Begin your journey with a full-day city tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, for an insightful introduction to Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. Continue to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, followed by a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and other prominent Ethiopian figures.

After breakfast, take a morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most sacred highland town. Spend the day exploring the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the mountains more than 900 years ago. These eleven medieval churches are connected by tunnels and passageways and feature extraordinary stone carvings, icon paintings, and deep spiritual symbolism. The complex includes Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world.

After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Flakit, where your trekking adventure begins. Enjoy lunch in Warkahye, then hike for about 3 hours to Mekuat Mariam, a remote cliffside church perched at an altitude of 2,820 meters. This scenic trail winds through traditional villages and terraced farmlands, offering sweeping views of the Meket Plateau. End your day at a community-run guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy authentic local hospitality and home-cooked meals.

Begin your day with a 3-hour trek to Meskel, a beautiful area known for birdwatching and sightings of Gelada baboons, Ethiopia’s endemic highland primate. After lunch, continue trekking for another 2.5 hours to Wajela, a tranquil village surrounded by Acacia groves and Eucalyptus trees. Spend the evening relaxing at the Wajela Community Guesthouse, a model of sustainable, community-based tourism in the region.

After breakfast, enjoy a short one-hour walk to meet your driver. From there, drive approximately 2 hours back to Lalibela. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure, perfect for reflecting on your journey, shopping for local crafts, or exploring the town further at your own pace.

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, depending on your flight schedule, attend a complimentary farewell dinner hosted by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours. Enjoy a buffet of traditional Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by live music and cultural dance performances. Conclude the evening with an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony before transferring to Bole International Airport for your international departure.