Bahir Dar and Lalibela Tours

Bahir Dar and Lalibela Tours

This tailor-made Ethiopia holiday is a fascinating insight into this friendly and unique country. You’ll learn about its history, culture and religious life, see its dramatic architecture left behind by ancient civilizations, and explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• Explore impressive churches carved in rocks at Lalibela
• Walk to the top of the Water that Smokes at Bahir Dar

Itinerary

Day 1: Bahir Dar

Stop At: Lake Tana, Ground floor from Blue Nile Hotel, Bahir Dar 1000 Ethiopia
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: jacaranda hotel or similar

Day 2: Lalebela

Stop At: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Lalibela 1260 Ethiopia
This Morning is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches Lalibela, contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. and on the way back if time allows we will have an over stops in the souvenir shops and around the city center.

Lalibela Rock hewn church Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and best preserved.

In the afternoon to visit The Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia in the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century A.D. We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal-Rafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before becoming a church.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: top12 hotel or similar