Two Days Tigray Churches Trip
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
We arrange air-conditioned vehicles in excellent conditions, clean and commodious. Our guides are
professional.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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‘s Included
Hotel with Bed & Breakfast
All Entrance fees and licenses as per the program
Accommodation in Hawzien tourist class hotel
Comprehensive insurance, free mileage
Fuel, driver allowance
Air-conditioned vehicle
Government Tax
Local guide service as per the program
International and Domestic flights
Lunch and Dinner
Any alcoholic drinks
Laundry service
Any expense of Personal items like internet, fax, telephone
Services which are not mentioned in the above section
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Drive from Axum to Hawzien or from Mekele to Hawzien
Accommodations
Overnight at Vision Hotel
Monastery of Debre Damo
Drive from Axum to Hawzein via Adwa and Adigrat. For the Ethiopians, the town of Adwa holds huge significance. It was in the hills surrounding Adwa that the Emperor Menelik II inflicted the biggest defeat ever on a colonial army in Africa and saved Ethiopia from colonization. About 11km east of Adwa is the monastery of Abba Garima, said to have been founded by one of the nine saints in the 6th century. The monastery is known for its collection of religious artifacts including three illuminated gospels from the 10th century. Use the town as the base from which to visit Yeha or Debra Damo. Yeha is famous for its huge and remarkable temple. According to the 19th-century German scholar Heinrich Miller, the temple is thought to date back to about seven or eight hundred years before the birth of Christ. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. Beside the remarkable temple stands a church dedicated to Abba Aftse. Abba Aftse was one of the famous nine saints who came to Ethiopia in the 6th century from the eastern Roman Empire to teach the Gospel. The church, sharing the same compound with the temple is rectangular in shape. Proceed to Debre Damo monastery accessible only by rope and not allowed for women. Then continue driving to Adigrat for lunch at a local restaurant. Adigrat is the largest town in Tigray after Mekelle and is an important junction linking Ethiopia with Eritrea. Finally drive to Hawzen for overnight via Sinkata, situated 36km south of Adigrat. Adigrat is a quietly attractive village of stone houses with sandstone cliffs to the east offering stunning views of the Gheralta plains. You can use the town as the base from which to visit the rock-hewn churches at Gheralta
Abuna Yemata Guh-Maryam Korkor-Daniel Korkor.
Gheralta Rock
In one day you will visit three churches; Abuna Yemata Guh; Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor. All of which are very different in style but stunningly beautiful in their own way. Drive to Mekele To visit Abuna Yemata Guh, walking for about an hour to commence a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turns into a climb using footholds and handholds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint-hearted. The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left-hand side. At the entrance, there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock. Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free-standing pillars. Looking at it you could not help but wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground.
Options
Two Days Tigray Churches Trip
Pickup included
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best guide in Ethiopia : )
Navigator14958170471,
Jun 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you are looking for a tour guide in Northern Ethiopia, just go with Arre! I was introduced to Arre Tours by another tour company, but I am so grateful that I could go with them (I took other tours while traveling in Ethiopia, but Arre Tour was definitely the best among all). Arre is not just a regular guide; most responsible, professional, considerate, and super friendly! From the first sight, we (me and another solo traveler) knew Arre (and the driver) was nice person. You will know from his mood. During the tour, he was always caring about us, taking a lot of photos and videos without even asking (which was really helpful for solo travelers like me!), and taking us out to drink and have a nice conversation just like friends. He even invited us to a morning procession at a local church, which we didn't know about before, without charging extra. You can see he is not doing it for money, but just because of friendships. If I ever get a chance to go back to Ethiopia, I'll chose Arre Tours for sure. Thank you so much Arre and his company, for let us have one of the best experiences in our lives.
Unforgettable experience
fly1706,
May 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an absolute highlight of my trip to Ethiopia. Tigray region is stunning and hiking in its mountains was unforgettable. My guide was great - very knowledgeable, helpful and easy going. On first day we hiked to Abune Yemata which was an amazing adventure. The second day we visited Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches. Everything was well organized and the area is safe. I highly recommend.
Antique art research trip
mitsu2shig,
Oct 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I participated in a tour to see the church built around the 5th century. It was a very valuable experience. This tour company seems to care a lot about reviews and takes great care. It was a comfortable trip.
Two-day trip to the churches of Tigray.
Glancequick,
Feb 1, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Two amazing days in a spectacular valley taking a step back in time in unique rock-cut churches! Particular route, I do not think recommended to everyone because to climb it you also have to do a little climbing.... the show, however, pays off for all the effort made! I recommend you go with ETT because in my opinion having done another tour .. I had a great time! Thank you ETT.
unique!
zeld6555mh2019,
Nov 8, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To be part of this historical 2 days Tigray churches trip was so wonderful the people are so wonderful they have so amazing cultures and religious activities. The churches are so surprising the are so unique and beautiful I never seen any thing before it was just perfect.
2 days in Gheralta
Rosernoguera,
Oct 19, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great excursion to enjoy beautiful landscapes and churches decorated with frescoes. To climb Abuna Yemata the route is shorter but more intense. After climbing some stairs, there is a wall on which you have to climb, but some gentlemen tell you where to put your feet and hands in the holes in exchange for a tip. The road to Daniel and Mariam Korkor is longer but easier. Berhanu arranged our transport from Axum and Mekele and guided us. He's very nice and attentive. WhatsApp +251914861090 Gheralta Lodge is wonderful.
everything run great
JunasF,
Sep 27, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00really great journey. was accompanied with nice and friendly driver and great guides. absolutely recommended for having the trip with ETT.
Smooth and Worry Free Travel
martaatholy,
Jul 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Me and my wife are extremely pleased with our stay in Ethiopia. The hotels are perfect: always located in the city center, always nice little hotels like in Caravan hotel or Atse Yohannes with a warm welcome and people are very kind and professional. The guides are always on time and speak a perfect French. They know the history of their country very well and teach us thousands of things about the complex history of your country. They are passionate. Say “Thanks” to them. They are very kind, friendly, polite, courteous, endearing. It's so sad to leave them, in a few days they've become our friends. We also want to thank drivers. They drive calmly, the cars are always very clean and well on time. So kick back, relax and let ETT tours plan your trip.
JUST WONDERFUL
gabrshtravel12,
Jul 14, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00ETT has done an incredible job for us during our recent trip to Ethiopia. Everything on the trip was perfect. The schedule was planned, the vehicles was on a great shape, the drivers concentrated on the road every minute and drove exceptionally well, and the sights and activities were well chosen. Thanks ETT
From US$410.26
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Operated by Ethio Travel And Tours