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Historic Lalibela Extension
Known as 'Africa's Petra', Lalibela is a historical and architectural treasure
Lalibela ranks amongst the greatest religious-historical sites in the Christian world. This remote Ethiopian village includes 11 medieval, rock-hewn churches with hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rocks almost a millennia ago by the Zagwe dynasty.
Gallery
Tour Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Addis Ababa's Art Deco architecture
Inclusions
Experienced specialist English-speaking local guides, entrance fees, arrival transfer, all transport including domestic flights.
- Plane
- Private vehicle
- 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Historic Lalibela Extension
Day 1
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
On arrival in Addis Ababa, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Please ensure your flight arrives prior to 11.30am so that you can partake in the afternoon city tour.
At 2pm, after checking into your hotel, you will be collected for your afternoon city tour.
We visit the National Museum which consists of archeological collections from as early as Lucy (3.5 Million Years old) and other fossils of primates from earlier periods. This museum also includes archeological collections from the ancient civilization of Axum and other major sites in the northern Ethiopia.
Merkato is the biggest market in the east Africa and its bustling outdoor markets are very colorful reminders of more traditional way of life. Addis Ababa's cosy espresso bars and pastries are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean world and the people, the bursts of music from the cafes and shops, the pungent aromas of spicy cooking, of coffee and frankincense, form a unique Ethiopian pastiche.
This evening we are treated to a meal at the well-known Habesha restaurant which serves national food and has traditional dancing. If you want to sample an authentic Ethiopian meal, this is the best restaurant to do it - serving different varieties meat dishes and vegetarian fasting food. There is also live music and traditional dancing every night.
Day 2-3
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
An early morning flight takes us from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, where we stay for two nights. Lalibela is one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites in the Christian world. Between 1137 and 1270, several astounding rock-hewn churches were constructed in Lalibela. Whilst these churches are definitely Ethiopia’s top attraction, the town of Lalibela, which lies in the Lasta Mountains at a height of 2630 metres above sea level, is a very isolated place. Lalibela’s churches are astounding because most are not carved into the rocks, but actually freed entirely from them. Two afternoons are spent exploring the town churches. The Northern Group contains seven churches, a tomb, a chapel and a sunken chapel. At the centre of the group is Bet Medhane Alem, measuring 33.5 metres by 23.5 metres and said to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. A tunnel connects three of the churches in a courtyard to the east, whilst another tunnel connects two other churches to the west of Bet Medhane Alem. However it is Bet Giyorgis (St George's), carved in the form of a Greek cross and lying slightly apart from the main northern cluster, which is the most famous and frequently photographed. This church is exceptionally well-preserved and is probably the most visually perfect. The Eastern group of five churches includes the only hypogeous church, where only the roof remains attached to the overhead rock. On the morning of Day 3, we drive for 42 kilometres out of Lalibela to Yemrehanna Kristos - the most incredible church outside of Lalibela. According to local tradition the church was built by King Yemrehanna Kristos between 1087 and 1127, and it was built within a cave rather than excavated. It sits atop a foundation of olive wood panels and features whitewashed marble panel exteriors. It is one of the most incredible sights, but is rarely visited by tourists due to its remote location.
Day 4
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
This morning is at leisure to walk through the cobbled streets of Lalibela. Alternatively an optional morning mule ride can take you to Ashetan Maryam Church, sitting atop a 3150 metre high mountain that overlooks Lalibela. An afternoon flight takes us back to Addis Ababa. Your tour ends on arrival at Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport in the afternoon. If departing from Ethiopia today, your flight out of Addis Ababa should not be booked to depart before 7.30pm. Additional post tour accommodation is also available in Addis Ababa (at additional cost). Meals included: 1 breakfast
IN A NUTSHELL
3 days
$795
TOUR INFORMATION
| Start | End | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 01/12/2011 | 04/12/2011 | $795 |
| 07/01/2012 | 10/01/2012 | $795 |
| 15/01/2012 | 18/01/2012 | $795 |
| 27/06/2013 | 30/06/2013 | $795 |
