Explore the rock churches and landscapes of Tigray. You will base yourself at the wonderfully designed with the backdrop of the Gheralta Mountains providing a great view from your veranda. The rock churches in Tigray are built into the cliffs, with some even requiring some short rock climbing (all safe and supported by your guides) to access – the views from the top are amazing.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
CITY TOUR OF ADDIS ABABA
Being home for United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union (AU) Addis Ababa is referred as the capital of Africa. Addis is also the center of the country’s Economy, social and political activity. Depending on your arrival time a city tour will be arranged.
Addis Ababa sightseeing will include mount Entoto for the panoramic view of Addis Ababa ,National museum: home for the oldest and famous hominid fossil ‘Lucy’, Trinity cathedral church, Ethnographic museum the then palace of Emperor Hailesellase known as little Ethiopia and Merkato: the biggest open air market in East Africa. Along the way you will visit significant historical monument of Addis Ababa.
Day 2 :
FLY TO MEKELE AND DRIVE TO HAWZEN
Early Morning Fly to Mkele, after short break and refreshment precede to Hawuzen the center of the AtsbeClaster of Rock churches which include the rock churches of Michael Barka, Michael Imba, and DebreSelam Michael. This day you will visit Michael Imba and Debre Slam Michael.
Day 3 :
GEREALTA ROCK HEWN CHURCHES
After early breakfast drive to Gheralta cluster of churches. This day you will visit the most extra ordinary Churches of AbuneYemata and Mariam Korkor. Gheralta is home of a quarter of the rock churches, some of them are famous for their stone workmanship, ancient paintings and manuscripts, and others known for their magnificent view and difficult ascent.
Day 4 :
DRIVE TO MEKELE
Drive to Mekele en route visit Abrha we Atsbha, WukroCherkos and Al Negash one of the oldest mosque in Ethiopia Late afternoon easy time in Mekele Overnight Mekele
Day 5 :
FLY TO LALIBELA
Morning Fly to the Holly city of Lalibela on your arrival a brief check in to your Hotel and head to visit the mystical rock hewn churches of Lalibela . The small town of Lalibela in Ethiopia is home to one of the world’s most astounding sacred sites: eleven rock-hewn churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level.
Day 6 :
EXCURSION TO YIMRHANE KIRSTOS
After breakfast, we drive to YimrhaneKirstos through the small village of Bilbala. The built-up cave church of YimrhaneKirstos itself predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This is one of the most beautiful and colorful cave churches, built from marble, wood and beautifully decorated from inside and outside with remarkable architectural skill. In the other side of the cave, you will also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7 :
FLY BACK TO ADDIS ABABA AND DEPARTURE
Morning fly to Addis Ababa and Departure Home.
