3 Days Tigray churches and Axum tour

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ID: GYG769101-1236516
Category:
Country: Ethiopia

Duration: 3 days


Description

Explore the old city of Axum, hike to Abune Yemata and discover the old churches of Tigrai,
Day 1: Addis- Axum
Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept, over night Axum

Day 2: Axum- Hazien
Today after an early breakfast we drive to Gehralta cluster to visit the main three churches; we will leave from the hotel and visit the Tigray Churches of Abuna Yemata Guh; Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor. All of which are very different in style but stunningly beautiful in their own way.
To visit Abuna Yemata Guh, walking for about an hour to commence a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turn into a climb using foot holds and hand holds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint hearted. The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left hand side. At the entrance there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock. Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free standing pillars. Looking at it you could not help but wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground, over night hawzien.

Day 3: Hawzien- Mekelle( Addis)

We drive to wukro to the church of Wukro Chirkos the church is an Orthodox Tewahedo monolithic church located in northern Ethiopia, on the northern edge of the town of Wukro near the main highway. From the time members of the 1868 British Expedition to Abyssinia reported its existence until the early 20th century, it was the only rock-hewn church known to the outside world. Then drive to Mekelle to fly to Addis.



Highlights

  • Explore the ancient city of Axum
  • hike to the most stuning mountain church Abune Yemata
  • discover the old churches considered as cradle of civilization

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
INCLUDED
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When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.