Day 01 :
Departure from Addis Ababa
- Morning: Depart from Addis Ababa in the morning and visit Holy Trinity Cathedral to immerse yourself in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian culture and history. The cathedral is a significant spiritual site in Ethiopia and will give you a sense of the importance of Gena (Ethiopian Christmas).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch, sampling dishes like injera with doro wat (chicken stew) or shiro (chickpea stew). After lunch, prepare for your flight to Lalibela.
- Evening: Take a late afternoon or evening flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, which is about an hour's flight. Upon arrival in Lalibela, check in to your hotel and take the evening to relax or enjoy a quiet stroll through the town as preparations for the Christmas celebrations begin.
Day 02 :
Gena (Christmas) Celebrations in Lalibela
- Morning: Start the day with a traditional Ethiopian breakfast, perhaps including genfo (a porridge dish) and buna (coffee). Head out to explore Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, including the stunning Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis), which is carved entirely from a single block of stone.
- Afternoon: Take some time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Lalibela, especially if you have the opportunity to visit the Lalibela Market to purchase handmade crafts such as Ethiopian crosses or woven baskets. Engage with locals to learn about the deep spiritual significance of Gena, which is celebrated on January 7th.
- Evening: In the evening, attend the Christmas Eve midnight mass at one of Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches, such as Bete Medhane Alem or Bete Maryam. The service is a deeply spiritual experience, complete with Ethiopian Orthodox hymns, candles, and incense.
- Late Night: After the mass, join the midnight procession through Lalibela’s streets, as locals dressed in white robes sing hymns and walk from church to church, creating a beautiful and sacred atmosphere.
Day 03 :
Visit Biza Kulu & Return to Addis Ababa
- Morning: After an early breakfast, take a short trip to Biza Kulu, a lesser-known but stunningly beautiful area near Lalibela. Biza Kulu is known for its scenic landscapes and peaceful environment, offering visitors a glimpse into rural Ethiopian life. You can explore traditional homes, visit local farms, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Midday: After spending a couple of hours in Biza Kulu, return to Lalibela for lunch and enjoy some downtime before your flight.
- Afternoon: Fly back to Addis Ababa in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, you can explore any remaining sites you may have missed, such as the National Museum of Ethiopia, or enjoy a relaxing evening in one of the city’s top restaurants.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Addis Ababa, perhaps sampling kitfo (minced beef) or another Ethiopian delicacy, while reflecting on the unique and memorable Gena celebrations in Lalibela.