Rock Hewn Churches of Adadi Maryam, Tiya Stele & Melka Kunture
Overview
Available languages
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Booking this tour with Aman Ethiopia Tours and Travel offers a uniquely immersive journey through Ethiopia’s spiritual, archaeological, and prehistoric heritage, thoughtfully combined into one meaningful experience. The program connects three extraordinary sites across different eras, guided by knowledgeable local experts who provide deep historical and cultural context rather than surface-level sightseeing.
At Adadi Maryam Rock-Hewn Church, believed to date to the 12th century and commissioned by King Lalibela, travelers discover a sacred site
The experience continues at Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its decorated stone stelae from the 11th–13th centuries.
Finally, the journey reaches Melka Kunture, newly listed as a World Heritage Site in 2024, where visitors explore one of Africa’s most important Palaeolithic landscapes. What sets this tour apart is
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress code is formal
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Adadi Maryam
Adadi Mariam is a rock-hewn monolithic church located approximately 66 km southwest of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A popular tourist destination, the site is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Throughout its history the church has been damaged by both man-made and natural causes.
Tiya
Tiya is an archaeological site in central Ethiopia. It is located in the Gurage Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region south of Addis Ababa.
What‘s Included
Car with professional driver
Lunch Ethiopian Foods
Entrance fees
Ethiopian coffee and bottle of water
English speaking professional guide
Dinner
Any Alcohol Drinks
Video and photographing fees
Gratitude and personal expense
Pickup points
Bole Airport
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Options
Rock Hewn Churches of Adadi Maryam, Tiya Stele & Melka Kunture
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Richly informed, skillfully executed. Superb!
iansiwatt,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00With less than 12 hours notice Abe (guide) and Nico (driver) took us on an unforgettable 12 hours through Ethiopian farmland to the warrior steles, the Lalibela-era rock-hewn church, and with VIP passes to the very center of the Timket festival. They were caring and expert, warm and professional. Bravo!
Great tour
C9060DDlarsp,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day tour from Addis! Abe was a great tour guide—extremely knowledgeable about early human history and Ethiopian religious history. We learned so much!
Trip to Adaadi Maryam
kmbundu,Feb 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A tour with Aman’s group is the best way to experience Ethiopia. The guides are professional and on time. They carry the true spirit of Ethiopian hospitality and just make you feel like family. The driver is safe and we were jamming the whole way to Tiya and Adaadi Maryam!! Loved it!!
You will feel Ethiopian past!! Excellent Day Tour
Oscar P,Jan 21, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our fourth tour with Aman Tours and they didn´t dissapoint us. Adadi Maryam and Tiya are incredible places to visit. The road is a little dusty and bumpy but the destination deserves it. Be prepare, wear confortable shoes and an extra pair of socks could be useful (as you have to take out your shoes at the church). Bring some cash for tipping, a local guide will introduce you Tiya. Lunch was included at a really nice restaurant, an excellent plate of local food (veggie because it was fasting day). Ethiopian landscapes during the car travel are amazing!
Great day out!
Truls B,Apr 10, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I only had a one day stopover in Ethiopia and wanted to make a little more out of it, so I decided book a day trip to Tiya and Adadi Mariam. I had a great day out with guide Shasha and driver Sisik. The picked me up on time, knew a lot about the sites and had answers to all my quirky questions about history and current affairs. Since it was market day in Adadi (Sunday), we also spent some time looking around the market too, still we made it back to Addis in time. Thank you for a great day out!
Excellent Tour and Excellent Company
The Traveling Expat,Dec 29, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked this tour, and everything went as planned. The guide and driver arrived at my hotel on time, and they were both very helpful and knowledgeable about the sites. In addition, the guides were very friendly and always willing to help out in any way they could. This is probably one of the best companies that I have done tours with, and I highly recommend them. Everything was organized, professional, and could not have been better. Thank you so much!
From US$125.00
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Operated by Aman Ethiopia Tours And Travel Agent