Lalibela and Gondar: Two great UNESCO World Heritage sites The same tour in the reverse order - Gondar to Lalibela

Explore two great UNESCO World Heritage sites - Lalibela, a mountain village, the Eighth Wonder of the World with amazing rock-hewn churches - Gondar, with its extraordinary ancient Castle Compound.
** Please note: This tour can be done in either order - Lalibela to Gondar OR Gondar to Lalibela

This wonderful two-centre tour lets you experience two of the great UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ethiopia.

It starts in the mountain town of Lalibela which, many centuries ago, was the seat of power in Ethiopia, ruled over by priest/king Lalibela and where, in the late 12th century, were carved out the truly remarkable eleven rock-hewn churches.

The tour then moves through wonderful countryside to Gondar, another previous capital of Ethiopia, that received many visitors from Europe at the time of its height in the 17th century, where the central Castle Compound gives evidence of great ruling power.

Day one
Most guests arrive from Addis Ababa by plane. This tour is completely flexible to your arrival time, probably meaning an early lunch on arrival followed by the first visit to the unbelievable Lalibela churches. Your hand-picked local guide will give you the finest experience in this extraordinary place. Late afternoon, after checking into your welcoming hotel, you'll be taken to one of the most unusual restaurants you've ever witnessed, amid dramatic mountain scenery. You'll enjoy an excellent dinner, perhaps seated round a glowing bonfire as the sun sets in a dramatic way.

Day two
The morning is spent back in the rock-hewn churches with the same superlative guide before an early lunch and a start to your truly picturesque road trip through the ever-changing countryside. You'll break for Ethiopian coffee when required and also for a short guided visit to the unusual weaving community of Awra Amba where men and women share all the essential tasks of life and where religious belief is completely at the individual's choice. They will show you their weaving workshops and their school. After driving up through more dramatic scenery, your arrival in Gondar sees a quick check in at a fine hotel before dinner at another special restaurant. There might well be some fabulous Ethiopian dancing too!

Day three
Today you have a full but flexible day of exploration of this historic city, with an expert local guide to show you round the ancient Castle Compound and give you a vivid insight into the past glories of this 17th century stronghold. Then, after a good lunch and some relaxation, you'll move to perhaps the most famous church in Ethiopia, Debre Birhan Selassie, whose interior is totally covered in ancient paintings showing the bible stories. Here again you'll have a very knowledgeable guide to explain everything. It's amazing! The day ends with another really good dinner experience and a peaceful night. The tour is over.

Your accompanying guide will be happy to help you arrange your onward travel for the following day and perhaps book some carefully chosen accommodation for you in your next town.

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.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.