From Addis 4 Days Lalibela Christmas tour.

  • 0
ID: GYG1096481-1684634
Category:
Country: Ethiopia

Duration: 7 days


Description

Experience Ethiopia’s most sacred celebrations in an unforgettable cultural journey. Witness the mystical Christmas Eve vigil and Genna festivities among thousands of white-robed pilgrims in Lalibela
Day 1 – Jan 6: Christmas Eve in Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, visit the first group of rock-hewn churches including St. George’s. Evening Christmas Eve vigil with prayers, chanting, and torchlight ceremonies. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 2 – Jan 7: Genna (Ethiopian Christmas Day)
Attend Midnight Mass, priestly processions, blessings, and the traditional Genna game. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 3 – Jan 8: Yemrehanna Kristos & Second Group of Churches
Morning visit to Yemrehanna Kristos Cave Church, afternoon tour of the second group of churches. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 4 – Jan 9: Lalibela → Addis Ababa
Coffee ceremony, then fly back to Addis. Short city tour or departure. Optional extension to Gondar for Timket Festival.

Highlights

  • Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including St. George’s Church
  • Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with live music and folk dances
  • Christmas celebration in lalibela churches
  • explore lalibela local market

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Festivals & Crowds

Meskel, Genna, and Timket draw tens of thousands of pilgrims—expect large gatherings, processions, and busy sites.

Arrive early at celebration grounds (Meskel Square, Lalibela churches, Fasilides’ Bath) for the best viewing.

Dress Code

Modest clothing is recommended, especially at churches and religious festivals.

Light, white cotton scarves (netela/shamma) are commonly worn and help you blend in respectfully.

Shoes & Comfort

Comfortable walking shoes are essential—many sites have uneven stone paths or require walking barefoot inside churches.

Altitude & Climate

Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar are high-altitude cities (2,200–2,600m). Take it slow, stay hydrated, and allow time to acclimatize.

Pack layers—days are warm, evenings can be chilly.

Health & Safety

Bring personal medication, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Only drink bottled or boiled water.

Crowded festival sites can be overwhelming—keep belongings secure.
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), you will be greeted by our tour representative at the arrivals hall, immediately after clearing customs and collecting your luggage. Look for a representative holding a sign with your name or the tour company logo. The representative will assist you with airport formalities, answer any immediate questions, and guide you to your private transfer vehicle. From there, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel in Addis Ababa to begin your tour.
INCLUDED
  • Accommodation Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
  • Guided tours
  • Festival participation
  • Traditional Ethiopian dinner
  • professional English tour Guide
  • Government tax
  • All churches entrance fee and festival permit
  • Airport pick and drop off
  • Hotel pick and drop off
  • photography and video fee
  • bottle of water
  • coffee and Tea
NOT INCLUDED
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.