Day 1: January 17: Flay to Lalibela visit Rock hewn churches of Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela and take the airport shuttle transfer to the
Town (40minute) and visit the rock hewn churches of Lalibela.Lalibela is most famous for its churches. Visit the 12-13th centuryRock hewn churches called the ̎Eighth wonder of the world ̋ which arestill active places of worship and host many major religiousCeremonies. The churches are carved out of solid rock, and each has unique architectural features. Take a wander through the tunnels andstairways linking the churches together.
After lunch will drive to the site where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopians most famous Rock Hewn churches, mostly referred by many as ʺthe living wonders of the worldʺ this churches are, they have been here for at list 900 years, an active christen shrine, the spiritual centre of the counters religious life. The monolithic churches where carved out of 2600-sq natural rock terrace in the twelve century AD by king lalibela.
BeteMedhanialem, the largest monolithic Rock hewn churches of the world, Magers 37.7 ft in Height, covers an area of almost 2625 Square ft and has walls that are up to 6 feet thick. A plain building supported by 36 pillars on the inside and anther 38 pillars around the outside. Bête Medhanialem modeled on the original st.Merryzion church build by king Ezana in 4th century at axum.
The Rock hewn churchs that we will visit today before lunch will be the first group of churches included: BeteMedhanialem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskel, BeteDenagl and BeteGolo gotaMichal .
Accommodation at: Top Twelve Hotel
Day 2: January 18: Asheten Mariam Moanstery & Ketera (eve of Timket)
After breakfast, Drive to visit the monastery church of Asheten Maryam (3150m). Ashten mariam monastery located 40-minute drive fromLalibela, enjoy the spectacular view starting you left the town, Ashetenmariam is the first church of king lalibela but Lalibela he didnt finished the church it was completed by his nephew and successor king Nakutelab. The church has ancient sculptures. After you visit the church walk to the near hill to enjoy the panoramic view of the area.
After visiting asheten mariam: trek more 1:30 hur or drive to return lalibela, Pass through different villages and crops on different plateaus. (it is possible to drive to Ashten mariam monastery 40munite)
Let in the afternoon, visit the most colorful religious celebration of the eve of Timket (Epiphany) which is held to memorize the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. All the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant will be accompanied by crowds of colorfully dressed Christians to a nearby water place. The priests and the deacons of the churches spend the night praying, singing religious songs and dancing.
Accommodation at: Top Tewlve Hotel
Day 3: January 19: Timket Celebration
Early in the morning at about 5:00, attend prayers and religious music with a fascinating priest dance; then have a quick breakfast and participate the celebration on which the replicas of Ark of the Covenant will be accompanied back to its respective churches with the same dancing and singing.
Accommodation at:Top Twelve Hotel
Day 4: January 20, Flay back addis
In the morning, after breakfast visit the nearby monastery of Naakuto Lab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa.