4 Days North – Axum & Lalibela by Air

Days

Time

City              (Departure)

Transportation

Activities

Meal

Boarding

1

05:00

07:00

Addis Abeba

Flight

Check in for a flight to Axum

Early in the morning, depart on a flight for Axum (07:00).  Upon arrival to Axum, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.  Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.  You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.  Men only are allowed to enter the old church.  Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. 

Lunch on your own

Overnight in Axum at

a)    Sabean International Hotel

b)    Remhai Hotel

c)     Africa Hotel.

2

08:00

11:00

Axum

Flight

Check in time for flight to Lalibella

Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela (11:00), the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites.  After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).   

Breakfast

Overnight in Lalibela at

a)    Maribela Hotel

b)    Lal Hotel

c)     Alief Paradise Hotel.

3

Lalibela

Drive

In the morning, take a trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos.  The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern.  After the visit, return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.  Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.  

Breakfast

Overnight in Lalibela at

a)    Maribela Hotel

b)    Lal Hotel

c)     Alief Paradise Hotel.

4

09:50

Lalibela

Flight

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff.  After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa (11:50).

End of Tour.