MESKEL (Finding of the True Cross) 3 days Tour

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

September 26: Yimrhanne Kirstos & Demera ( Eve of Meskel )

After breakfast we will Drive to Yimrhannekirstos,  Yimrhannekirsos located 2 Hour  drive from lalibela.  YemrehaneKirstoschurch  predates the Lalibela churches and was built using a completely different style of construction involving marble and wood. The church is built inside a cave. Pass through different villages and learn about local crops on different plateaus, spectacular scenery till your reach the church. Yimrhanne kirstos is 80 years older than churches of Lalibela and it was a big impact for the lalibela Church.

Let afternoon, we will attend Demera, the Eve of Meskel where the priest and deacons dressed in their colourful dress, singing and dancing march to a place near the churches to assemble the firework to be lit in the coming morning. The faithful , dressed in their dazzling white flock to this place most of them with a piece of firewood. Then goes the blessing, the chanting and dancing until the evening. It is a very colourful eve to be seen.

Accommodation at: Top Twelve Hotel.

 September 27: Meskel Festival &Asheten Mariam Monastery

In the morning, we will witness one of the most colourful festivals held in Ethiopia, the Meskel Festival at Lalibela. afternoon walk to the Meskel Square where you will bump into huge festival of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, Meskel festival commemorates the finding of the True cross on which Jesus Christ of Nazareth was crucified in Golgotha in the fourth century by Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine. The celebration of Meskel recognizes the presence of the true cross at the Mountain of Gishen Miriam monastery in Ethiopia, and also recognizes Empress Helena’s road to finding it. After a mass song and prayer there will be a big bon fire for the commemoration of the Meskel festival

After Lunch Drive to visit the monastery church of Asheten Maryam (3150m). Ashtenmariam 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.

Accommodation at: Top Tewlve  Hotel

September 28: Nakutelab Monastery, Flay back addis

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of NaakutoLaab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa.

The last day of your unforgettable visit to Ethiopia brings us back to Addis Ababa. A hotel room for day-use is available.

You can visit some of the sites that you wasn’t able to visit them from your first day or do Shopping.

We say goodbye Ethiopia with a visit to a cultural restaurant, enjoying the great Ethiopian food together with traditional music and dance from all over this fascinating country. After diner we take you to the airport for your flight back home.

Costing and conditions

Price $480 / per person 

Service included

• Accommodation
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• All Entrance fee
• English Speaking Local guide
• All Ground Transportation
• Airport in and out
• City transfer
• ceremonies fees
• Mule ride

Service not included

• International and domestic flight ticket
• Laundry services
• Tips personal
• All whatever not included under the list ‘‘service include’’.