Private Tour
Rock Churches of Lalibela Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures was carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
We meet and pick app all travelers at the Airport but transportation fee is not inculded.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lalibela
Fly from Addis to Lalibela, drive 30 minutes from the Airport to the hotel, lunch at hotel and in the afternoon explore Lalibela. The Rock-Hewn Ethiopian orthodox Christian churches of Lalibela are one of the eighth wonder of the World. It’s a collection of churches, some connected by fascinating internal channels, with hermit holes, where people lived and died. The connecting walls are full of religious symbols. You will start visit the World wonders of Lalibela rock hewn churches. The churches are classified in three groups. Began from the first and the third group of churches.
Lalibela
After breakfast, visit the second group churches of Lalibela which includes 4 churches. Bete Gabriel and Rufael, Bete Merkorious, Bete Amanuel and Bete Aba Libanos. After visiting the second group churches return to the hotel for check out and drive to the Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
What‘s Included
Experienced Guide
entrance fee
Pickup points
Lalibela Airport
Lalibela Ethiopia
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Geterge Lalibela Ethiopia
Top Twelve Hotel
Shemrima Kebele 01 Lalibela Ethiopia
Options
Rock Churches of Lalibela Guided Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour guide was the worst.
Maki M,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour itself was good. The Lalibela church was so wonderful. But the guide was the worst. When I told him I would be taking another tour of Lalibela Church, including hiking, he told me he knew other good churches and would take me there. He tried to cancel his GetYourGuide tour without permission, and sent a screenshot to the tour company that included a cancel button. I told them I wasn’t cancelling, but when I contacted the tour guide on WhatsApp, he said, “Cancelled already. Accepted, so if you want to join the tour, pay in cash.” Finally, we canceled the GetYourGuide tour.
Knowledgeable and Flexible Guide
B1903HCdannyc,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maereg was very knowledgeable and accommodating. He was flexible and worked with my schedule. He also knows all the best angles for great pics.
Maereg is wondering...
Hanna S,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Maereg is wondering guide. He gave us lots of information about every church we visited and also about local life. Tour went smoothly, as planned.
Excellently conducted tours by a professional and knowledgeable guide.
David C,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although Maereg did not personally act as our guide, I booked two tours in Lalibela through him - (I) a tour of the Rock Hewn Churches over 2 afternoons and (ii) a 12.5km round trip hike from the town to Asheton Maryam monastery (approximately 6 hours). I contacted him initially through email prior to our arrival in Ethiopia. He was responsive in addressing our requirements and transparent in terms of pricing the various components of our itinerary. On arrival in Lalibela, he met us at the hotel and arranged for a colleague, Ermiyas, to conduct our tour. We cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism of Ermiyas who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his role and fine tuned his delivery to match our interest level. Moreover, in terms of the steep ascent to the monastery. he maintained our motivation and provided the occasional assistance as required, as well as provided insight into Ethiopia. Both tours and guides are strongly recommended.
Amazing experience! Highly recommended!
Rita J,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommended experience with a highly knowledgeable local guide and beautiful UNESCO site. Initially, I was hesitant to book the tour due to safety concerns, but after checking with our guide, Maereg, I was reassured that the Lalibela town was safe. I felt completely safe throughout my visit and greatly appreciated how hospitable and kind the locals were. Lalibela was an incredible beautiful town and the churches were amazing. I am extremely grateful to Maereg and our driver, Gashaw, for making this an unforgettable trip!
Maereg! My brother 4L!
186ameerc,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the fortunate experience of having an intimate tour with Maereg. This brother is not only a great tour guide but a great human being. He even went as far as retrieving a jacket I had left behind on our way to my lodge. He is super knowledgeable of the churches and city of Lalibela as a whole. I highly recommend this tour and his services.
Churches, culture, charm and a fabulous guide
Coastal18169477951,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great visit over two days to see most of the monolithic churches on foot. They are a wonder and incredible to see and visit inside. There’s quite a lot of walking and removing of shoes to enter every church so wear sensible shoes. People were very friendly. We visited the local food market on the Wednesday to get a real insight into local life. The highlight of the trip was our visit to our guide, Maereg, to eat lunch with his family and understand the coffee roasting and preparing. The food was authentic Ethiopian snd was truly delicious.
Unforgettable
Francisco R,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Little disseminated but deserves to be known.We were lucky enough to visit the monolithic rock churches through the Essence Agency tours, and it was a fantastic tour going back 1200 years.Our guide Wondale gave us very important comments about the churches and the Marian Monastery. Really an unforgettable experience seeing that devotion of the people. We advise that Agency because the treatment was cordial and perfect.
Our guide Birhan in Lalibela
6dominiquee,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice visit in exceptional conditions and with the bonus of the Meskel festival , a big thank you to our guide Birhan Fentaw who explained everything and who accompanied us to the party , very pleasant and competent , we owe him much the success of this visit!
Maereg truly made my visit special
Algeriatours16,,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've just had two days one night trip in Lalibela with my phenomenal guide Maereg who provided me with a very informative and comfortable tour , I have learnt so much from him about different aspects of the churches, he really is a big professional and passionate about what he does , I can't recommend him highly enough I'm definitely coming again with more people next time
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Operated by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours