2 Day Tours to Lalibela

Explore Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches on a private 2-day tour from Addis Ababa, including flights, local transportation, and a guided visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

This is a 2-day, 1-night private flight tour departing from Addis Ababa to visit Lalibela churches. It is designed for solo travelers, couples, and small private groups seeking a time-efficient cultural heritage tour.

The itinerary includes round-trip domestic flights on Ethiopian Airlines and private ground airport hotel transfers.

You will explore all the 11 UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Church of Saint George, attend a traditional coffee ceremony, and meet local villagers.

Overnight accommodation is provided at the Top Twelve Hotel, with options for upgrades.

For any questions or details, contact us on WhatsApp

 "Edifices, the like of which—and so many—cannot be found anywhere else in the world."

Francisco Álvares, Portuguese priest and the first European to visit Lalibela, Ethiopia in the early 16th century.

Álvares' astonishment at Lalibela rock-churches architectural wonders led him to write:

"I weary of writing more about these buildings, because it seems to me that I shall not be believed if I write more… I swear by God, in Whose power I am, that all I have written is the truth."

For generations, thousands of travelers have marveled at these churches—now it’s your turn to experience and admire the rock-hewn wonders of Lalibela.

Explore the Timeless Majesty of Lalibela: A Two-Day Journey from Addis Ababa

Your Perfect Private Tour of the Legendary Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Discover the awe-inspiring rock churches of Lalibela on a meticulously crafted 2-day private tour from Addis Ababa by flight. Marvel at the architectural genius and spiritual grandeur of eleven monolithic churches, delve into local culture through village visits, and savor traditional Ethiopian experiences such as the coffee ceremony and honey wine tasting.

“Great intro to Addis Ababa and Lalibela”

Great introduction to Addis Ababa and Lalibela. We had an excellent guide in Addis - Biruk. Made my wife and my daughter feel very comfortable. In a short time (we had two days in Addis), we were able to see the best sites, and also got good local flavor. They also set up my side trip to Lalibela, and managed that well.

A new 5-star review on TrustPilot by Vitaly Glozman
On September 01, 2025

VISIT THE 11 ROCK CUT CHURCHES OF LALIBELA IN 2 DAYS BY FLIGHT FROM ADDIS ABABA

✹Private Tour ✹Flexible Schedule ✹Expert Guide

"Fantastic experience with Merit Ethiopian Tours in Lalibela"

"I did the 2-day Lalibela tour with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours, and I found it to be an exciting, well-organized tour.

Airport pick-up and drop off at both Addis and Lalibela were on time, with courteous drivers. The hotel at Lalibela was comfortable. The coffee ceremony was absolutely extraordinary.

The tour of the churches both on the first day and on the second were thrilling. The guide was knowledgeable and courteous. He answered all our questions and was a pleasure to be with.

Overall, I recommend Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours.

So much so, that my son did a one-day Addis tour with them after the Lalibela experience!"

Tripadvisor review: Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours

Review by: Monique Clesca on March 08, 2023

Please read more recent reviews below

Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours offers 2 days private guided tours to Lalibela rock churches.

DAY ❶ - ADDIS ABABA - LALIBELA
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET120, departing at 11:45 AM and arriving at 1:05 PM. Meet your guide at Lalibela Airport. Drive with private minivan to Lalibela town.

Visit six of the monolithic underground churches of Lalibela. Experience Ethiopian coffee culture and sample traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Spend the night at one of the best hotels in Lalibela. Overnight at the Top Twelve Hotel

NOTE: If you want to upgrade your accommodation in Lalibela, check out the best hotels in Lalibela. Then, contact us with your choice.

DAY ❷ - LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA
Visit the remaining five churches with a tour guide. Get a private transportation to Lalibela Airport. Fly back to Addis Ababa.

UNESCO designated these remarkable churches as World Heritage Sites in 1978. The Lalibela rock churches date back to the 12th and 13th centuries AD. All 11 churches of Lalibela are still active and continue to serve as places of worship. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are among the most notable tourist destinations in Ethiopia.

Update: To take this tour, you have the option of taking a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela with a stop in Gondar. Flight ET 122 (08:00–10:25) from Addis Ababa to Lalibela requires an early start and takes longer due to the stopover in Gondar. However, its advantage is that it allows you to have more time in Lalibela compared to the ET 120 (11:45–13:05) direct flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela.

On day two, fly ET 121 (13:35–14:50) from Lalibela to Addis Ababa.

Contact us on WhatsApp for your questions about tours to Lalibela. 

Lalibela (ላሊበላ) town located approximately 650 km north of Addis Ababa. Its former name was “Roha” (ሮሃ). It is famous for its amazing churches chiseled out of a single piece of rock. These rock-hewn churches were excavated by the famous Saint Lalibela (ቅዱስ ላሊበላ), also known as King Lalibela (ንጉስ ላሊበላ).

King Lalibela, who commissioned the foundation of the churches, ruled Ethiopia from 1181 to 1221. TThe name Roha (ሮሃ) changed to Lalibela after King Lalibela established these churches. He was one of the most prominent rulers of the Zagwe Dynasty.

Things to do in 2-days Lalibela tours from Addis Ababa:-

• Discover the eleven rock hewn churches of Lalibela
• Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Lasta Mountains 
• Attend a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
• Meet locals in their homes for an immersive Ethiopian cultural experience

Duration: 2 days, 1 night

Means of Travel: Flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and back - Bombardier DASH 8 (Q-400) aircraft

In Addis Ababa, for Hotel-Airport transfers, we use Toyota Corolla for 1 or 2 passengers.

In Lalibela, we use private Toyota Minibus for all groups (1 to 6 people). It is a comfortable 2017 Model Van with air-conditioning and seat belts.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Fly Addis Ababa – Lalibela

Take a private shuttle service from your hotel or place of stay to Addis Ababa Airport.  Board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 121, scheduled to depart at 11:45 and arrive at Lalibela at 13:05.

Note: An earlier flight, ET 122 (08:00–10:25), is also available, arriving in Lalibela at 10:25. This flight has a stopover in Gondar.

Check in to your hotel in Lalibela (Top Twelve Hotel or Sora Lodge). Have lunch in a local restaurant enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Then, take a walking tour in Lalibela to discover what makes these religious edifices some of the world's most remarkable architectural wonders. Learn why Ethiopians carve churches in the rock.

At Lalibela, visit the incredible hand carved rock churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site and 13th Century AD). This afternoon, you will visit seven rock churches of Lalibela. Start with the six churches of the “First Group”. Complete today's guided tour in Lalibela with visiting the “Third Group”.  The renowned cross-shaped Church of Saint George is the only rock church in this group.

The 11 churches of Lalibela are organized into three groups: the First Group, the Second Group, and the Third Group. A small stream, known as the "Jordan River," separates these three clusters of rock-hewn churches. Indeed, Lalibela's plan to carve these churches was to create a "New Jerusalem."

Note: - Women are advised to be fully dressed and to cover their hair when visiting the churches in Lalibela.

At the end of the day, attend a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Taste the Ethiopian honey wine known as “Tej”, for which Lalibela is most famous.

Overnight stay at the Top Twelve Hotel

The other top places to stay at Lalibela town are Mezena Resort & SPA (Lodge) and Mountain View Hotel. 

Day 2 – Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Start early to visit the four rock-hewn churches of the “Second Group” of Lalibela churches (the southern cluster). Traditionally, this second group of churches symbolizes the Heavenly Jerusalem, while the first group represents the Earthly Jerusalem. Together, the 11 churches form a symbolic “New Jerusalem” in Ethiopia.

According to architectural studies, with the exception of Bete Emanuel, the churches in this group are believed to have originally served as royal residences or courts. They were later consecrated as sacred religious sites. If you are lucky, attend an Ethiopian Orthodox Church service at one of the churches.

Interested visitors may pass through a 15 meters tunnel that connects the First Group to the Second Group. Locals believe that walking in the tunnel to the other end without using any light will guide one’s soul to heaven at the end of earthly life.

Then, drive to Lalibela Airport for your flight ET 121 (13:35–14:50) back to Addis Ababa. Along the way, take few minutes to stop at a local village. Experience the traditions and lifestyles of the Amhara people.

In Addis Ababa, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

The 2 days private tour in Lalibela from Addis Ababa is customizable. We tailor this trip to suit the amount of time you wish to spend exploring the churches and sites in Lalibela. Contact us to customize this trip to Lalibela.

Recent review about our two days private tour to the rock churches of Lalibela

“Excellent and well organized tours to Addis and Lalibela!”

My husband and I took the City tour, 2 day trip to Lalibela rock churches and a trip to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese bridge. All trips were well organized and comfortable. The guides, Biruk and Driver Sirak were very knowledgeable. And they always concerned about our comfort during both the city tour and monastery tour.

Our trip to Lalibela with tour guide Destaw was excellent. He gave clear and good explanations and was always concerned about our comfort.

Muluken agreed to change the itinerary to also visit Yemrehane Kirstos cave monastery 42 kms from Lalibela. And we thoroughly enjoyed this experience.

Review on TripAdvisor by Leela Dahal on Mar 19, 2023

“Amazing Lalibela Experience!”

We did the 2 day Lalibela tour which is not shown on trip advisor but you can email him about it. It was spectacular! Muluken was the most responsive from start to finish and took care of every step of the way.

In Lalibela we had an amazing guide, Abay, who is from there and took us to see all the hewn churches and we even got to see a holy day with hundreds of locals. We upgraded to Mezena Resort which I highly recommend!

This tour is definitely worth the trip and with Muluken’s help, you'll have everything well planned!

TripAdvisor review: Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours

On May 30, 2023 by Daniella

Common questions about Lalibela and quick answers

Where is Lalibela located and how to get there?

Lalibela (ላሊበላ) is a small town in the Amhara Region in northern Ethiopia, located 650 km north of Addis Ababa. The flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela takes approximately one hour.

What is Lalibela known for?

Lalibela (ላሊበላ) is frenowned for its spectacular churches, which are carved from a single piece of volcanic rock. There are 11 underground stone churches in Lalibela town which date back to the 13th century. Local worshipers and pilgrims use all of Lalibela's rock churches for regular religious services. The most famous of these churches is the Church of Saint George.

St. George Church (Bete Giorgis Lalibela) is world-renowned for its gorgeous cross-shaped architecture. Lalibela’s Saint George Church is an excellent example of a monolithic rock-church. It is entirely sculpted out of the ground.

The Church of Saint George is detached from the surrounding rock by a wide trench. All parts of the church—the doors, windows, domes, pillars, and more were chiseled out a natural rock by hand. Bet Giorgis (House of Saint George) Church is formed out of a single large block of stone.

Who carved the churches of Lalibela?
Lalibela churches were not built. They were carved out of a single piece of rock during medieval times. These rock-hewn churches were chiseled out of massive rocks by Ethiopian people known as the AGEW.

The Ethiopian Dynasty during which these churches of Lalibela were carved in is the ZAGWE DYNASTY. ‘Zagwe’ refers to the Agew people or related to the Agew (Agow) people. King Lalibela was one of the four kings of the Z’agwe Dynasty.

How old are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia?

The underground rock-hewn churches of Lalibela were carved by order of the Ethiopian King-Saint - Lalibela, who reigned from 1181 to 1221. That means these remarkable churches are more than 800 years old.

When is the best time to visit the Lalibela churches?

The optimal time to experience these UNESCO World Heritage sites is in January. Visiting the Lalibela churches on January 6th and 7th offers a unique experience.

January 6th and 7th coincide with Ethiopian Christmas, known as "Genna," which is celebrated vibrantly in Lalibela. During your tour of Lalibela, you will experience lively religious ceremonies, a central element of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.

Timket, or the Ethiopian Epiphany, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus, is also a profoundly important celebration. In Lalibela, on January 18th and 19th, the festival brings the rock-hewn churches to life with colorful processions and sacred rituals.

Read our comprehensive guide to this important Ethiopian religious event: Epiphany in Ethiopia — Timket Religious Festival in Lalibela

So, January marks the peak tourist season for Lalibela churches. Expect larger crowds, and therefore, early planning for your Lalibela tour package is strongly recommended.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Lalibela?

To fully experience the 11 UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches, you should spend at least two days in Lalibela. While it is possible to see the main town churches in a single day, a longer stay allows you to explore fascinating historical sites located just outside the town.

Lalibela Visit Options

1 Day (The Essentials): Enough time to visit the 11 monolithic structures within the town, including the iconic, cross-shaped Church of Saint George (Bete Giorgis).

2 Days (Most Efficient): This is the ideal time frame for travelers taking a flight tour from Addis Ababa. It covers all the 12th-century churches at a comfortable pace and allows time for local cultural interactions and a traditional coffee ceremony.

3 Days (The Complete Experience): Recommended for those who want to see everything. This includes the 11 town churches plus full-day trips to surrounding sites, such as the Asheton Maryam monastery or the Yemrehanna Kristos church.

Pro-Tip for Travelers
If you are coming from Addis Ababa, Merit’s 2-day flight tour to Lalibela is the most time-efficient way to see these magnificent structures without feeling rushed.

What are other interesting places to visit around Lalibela?

If you have more time, don't miss Yemrehane Kirstos Cave Built up Church. Yemrehane Kirstos is 42 km from Lalibela. It is a famous pilgrimage site around Lalibela. It dates back to the 11th Century AD.

Asheton Mariam (Asheton Maryam Monastery) is another exciting place to visit with a day trip from Lalibela. Asheton Mariam is a semi-monolithic rock church from the 13th Century AD. The view from the top of the hill at Asheton Maryam is fantastic. It is more fun if you take a mule back ride from Lalibela to Asheton Mariam Monastery.

Ne'akuto Le'ab Monastery is the nearest attraction to visit with a day tour from Lalibela. You can extend your 2-days tour to Lalibela from Addis in exploring other rock-hewn churches near Lalibela. Genete Mariam and Arbatu Ensessa rock churches are worth-visiting sites around Lalibela, Ethiopia.

If you are interested in some trekking activities, you can take a day out from Lalibela to Mount Abune Yosef. Drive about 60km and trek to the peak of Abune Yosef Mountain. With an elevation of 4,260 meters (13,980 feet), Abune Yoseph is one of the highest peaks in Ethiopia.

If you have some extra days available, consider exploring the nearby attractions. The Simien Mountains National Park and the Danakil Depression are highly recommended for their breathtaking landscapes and unique geological features.

How to organize best Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa?

The best way to visit Lalibela churches from Addis Ababa is by using the domestic flights of the Ethiopian Airlines.

We customize this two-day private tour from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. We organize it to suit the time visitors want to spend in and around Lalibela. Let us combine this tour using other means of travel. We revise tour prices considering visitors' requests.

Every year in January, pilgrims and worshipers flock to Lalibela.  On January 6th and 7th, the Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) is very colorful at Lalibela.

What's so unique about the rock cut churches of Lalibela? What makes Lalibela rock-hewn churches special?

Lalibela of northern Ethiopia is world-famous for its ancient rock churches. Here are some of the reasons Lalibela rock churches are special and unique.

• All the rock churches in Lalibela were hand-carved from one solid piece of stone.
• Out of over 200 rock cut Ethiopian churches, the Lalibela churches are the best in architectural features.
• In Lalibela, regular church services of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians were and are still held in rock churches.
• Bete Medhane Alem the biggest monolithic underground rock church in the world. It measures 11.5 meters in height and covering an area of about 800 square meters.
• Each of the rock churches at Lalibela has a unique design and architectural style.
• The churches at Lalibela were not carved into the sides of cliffs, but were dug into the ground and detached from the mother rock by trenches.
• Among the most important pilgrimage destinations in Ethiopia are the churches of Lalibela. Pilgrims and worshippers flock to Lalibela for the Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) held on January 6th and 7th every year.
• Ethiopia's most popular tourist destination is the rock churches at Lalibela.
• UNESCO has registered 13 sites in Ethiopia as World Heritage Sites – the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa. From the Ethiopian Heritages, Lalibela rock cut churches were the first to be designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO (1978).
• Bete Giorgis church (or Church of Saint George) at Lalibela has a design of a Greek cross.
• Carving of all the 11 rock churches of Lalibela took only 23 years (late 12th and early 13th Century AD).

Explore Lalibela's Wonders! WhatsApp Us for Details!

What are the 11 rock churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia?

Lalibela's eleven rock churches belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christianity. All the 11 churches in the northern Ethiopian town of Lalibela are carved in natural rock.

These religious and historical landmarks shine not only Ethiopia’s, but African history. Their architecture sophistication is other-worldly. Lalibela churches are of course among the top pilgrimage destination and religious tourism in Africa.

The names of 11 rock churches in Lalibela, as well as their meanings, are listed here. The table also lists the unique characteristics of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, as well as which group they belong to.

List of Lalibela rock churches

No	Name of rock church	Name meaning (Dedication)	Special Feature of the rock church	Group the rock church belongs to
1	Bete Medhane Alem (ቤተ መድሃኔ ዓለም)	House of the Savior of the World	☀ World’s biggest monolithic rock church ☀ Surrounded with external pillars	Group 1
2	Bete Maryam ( ቤተ ማርያም)	House of Saint Mary	☀ The first rock church carved in Lalibela ☀ Decorated with 15th Century Paintings (frescoes)	Group 1
3	Bete Meskel (ቤተ መስቀል)	House of the Cross	Semi-monolithic rock church with only the front side detached from the main rock	Group 1
4	Bete Denagel (ቤተ ደናግል)	House of Virgins		Group 1
5	Bete Golgotha (ቤተ ሚካኤል)	House of Golgotha Mikael	☀ It is a twin rock church (two churches in one building) ☀ The tomb of Lalibela is found at Bete Golgotha.	Group 1
6	Bete Gabriel-Rafael (ቤተ ገብርኤል ሩፋኤል)	House of Gabriel Raphael	It was not originally carved for church purpose. It was probably a palace or prison.	Group 2
7	Bete Amanuel (ቤተ አማኑኤል)	House of Emmanuel	The only truly monolithic church from the second group, and artistically refined.	Group 2
8	Bete Lehem (ቤተ ልሄም)	House of Holy Bread	It is not used as a church now.	Group 2
9	Bete Mercoreos (ቤተ መርቆሬዎስ)	House of St. Mercoreos		Group 2
10	Bete Abba Libanos (ቤተ አባ ሊባኖስ)	House of Abbot Libanos	☀ It is unique that only its roof is connected with the living rock ☀ It is believed to be carved by the wife of King Lalibela (Meskel Kibra).	Group 2
11	Bete Giorgis (ቤተ ጊዮርጊስ)	House of St. George	☀ The most famous rock church of Lalibela ☀ Unique for its cross shaped architecture ☀ The last church carved by King Lalibela	Group 3

Note – Lalibela rock churches are clustered into three groups – Group 1 (The Northern Group), Group 2 (The Eastern Group), and Group 3 (The Western Group).

FURTHER INFORMATION - If you are planning your travels to Lalibela by yourself, read this helpful Travel Guide to Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches.

Please, check other two day trips from Addis Ababa with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours. If you have other expectations and questions, we customize our tours to suit you. Contact us and plan your tour in Ethiopia with us including this two-days tour to Lalibela churches from Addis Ababa.

Have you booked a tour with Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours? Would you recommend our tours in Addis Ababa or Lalibela to a friend or family member? Please share your feedback on TripAdvisor using the following link. Thank you!

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