+44 117 313 7070
enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk
Ethiopia Ancient Churches of Tigrai
£1,765.00
A focused 6-day journey into northern Ethiopia’s Tigrai region, built around the cliffside churches and monasteries of the Gheralta area, then finishing in the historic heartland of Axum. Expect short, scenic drives through dramatic rock country, paired with walks and climbs to some of Ethiopia’s most striking rock-hewn sanctuaries, including Abreha We Atsebeha and the famous Abune Yemata Guh. The final stretch shifts to Axum for the headline archaeological sites – the stelae field, royal tombs and the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion – tying the trip’s remote, lived-in spirituality to Ethiopia’s earliest imperial story.
Day 1: Mekele – Hawzien
Fly to Mekele, then drive into the Gheralta region towards Hawzien. En route, visit Wukro Cherkos Church and the Wukro Museum, then continue to Abreha We Atsebeha, one of the finest semi-monolithic churches in the north, carved directly into rock with impressive interior detail. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge.
Day 2: Hawzien
Explore the twin churches of Mariam Korkor and Abune Daniel, dramatically positioned and known for their cross-shaped design and layered stonework. Later, visit Mariam Berakit, a smaller site that adds contrast and context to the Gheralta church cluster. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge.
Day 3: Hawzien
Continue through the Gheralta churches with a visit to Abune Yemata Guh, the headline cliff church, set into a sheer rock face and reached via a memorable ascent. In the afternoon, visit Mariam Papasiti to round out the day with a different style of sanctuary and setting. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge.
Day 4: Hawzien – Adigrat
Visit Abune Gebre Mikael, one of Gheralta’s finest churches, with carefully hewn columns, arches and a distinctive domed rock interior, then continue to Tekle Haimanot of Gheralta. Drive onward to Adigrat. Overnight at Agoro Lodge.
Day 5: Adigrat – Axum
Drive to Axum via the Adwa Mountains region, then begin an Axum city tour covering the Archaeological Museum, the monolithic stelae field, the Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, the Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins linked to ancient royal history. Also visit the old and new Cathedrals of St Mary of Zion, traditionally associated with the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight at Atranos Hotel.
Day 6: Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa and transfer onward for your departure or next arrangements.
Included:
- Hotel accommodation in twin/double rooms
- Meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Unlimited bottled mineral water
- Ground transport by minibus with driver, fuel and driver allowance
- Entrance fees, village fees, local guides and scout fees
Excluded:
- Visa fee (USD 62)
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage porter fees at hotels and airport terminals
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Highlights
- Two nights in Hawzien, with short drives out to Tigrai’s cliff churches
- Painted rock church visit at Abreha We Atsebeha
- Cliff chapel climb in Gheralta to Abune Yemata Guh
- Second Gheralta church walk, often Mariam Korkor or Abune Daniel
- Finish in Axum for stelae and royal tombs
Ethiopia Information
