Day Trip · Historical
Adadi Mariam & Tiya Day Trip
A rock-hewn church south of Addis Ababa and the UNESCO-listed carved stelae of Tiya.
- Duration
- Full Day
- Season
- Year-round
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
One full day, designed around the hours that matter
A fascinating day of history close to the capital. Visit Adadi Mariam, a semi-monolithic rock-hewn church traditionally attributed to King Lalibela, then continue to Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dozens of mysterious engraved stelae, returning to Addis Ababa in the evening.
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.
Full Day
Addis Ababa – Adadi Mariam – Tiya – Addis Ababa
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Addis Ababa in the morning and begin the journey south along the scenic Butajira Road. The first stop is Adadi Mariam, a remarkable 12th-century rock-hewn church believed to have connections with King Lalibela. Carved from volcanic rock and still used for worship today, the church offers a fascinating insight into Ethiopia’s ancient religious traditions and local culture. Continue to the Tiya Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mysterious carved stone stelae. More than 40 decorated stones stand here, featuring unique symbols and designs believed to be associated with ancient burial traditions. After exploring these historic sites, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Addis Ababa. You will arrive in the late afternoon and be transferred back to your hotel. A perfect day trip for travelers interested in Ethiopia’s ancient history, culture, and hidden treasures.
What Is Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Addis Ababa
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- Lunch included
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- Hotel accommodation
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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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
Make Adadi Mariam & Tiya Day Trip yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs Year-round · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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