to enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine with live entertainment.
