Private Tour
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
This unique 2 day tour is a guided tour of 11 monolithic churches carved out of rock in the 12th century. These churches in Lalibela were built as a New Jerusalem at time when Jerusalem was inaccessible.
Visitors will be picked up at the airport, dropped off at their hotel for lunch on their own then taken to the Northern group of churches followed by a museum visit.
The 2nd day begins with a 42 kilometer trip to the Yimrehane Krestos church built in a cave. This beautiful church built of wood and stone predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by eighty years. At the back of that cave can be seen some of the centuries old mumified remains of 5,500 pilgrims.
A village nearby is optional as the visitor returns to Lalibela for lunch at their hotel and the afternoon tour of the Southeastern cluster of churchs and Bet Giyorgis (St. George) constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia.
Pick up occurs the following morning after breakfast for transfer to the airport.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
You will be picked up at the airport and driven up the mountain to your hotel for drop off. After lunch you will be driven to the explore the northern group of churches after which the museum may be visited followed by a return to your hotel.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Our guide will accompany you through the Northern group of churches and get be you the background and history of the churches and art.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
After breakfast, you will be driven 42 kilometers to the church in a cave -- YirmrhanesKirstos. This built up church predates the rockhewn churches of Lalibela by about 80 years. In the rear of the cave are 5500 mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago. After returning for lunch at the hotel there is a tour of the Sourtheastern cluster of Lalibela churches followed by a visit to the cross shaped monolithic church St. George, constructed in honor of St. George, patron saint of Ethiopia.
Air-conditioned vehicle
$100 fee for rockhewn churches in Lalibela and museum $60 fee for Yemrehana Krestos Church
Meals, accomodations, gratuities
Tukul Village
Geterge Kebele 02, Lalibela Ethiopia
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Geterge Lalibela Ethiopia
Lalibela Apartments
Sheket Lalibela Ethiopia
Lal Hotel & Spa
Geterge Street, Kebelle 02 Lalibela Ethiopia
Lalibela Airport
Lalibela Ethiopia
Harbe Hotel
Getergie, kebele 02 Lalibela Ethiopia
Aman Hotel
Lalibela Ethiopia
Pickup included
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
O164HUbarbaral,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
An amazing place. Unique in many ways. Worth going there anytime, but Timket is best. Colourful, music and singing, the tradition, the history, the UNESCO class architecture. Plus the market and the little climbing to the monastery at 3000 m!
Explorer63265731286,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a very positive experience with our Ethiopian tour guide, Chris. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the history, culture, and traditions of his country. Throughout the tour he was well organized, patient with questions, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged. His explanations were clear and interesting, which made the experience both enjoyable and informative. I would definitely recommend him to anyone visiting Ethiopia.
wojciechp912,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was extraordinary experience - wonderful please with soul and additionally with profesional guide. Please really to worth to visit and have with you guide with will explain and respond on questions raised during this time spend there.






Z6009BZgeorgev,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris was a professional in what he did.He was always with us explaining, giving his knowledge and solving any problem
c dj2026,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris (+251911370672) doesn’t just recite facts; he tells the story of Lalibela. His explanations of the history, architecture, and significance of the churches were profound and easy to follow. He was incredibly open to our specific needs, he was always patient and accommodating. If you want to truly understand the magic of Ethiopia’s "New Jerusalem," Chris is the person to take you there. 10/10!
evelynkD2497QO,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had an amazing tour in Ethiopia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Everything was well organized, and I truly enjoyed learning about the history and local traditions. It was a memorable journey that I will always cherish. We had a great experience due to our tour guide. He was very professional, friendly, and made the whole journey through Ethiopia enjoyable and informative. His knowledge and passion really made a difference and turned the tour into a memorable experience.
450ziadm,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris was such a gentleman and professional. We had an excellent tour with a well knowledgeable guide who was super accommodating for our needs and requests.



kmilleparis,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris (also known as Lidetu) is an excellent English and French guide at LALIBELA. I recommend it in the Little Ethiopian Smart guide that I write for years you can trust the visit is of quality.
ChristinaP2127,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Before arriving in Lalibela, I met an Ethiopian guide who told me that one day would be enough to see the place. But that wasn’t true at all.



adelem826,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful time. Chris looked after us extremely well and this tour was every thing we expected and more. We have built wonderful memories and Ethiopia is a beautiful country that the Ethiopians can be proud of. The hospitality that we experienced was superb
Operated by Chris Lalibela Tours