Day 1 — Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Activities
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela in the morning. After settling into your hotel, begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster (including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam).
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 2 — Lalibela Churches & Asheton Mariam
Activities
Continue exploring the Southeastern Cluster of churches (including Bet Gabriel-Rufael). In the afternoon, hike up to the Asheton Mariam Monastery for breathtaking views of Lalibela and the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 3 — Fly to Mekelle & Tigray Churches
Activities
Take a morning flight to Mekelle. After arrival, drive to the Gheralta region to explore the less-visited rock-hewn churches of Tigray, known for their stunning architecture and unique locations carved into cliffs. Visit Abreha we Atsbeha and Maryam Korkor churches.
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge in Hawzien
Day 4 — Tigray Churches & Yeha
Activities
Visit more of Tigray's remarkable churches such as Debre Damo Monastery (accessible only by rope) and the ruins of Yeha, believed to be the capital of ancient Ethiopian civilization and home to some of the oldest structures in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mekelle
Day 5 — Return to Addis Ababa
Activities
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping in Mekelle. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your journey through Northern Ethiopia.
Day 1 — Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Activities
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela in the morning. After settling into your hotel, begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster (including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam).
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 2 — Lalibela Churches & Yimrehane Kirstos
Activities
Continue exploring the Southeastern Cluster of churches (including Bet Gabriel-Rufael). In the afternoon, visit Yimrehane Kirstos Church, known for its unique architectural style that blends local traditions with rock-hewn techniques.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 3 — Asheton Mariam & Local Culture
Activities
Hike up to the Asheton Mariam Monastery for breathtaking views of Lalibela and the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, experience local culture with a visit to a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and explore the local market.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 4 — Return to Addis Ababa
Activities
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute exploration or attend an early morning church service. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your Lalibela journey.
Day 1 — Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar
Activities
Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar in the morning. After settling into your hotel, visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval castles and palaces. Also explore the Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its famous angelic ceiling paintings.
Accommodation: Hotel in Gondar
Day 2 — Gondar to Simien Mountains (Day Trip)
Activities
Take a day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic viewpoints, spot endemic wildlife like Gelada baboons, and take short walks to experience the dramatic landscapes. Return to Gondar in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Gondar
Day 3 — Fly to Lalibela
Activities
Take a morning flight to Lalibela. After arrival, begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster (including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam).
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 4 — Lalibela Churches & Asheton Mariam
Activities
Continue exploring the Southeastern Cluster of churches (including Bet Gabriel-Rufael). In the afternoon, hike up to the Asheton Mariam Monastery for breathtaking views of Lalibela and the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela
Day 5 — Return to Addis Ababa
Activities
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute exploration or attend an early morning church service. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your Northern Ethiopia journey.