Historical · Cultural
11-Day History & Culture with Easter in Lalibela
Good Friday in Lalibela, the castles of Gondar, then south to the Hamar and Karo of the Omo Valley.
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Season
- Easter (April or May)
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
10 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Two Ethiopias in one journey. Begin with the extraordinary Holy Week liturgy among the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the imperial city of Gondar, then fly south to Arba Minch and Jinka to spend time with the peoples of the Omo Valley around Turmi: markets, villages and, with luck, a Hamar ceremony.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia, the historic land of origins! Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in the heart of Addis Ababa. Enjoy a delicious dinner before settling in and resting after your journey. Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis, Addis Ababa.
Day 2
Addis Ababa City Tour
After breakfast, begin your Addis Ababa city tour with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, located inside the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie on the main campus of Addis Ababa University. Considered one of the finest museums in Africa, it offers fascinating insights into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, traditions, history, and heritage. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Addis Ababa’s most important religious landmarks, known for its unique architectural style, beautiful stained-glass windows, and historical significance. After a relaxed lunch, drive up to the Entoto Mountains, the highest point overlooking the capital, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Addis Ababa. Entoto is also an important historical site where Emperor Menelik II established his residence and built his palace. Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis, Addis Ababa.
Day 3
Addis Ababa – Lalibela: Good Friday in the “Second Jerusalem”
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s famous highland town and one of the country’s most important spiritual destinations. Upon arrival at Lalibela Airport, drive approximately 30 minutes to your hotel. After check-in and lunch at the lodge, begin your afternoon exploration of the incredible rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela is home to one of the world’s greatest architectural and religious wonders. These remarkable Ethiopian Orthodox Christian churches were carved directly into volcanic rock more than 900 years ago. Some are connected by fascinating underground passages and tunnels, with ancient hermit chambers, hidden spaces, and walls decorated with religious symbols and artwork. Begin your visit by exploring the first and third groups of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, discovering their extraordinary architecture, spiritual significance, and the remarkable craftsmanship of medieval Ethiopia. Overnight: Sora Lodge, Lalibela.
Day 4
Lalibela
After breakfast, continue your exploration of Lalibela with a visit to the second group of rock-hewn churches, including four remarkable churches such as Bete Amanuel, the only fully monolithic church in the southeastern cluster. Discover the unique architectural styles, religious significance, and ancient craftsmanship preserved within these sacred sites. After the church visit, explore the local Saturday Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of daily life, traditional trade, and local culture. Enjoy lunch at Kana Restaurant, followed by a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in the afternoon, where you can experience one of Ethiopia’s most cherished cultural traditions. Overnight: Sora Lodge, Lalibela.
Day 5
Lalibela – Gondar
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Gondar with Ethiopian Airlines. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and begin exploring the historic city of Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Visit the magnificent Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring impressive castles and palaces built by Ethiopian emperors. Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful churches, famous for its stunning frescoes and iconic ceiling decorated with angel faces. Later, visit Fasilides’ Bath Pool, a historic royal bathing site that remains an important place of celebration during the annual Timkat (Epiphany) festival. Often called the “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar is a city where royal history, architecture, and Ethiopian artistry come together in a truly remarkable way. Overnight: Gondar Hill Resort, Gondar.
Day 6
Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Gondar Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax and make use of the hotel facilities. You may also choose to explore Addis Ababa at your own pace, with opportunities for shopping, visiting local markets, or enjoying optional spa treatments. Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis, Addis Ababa.
Day 7
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Jinka
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch with Ethiopian Airlines. Upon arrival, meet your driver and begin your journey with a scenic drive to Lake Chamo. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you will visit the famous “Crocodile Market” and have the opportunity to see large crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife along the lakeshore. After the boat excursion, continue your drive south toward Jinka, passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Omo Valley. En route, stop in Weyto (market day: Sunday) and Key Afer (market day: Thursday), where you may experience the vibrant local markets and interactions among different communities. The total driving time today is approximately 5.5 hours. Overnight: Jinka Eco-Omo Lodge, Jinka.
Day 8
Jinka – Turmi
After breakfast, visit the Ari villages around Jinka to experience the daily life, traditions, and agricultural practices of the Ari people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the South Omo Valley. Continue your journey to Turmi, the home of the Hamer people, while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Along the way, stop at Dimeka Market (market days: Tuesday and Saturday), one of the most colorful and lively markets in the Omo Valley. Here, you can witness the vibrant exchange of goods and traditions among neighboring communities, including the Hamer, Benna, Karo, Tsemai, and Ari peoples. Continue to Turmi and settle into your lodge, surrounded by the unique landscapes and cultural richness of the Hamer region. Overnight: Paradise Lodge, Turmi.
Day 9
Turmi
Today, embark on a full-day excursion to visit the Karo people, one of the smallest ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. Depart from Turmi and travel to the Karo villages of Murulle, Kolcho, and Dus, located along the banks of the Omo River. The Karo are renowned for their unique cultural traditions, including elaborate body painting, decorative scarification, and ceremonial decorations. Spend time learning about their traditional lifestyle, customs, and artistic expressions while enjoying the spectacular scenery along the Omo River. As an optional excursion, visit the Dassanech villages near the Ethiopian-Kenyan border. To reach the community, cross the Omo River by local boat and experience the unique traditions and way of life of the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi in the evening. Overnight: Paradise Lodge, Turmi.
Day 10
Turmi – Jinka – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive from Turmi back to Jinka. Along the way, enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Omo Valley and have the opportunity to see the Banna boys, known for their traditional walking sticks and unique cultural practices. Upon arrival in Jinka, enjoy lunch at Giesha Gojo Restaurant before transferring to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax. You may choose to make use of the hotel facilities, go shopping, or enjoy an optional spa treatment. In the evening, celebrate the end of your Ethiopian adventure with a memorable farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, a special cultural buffet, local drinks, music, and traditional performances showcasing the country’s rich heritage. Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis, Addis Ababa.
Day 11
Departure
It is time to bid farewell to Ethiopia until your next adventure! After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy your final moments in Addis Ababa. You will be transferred to Bole International Airport in time for your flight back home, carrying unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s history, culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 10 nights of accommodation: 3 to 4 Star Hotels & Lodges
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Photography fees in Omo Valley villages (paid locally)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
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Runs Easter (April or May) · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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