Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Addis Abeba to Axum-Yeha Hotel
A morning flight from Addis Ababa to Axum. This ancient city, with its half-buried ruins of palaces, monolithic Stelae, and subterranean tombs, is one of Ethiopia's most historic sites. Reputedly the capital of the Queen of Sheba, today Axum is the hub of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Park of the Obelisks where several colossal monoliths still stand together, marking the tombs of the Axumite royals.
Visit a historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek, and explore the tomb of King Basen, who ruled at the time of the birth of Christ. Also explore Gobadura, where Axum’s giant Stelae were quarried, and see the impressive relief drawing of a lion cut into a large boulder.
Axum is where the Ark of the Covenant of Biblical fame is reported to be hidden within the compound of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion. Visit new, and church built with the support of Haile Selassie, and the small outbuilding nearby that purportedly houses the renowned Ark. While in Axum you will be staying at the Yeha hotel-situation abouve the town, giving you a memorable view of the towering stelae below. The hotel also serves Western food for a main course.
Day 2: Axum to Lalibela - Jerusalem Guest House
Lalibela is a 'World Heritage Site' and there is every reason for it to be one. The 12th century rock-hewn churches have been dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. There are 1000 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it is exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale in the town of Lalibela. Seeing all of Lalibela's churches takes a long time, but they are well worth the effort, particularly during the Ethiopian Christmas (7th January) and Timkat celebrations (19th January). The first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem.
Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Bete Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches. While in Lalibela you'll be staying at the Jerusalem Guest House. This guest house is simple, new, and peaceful. The personal attention from the owner makes all the difference.
Day 3: Lalibela to Addis — Departure
Spend today exploring more of the rock-carved churches of the area. We will visit Yemrehane Christos 42km north of the town of Lalibela, a striking church sited within a black basalt rock cave built by King Yemrehane Christos (let Christ show the way) who ruled before King Lalibela in the 10th Century. In the afternoon we take a flight back to Addis Ababa.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $163.00
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ethiopia
Archeology/History
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