Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

King Lalibela is said to have seen Jerusalem and then attempted to build a New Jerusalem as his Capital in response to the capture of old Jerusalem by Muslims in 1187. As such, many features have Biblical names – even the town's river is known as the River Jordan. It remained the capital of Ethiopia from the late 12th century and into the 13th century. After arrival at Lalibela Airport, transfer to your reserved Hotel and check-in will be done. After having Lunch, in the afternoon, You will start visiting the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. This tour includes a visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danagel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women.

Yemrehana Krestos Church

Early in the Morning after attending a mass service in one of the churches of Lalibela. After having breakfast, About a 90-minute drive from the town of Lalibela and driving through totally magnificent scenery one finds a church that is built inside a cave. Yemrehanna Kristos dates back to 1100 to 1200 AD period in Ethiopia's history; the church predates about 80 years even the rock hewn churches of Lalibela itself. The steep walk up to Yemrehanna Kristos and the cave is quite rough on the old lungs because of the altitude, but stopping to get your breath back every few minutes or so and one is rewarded with a rather interesting find. Inside the cave, a beautiful church presents itself, built the traditional way (not like the churches of Lalibela) this church is laid out on a foundation of Africa Olive Wood. While the main structure is a combination of wooden and granite struts. Once inside the church, it is the wooden ceiling that is spellbinding - the attention to detail is extraordinary. The strangest part of the cave is the area where there are 3000's of mummified human bodies just lying behind a fence who come from Syria and Egypt to visit and rest in peace at the church. The small village where we will park our vehicle is a great spot to buy a cool drink, coffee or water! Drive back to Lalibela and in the afternoon... you will start visiting the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanuel, 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.