Arrival, Family Lunch, Rock-Hewn Churches & Sunset Hike

Lalibela - Upon arrival, the guide will greet you at Lalibela Airport and escort you to your hotel or guesthouse. After checking in and settling your luggage, you’ll receive a warm welcome into the guide’s family home for a genuine cultural experience.

Lunch & Cultural Experience

Savor a home-cooked traditional Ethiopian lunch, followed by a traditional coffee ceremony — a treasured aspect of Ethiopian hospitality. While enjoying your coffee or tea, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a few basic Amharic phrases, Ethiopia’s national language.

Lalibela - Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

Post-lunch, we’ll walk together to the northern group of rock-hewn churches, first stopping at the ticket office and the Lalibela Museum to gain historical and cultural insights. The churches open at 2:30 PM, providing the perfect chance to explore the magnificent northern complex, including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and the iconic St. George Church (Bete Giyorgis).

Scenic Sunset Hike

To conclude the day, we’ll embark on a short 10–20 minute hike up the mountain to enjoy a stunning sunset view, offering breathtaking panoramic scenery over Lalibela and the surrounding highlands.

Return to the family home for a home-cooked Ethiopian dinner, served with soft drinks or Habesha beer, before heading back to your guesthouse for rest.

Explore the Southern Group of Churches & Departure

Lalibela - Southern Group of Churches & Departure

Begin early — if time permits, we’ll attend a traditional Ethiopian Orthodox morning church service, experiencing local worship with sacred chants and vibrant faith.

Next, we visit the Southern Group of Rock-Hewn Churches, renowned for their intricate architecture and spiritual significance. This quieter cluster includes:

Bet Gabriel-Rufael

Bet Merkorios

Bet Amanuel

Bet Abba Libanos

This tranquil part of Lalibela invites reflection and offers stunning views as you hear the rich stories behind these sacred sites.

Finally, depending on your departure time, we’ll escort you back to your hotel to collect your bags and bid farewell. If you have a flight, we can assist with arranging your transfer to Lalibela Airport.

• 1-night accommodation in a local guesthouse with private room, en-suite bathroom, Wi-Fi, and breakfast
• Public transportation including bus, subway, and cable car
• Short scenic sunset hike with panoramic views
• Bottled water and traditional coffee & tea ceremony experience
• Lunch and dinner included
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• All entrance fees, local taxes, and government service charges

• Tips for guide and driver Personal expenses

This tour provides a profound and personal connection to Lalibela, not merely as a historic site, but as a vibrant community. Your guide, Tewabe, is a licensed local expert who was born and raised in Lalibela. He not only shows you the churches but also invites you into his family home.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch, participate in an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and learn Amharic words while sharing moments with local residents. This is not a typical group tour—it’s a cultural exchange and spiritual journey led by someone who truly understands the land, the legends, and the lifestyle.

What makes it truly special is the harmony between history, spirituality, culture, and nature. Attend a genuine church service, walk from the family house to the churches like a local, visit the Lalibela Museum, and conclude the day with a hike to a sunset viewpoint over the mountains.

This is a unique opportunity to experience Lalibela from the inside, not just as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest.

• Confirmation received at time of booking Not wheelchair accessible Vegetarian and vegan meal options available upon request Moderate walking and light hiking involved; comfortable shoes recommended Modest dress required for church visits (shoulders and knees covered) Private tour – only your group will participate Children must be accompanied by an adult Outdoor activities subject to weather conditions Alcohol served only to guests aged 18 and over

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.