11 Days Historic Tour to The Ancient Churches of Tigray and Lalibela

After breakfast, drive to Hawzien. Stop and visit the churches of Abreha We Atsebeha, the finest semi-monoletic church built in the 10^th c. Then proceed to the Gheralta mountain churches and visit the twin churches of Mariam Korkor and Abune Daniel, impressive cross-shaped church known for its architectural features. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

On this day, continue discovering the churches of Gheralta Cluster. Visit the spectacular church of Abune Yemata Guh, sited within a cliff face, halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle. In the afternoon, visit the church of Mariam Papasiti. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

After breakfast, visit Abune Gebre Mikael Church, one of Gheralta’s finest churches, cruciform in design, is cut beautifully into a domelike rock. Its ceiling well decorated with cupolas is supported by carefully hewn eight columns and arches. Visit also the church of Tekele Haimanot of Gheralta. Then, drive to Adigrat. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

On this day, drive to the churches of Teka Tesfay Cluster. Visit the three churches namely; Petros we Pawlos, Mikael Melhaizenghi and Medhanialem Adi Kasho. Overnight in Hotel/Lodge.

Drive to the Monastery of Debre Damo, only allowed for med, a natural fortress, with 50m high cliffs lining most of the perimeter accessible only by climbing using leather rope. The cliff is the symbol of the legendary story which saint (Abune Aregawi) climbed by the help of serpent which commands to do so by god to the cliff of the mountain. Then proceed to Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple, a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. Also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to the ancient city of Axum through the historical battle field of Adwa Mountains. Overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, visit the archaeological and historical attractions in Axum; which include, The Archaeological Museum, Monolithic Steles, The Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. You also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the covenant. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. In the late afternoon, drive to the hilly monastery of Abune Pentaleon with a panoramic view over the city. Overnight in hotel

On this day, flight to the legendary and the framed of Ascetic Mountain town of Lalibela. Lalibela is famous for its rock hewn churches and these brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World. There are many rock churches in Lalibela some hidden in enormous caves. After check in to hotel, visit The First Group of Rock- hewn Churches. Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danagel and the twin church Bete Golgota- Debre Sina (Mika’el). Overnight in Hotel

In the morning, drive to north east of Lalibela to visit the church of Yimrehane Kirstos, built-up cave church in Axumite wood and stone construction. The church has become famous for the decoration of its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. In the afternoon, visit the Second Group of Churches of Bete Emanuel, Bete Mercurios, Bete Abba Libanos, Bete Lehem and Bete Gabriel-Rufa’el and Bete Giorgis, dedicated to the national saint of Ethiopia is isolated from the other two groups of churches. Overnight in Hotel

After breakfast, hiking (two hours) to the hilly for rock church of Asheton Mariam Monastery with beautiful mountain scenery passing through local villages. (Optional: Instead of hiking, it is possible to go by car or to take a mule ride.). Picnic lunch recommended. Late afternoon, free time to walk in the town to Lalibela. Overnight in Hotel

Morning, transfer in to airport to fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, you will have leisure and shopping time. In the evening, farewell traditional dinner in one of the best restaurants in Addis followed by folkloric dance of different Ethiopian nations. Then transfer to your destination. End of the trip.