Lalibela in 3 Days for Couples - UNESCO rock‑hewn churches of Lalibela (Northern & Southern clusters)
In Collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour . Updated on February 13, 2026.
Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the iconic Bet Giyorgis and intricate underground passageways. Discover the Yemrehanna Kristos Cave Church, an 11th-century Axumite-style sanctuary hidden in a mountain cave. A perfect journey for history lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure travelers.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour , inspired by the tour 3 Days Journey Through Lalibela and Yemrehanna Kristos Cave. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- UNESCO rock‑hewn churches of Lalibela (Northern & Southern clusters)
- Bete Giyorgis (St George) — iconic cross-shaped church
- Yemrehanna Kristos cave monastery — 11th-century Axumite style
- Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony included
- Guided transfers and domestic flight to Addis Ababa
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Lalibela, guided visit to the Northern cluster of rock‑hewn churches, check in to hotel and evening at leisure.
Arrival in Lalibela — meet & transfer
Meet your guide at Lalibela (airport or your hotel if already in town). Transfer to hotel for a brief rest and briefing about the next two days.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport or ID ready for the guide at arrival to speed up meeting and transfer arrangements.
- Confirm your Lalibela arrival time with the operator in advance so the driver meets you on time at the airport or hotel.
- Carry a light layer — mornings at the airport can be cool and mountain weather changes quickly.
Visit Northern Cluster — Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, Biete Golgotha & Selassie, Biete Debre Sina & Biete Mikael, Biete Giyorgis
Guided walking tour of the Northern rock‑hewn churches. The walk includes level changes and short stair sections as you move between carved churches and courtyards. Time includes a lunch/rest break during the visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable, non‑slip shoes and be prepared to remove them inside many churches — carry socks if preferred.
- Bring a lightweight shawl or scarf for modest covering inside religious sites and for changing temperature between sun and shade.
- Photography rules vary by church — always ask your guide before taking photos inside sanctuaries and respect congregational areas.
Afternoon rest / short free time
Return to hotel or rest at a nearby café. Time to relax before evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to confirm next day’s wake‑up and luggage arrangements with reception.
- Stay hydrated — bring a water bottle and refill from your supplied water.
- If you plan a sunset walk to Bete Giyorgis vantage points, check with your guide on the recommended short route and timing.
Overnight accommodation — Top Twelve Hotel (check‑in)
Check in and overnight at Top Twelve Hotel or similar in Lalibela (as listed in the activity).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm breakfast time at reception and any special requests (room location, quiet floor) at check‑in.
- Store passports and valuables in the in‑room safe or hotel safe; keep one copy of travel documents with you.
- Ask the front desk about an earlier wake‑up or packed breakfast if you have an early start the next day.
Day 2
Full day: southern Lalibela churches if included and a visit to Yemrehanna Kristos cave monastery (mountain site). Return to hotel in the evening.
Depart Lalibela for southern churches and transfer toward Yemrehanna Kristos
Early departure with guide toward the southern cluster and onward to Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery. Road transfer with short stops en route for photos and comfort breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm vehicle pick‑up time at reception the night before to avoid delays.
- Carry small local currency for roadside purchases or restroom stops.
- Expect unpaved or mountain roads near the monastery; store loose items securely in the vehicle.
Visit Yemrehanna Kristos Monastery (cave church)
Guided visit to Yemrehanna Kristos, the 11th‑century cave monastery built in Axumite style. The site sits in a mountain cave and requires a short uphill approach and some steps to access the church area.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes: the approach involves uneven paths and steps; avoid high heels or slippery soles.
- Dress respectfully — the monastery is an active religious site; men and women should avoid revealing clothing.
- Carry a small flashlight or use your phone light for some darker interior areas; follow the guide’s instructions inside the cave.
Lunch or mid‑day rest in Lalibela (short break)
Time for lunch (not included) and a short rest after the morning’s visits. Your guide will recommend local restaurants or a quiet spot to relax.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for restaurants with table seating and mild menu options if you prefer calmer dining atmosphere.
- If you have dietary restrictions, notify the guide ahead so they can recommend suitable local options.
- Keep snacks and water handy for the drive back to town if you prefer immediate refreshment after the monastery visit.
Return to hotel — Top Twelve Hotel (overnight)
Return to the hotel, check in if needed, and evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm pick‑up time for any morning airport transfer the next day and request a wake‑up call if needed.
- If you want a traditional coffee ceremony at the hotel, ask reception to arrange the included coffee/tea service.
- Charge devices and prepare small day pack for the transfer to the airport tomorrow morning.
Day 3
Early breakfast, flight to Addis Ababa. Optional short city tour in Addis if schedule permits, then transfer to departure point.
Early breakfast and transfer to Lalibela Airport
Early breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Lalibela Airport for domestic flight to Addis Ababa (domestic flight not included in the activity price).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm domestic flight time with the operator and reconfirm airport transfer time at reception the night before.
- Allow extra time for security and small‑aircraft boarding procedures at Lalibela Airport.
- Keep boarding documents and ID easily accessible in a small pouch for quick retrieval.
Arrive Addis Ababa — optional short city tour (time permitting)
Arrival in Addis Ababa. If time permits, a short guided visit can include the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or Merkato (time dependent). If time is tight, transfer directly to your departure point or hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Traffic in Addis Ababa can be heavy; plan visits conservatively and allow buffer time for airport transfers.
- Check opening hours of the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral in advance — they may vary by day.
- If you plan to visit Merkato, keep valuables secure and stick with your guide through crowded areas.
Farewell transfer / prepare for onward travel
Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or to your Addis hotel to prepare for departure. End of service.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm which drop‑off location you need (airport or hotel) and communicate this to the guide before leaving Lalibela.
- Allow at least 2 hours for international check‑in at Bole International Airport if you are connecting onward the same day.
- Collect all personal belongings and any receipts from the guide or driver before leaving the vehicle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Break, Hotel, Attraction, Meal |