Come and visit Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable spiritual and cultural centres. The town is renowned for its religious festivals, vibrant markets, and the extraordinary complex of 11 rock hewn churches, carved directly from the living rock and connected by tunnels and passageways. A typical visit might begin with an arrival in Lalibela, allowing time to explore the lively local market and visit several of the churches within this remarkable labyrinth. In the evening, you can experience the evocative chanting outside the churches, as priests and deacons prepare for major religious celebrations. An early morning visit on a festival day offers a powerful spectacle, as large crowds gather to witness religious ceremonies and processions, including the ceremonial display of tabots, sacred replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, which are central to Ethiopian Orthodox worship. Festival days are also an excellent time to explore the market, which is at its most animated. After the ceremonies conclude and the tabots are returned to the churches, you may choose to spend more time in the market or return to your hotel for brunch and some rest after the early start. The afternoon can be dedicated to visiting additional churches that were not explored earlier. On another morning, you may attend a church service featuring chanting and prayer at one of Lalibela’s lesser visited churches, offering a quieter and deeply atmospheric experience. Afternoons are ideal for continuing to explore the remaining churches at a relaxed pace, allowing time to appreciate their unique architectural details and spiritual character. One day can be set aside for a hike to Ashetan Mariam, a church built into a cave high above the town on the slopes of Mount Abuna Yoseph. The walk is rewarding, with magnificent views across the surrounding valleys. At lunchtime, we can arrange a meal with your guide’s family, including a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, followed by a relaxing afternoon. Many visitors enjoy spending time around the churches taking photographs, painting, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Lalibela invites unhurried exploration. On your final morning, you may choose to attend an early mass before returning to your hotel for a late breakfast, then transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Addis Ababa.