Ada L., Ireland · Sep 2026
Wonderful trip, long days
We loved the sites. Some days were long, so bring a good book for the drives.
Popular
Lalibela Weekend Escape
A short trip to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, with flights from Addis Ababa.
From USD 780 per person
Check datesOverview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Where
- Northern · Lalibela
- Travel style
- Small group or private
- Best season
- October to March
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Price
- USD 780 per person
For those short on time: three days centred on the churches of Lalibela, with a local guide and time to watch a service.
Flights from Addis Ababa keep the trip compact, so it works as a long weekend or as an add-on to a longer trip.
Highlights
- Both groups of rock-hewn churches
- Bete Giyorgis at sunset
- Time to attend a morning service
What is included
- Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A local English-speaking guide
- Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
What is not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Fly to LalibelaLalibela
A morning flight to Lalibela and a first visit to the northern group of churches in the afternoon.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Northern group of churches
Day 2 Churches and a morning serviceLalibela
An early start to watch worshippers arrive, then the eastern group and Bete Giyorgis, ending with sunset from a hilltop.
Activities
- Morning service
- Eastern group
- Bete Giyorgis
- Sunset viewpoint
Day 3 Hilltop monastery and return flightLalibela
A morning excursion to a nearby hilltop monastery before your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Activities
- Monastery visit
- Domestic flight
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
A look at the trip
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 12 years and over
- Group size
- 2 to 12 travellers
- Meeting point
- Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
- Accessibility
- Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sun protection
- A warm layer for cool evenings
- A small day pack
- A reusable water bottle
Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Flexible policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 14 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 7 to 13 days before departure | 50% refund |
| Fewer than 7 days before departure | No refund |
Reviews
What travellers say
4.7
★★★★★Based on 3 reviews
Omar H., France · Sep 2026
Clear from the first email
The itinerary and the price were exactly as described, and our questions were answered quickly.
Hana K., South Korea · Sep 2026
Every day had a reason to be there
We never felt rushed or lost, and the guide brought the history to life.
Reviews are read and approved by our team before they appear.
Questions
About this tour
Is one weekend enough?
For the main churches, yes. If you can spare a day more, we can add a monastery outing or a village walk.
You may also like
More journeys
Departs 24 Oct
Popular 9 days Historical
Lalibela
Historic Route: Lalibela, Gondar & Axum
Nine days through Ethiopia’s medieval and ancient capitals, with time to walk through the rock-hewn churches, castles and stelae at an easy pace.
Departs 27 Oct
7 days Historical
Gondar
Northern Highlights in a Week
Seven days linking Gondar, the Simien foothills and Lalibela for those with a little less time.
Length 14 days
Historical
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Grand Circuit
A private fourteen-day journey combining the north, the Rift Valley and the south, planned around your dates.
Ready for Ethiopia?
Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.