Day 1 : Arrival
Arrive into Beirut Airport where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative. Transfer to hotel in Beirut for overnight.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: n/a
9 days
Ask us for pricing
This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro
Lebanon offers iconic sites - Baalbek's Roman masterpieces, the remarkable histories and remains of Byblos, Sidon and Tyre, the cavernous Jeita Grotto and the urban cool of Beirut. But it offers so much more. This tours combines these highlights with some lesser visited but equally charming spots in Lebanon.
Ascend 1500-metres into the mountains to find the ruins of Faqra’s Roman temple, explore the countless historical sites, hidden souks and 14th-century mosques of Tripoli, and take in the astounding natural beauty of the Baatara Sinkhole, 160-million years in the making.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Beirut's beguiling mix of antiquity and modernity
- The stunning cave complex of Jeita Grotto
- Visit Faqra's Roman temple remains 1500-metres above sea level
- Baalbek, vast Roman complex
- Sample fine wines at the Ksara winery
- Byblos, birthplace of the alphabet
- Explore Tripoli's many 14th-century historical sites
- Ancient cities of Sidon and Tyre
- Maronite and Greek Orthodox churces in Batroun
- Flora and fauna in Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
Places Visited
Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Faqra - Baalbek - Ksara Winery - Aanjar - Byblos - Tripoli - Sidon - Tyre - Qadisha Valley - Batroun - Baatara sinkhole - Deir el Qamar - Beiteddine - Barouk - Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
What's Included
Arrival & departure transfersGround transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites
Day 2 : Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Faqra - Beirut
After breakfast, start your sightseeing in Beirut. Visit the Pigeons Rock, the Coastal Avenue, then the city centre where you will find one of the largest reconstruction projects in the world taking place and visit the National Museum. Afterwards, proceed to visit the Jeita Grotto, a beautiful natural wonder, and one of the best caverns in the Middle East. Transfer by cable car to the caverns, which consist of two parts, lower & upper galleries. The lower ones are visited by boat, while the upper caverns on foot. Drive up the mountain to reach Faqra. At about 1500-metres above the sea level stands a Roman temple that is in very good condition. Return to Beirut.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
Beirut's history goes back more than 5,000 years. Its antiquity is indicated by its name, derived from the Canaanite be'erot ("wells"). These wells refer to an underground water table still tapped by the local inhabitants. Historically occupied by the Romans, the Crusaders and the Ottomans, among other ruling dynasties, Beirut’s art and architecture is layered with multiple and diverse influences. Lying at an historical crossroads, excavations in Beirut’s downtown area have unearthed layers of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader and Ottoman remains. The first historical reference to Beirut dates from the 14th century BC, when it is mentioned in the cuneiform tablets of the Amarna letters, three letters that Ammunira of Biruta (Beirut) sent to the pharaoh of Egypt. Biruta is also referenced in the letters from Rib-Hadda, king of Byblos. The city was known in the Roman period as Berytus. Weaknesses in Roman Byzantine rule did not go unnoticed by the emergent Ummayad Arabs to the south, who in the 8th century ruled from Damascus. In 1110 the coast, including Beirut, fell to the Crusaders. In 1291 it was conquered by the Mamlukes. Ottoman rule began in 1516 and lasted for 400 years until the defeat of the Turks in World War I. The French Mandate Period followed and in 1943 Lebanon gained its independence. Beirut's history of dynastic successions is quite remarkable. Set between the Mediterranean and dramatic mountains rising up in the background, modern, secular Beirut is also one of the Middle East’s liveliest cities.
Jeita Grotto is a system of caves that has been sculpted by water over thousands of years. Discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson, an American missionary, the caves provide a tunnel - or escape route - for an underground river, which is the principal source of the Nar el-Kalb (Dog River). The lower galleries, discovered in 1836 and opened to the public in 1958, are visited by boat. The upper galleries, opened in January 1969, can be explored on foot.
The ruins of Faqra are 1600 meters above sea level and they extend over a small plane that towers over a deep valley where water of Nabaa el Aasal and Nabaa el Laban flow. The site is distinguished for its fascinating natural beauty and for the rocks made of dolomite which form a forest that is carved in a natural manner.
Jeita Grotto is a system of caves that has been sculpted by water over thousands of years. Discovered in 1836 by Reverend William Thomson, an American missionary, the caves provide a tunnel - or escape route - for an underground river, which is the principal source of the Nar el-Kalb (Dog River). The lower galleries, discovered in 1836 and opened to the public in 1958, are visited by boat. The upper galleries, opened in January 1969, can be explored on foot.
The ruins of Faqra are 1600 meters above sea level and they extend over a small plane that towers over a deep valley where water of Nabaa el Aasal and Nabaa el Laban flow. The site is distinguished for its fascinating natural beauty and for the rocks made of dolomite which form a forest that is carved in a natural manner.
Day 3 : Baalbek - Ksara - Beirut
After breakfast, depart to visit the Beqaa Valley to reach one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, the ruins of Baalbek, Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure, counted amongst one of the wonders of the ancient world. The site includes the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus, with the remarkable Great Court and the Hexagonal Forecourt. Continue to Ksara winery for a taste of fine Lebanese wine and see how it is produced. Afterwards, visit the historical Omayyad site in Aanjar. In ancient times, it was an important commercial site due to its strategic location in Bekaa. Return to Beirut.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
For centuries the temples of Baalbek (a.k.a the “Sun City”) lay under metres of rubble, obscured by medieval fortifications. Excavation and restoration work began in 1898 and has since been recognized as hugely important in understanding the style of Imperial architecture within broader Roman history. Seen from this angle, Baalbek is probably the most important Roman site in the whole of the Middle East. Baalbek's temples were built on an ancient tell that dates back at least to the end of the third millennium B.C. Construction of the temple began in the last quarter of the 1st century B.C., and was finished by the 3rd century AD. The temples were closed in 313 AD when Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion.
Lebanese wine tradition dates back 5,000 years, when the ancient inhabitants of Lebanon, the Phoenicians, first began tending vineyards. The Phoenicians exported wine to ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and Carthage, introducing the world to viticulture and oenology. Lebanon is also said to be the place where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine. Originally started in 1857, Ksara winery has blossomed in recent years, producing some excellent vintages. Over the past decade, Ksara has seen the introduction of new grape varieties that have grown into vines nurtured by the Bekaa Valley. Ksara has also seen developments in technique such as vines cultivation on wires and the attentive application of advanced science by French oenologists, who watch over the vinification, fermentation and decanting processes.
Founded during the Umayyad period under Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705-715), the city of Aanjar was an inland commercial centre, at the crossroads of two important routes: one between Beirut and Damascus and the other crossing the Bekaa and leading from Homs to Tiberiade. Only discovered by archaeologists at the end of the 1940s, excavations uncovered a fortified city surrounded by walls and flanked by forty towers surrounding a rectangular area (385x350m). Dominated by gates flanked by porticos - an important North-South axis and a lesser East-West axis - superposed above the main collectors for sewers, divide the city into four equal quadrants. Public and private buildings are laid out according to a strict plan: the great palace of the Caliph and the Mosque in the South-East quarter occupies the highest part of the site, while the small palaces (harems) and the baths are located in the North-East quarter to facilitate the functioning and evacuation of waste waters. Secondary functions and living quarters are distributed in the North-West and South-West quarters. The ruins are dominated by spectacular vestiges of a monumental tetrapyle, as well as by the walls and colonnades of the Umayyad palace, three levels of which have been preserved. These structures incorporate decorative or architectonical elements of the Roman era.
Lebanese wine tradition dates back 5,000 years, when the ancient inhabitants of Lebanon, the Phoenicians, first began tending vineyards. The Phoenicians exported wine to ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and Carthage, introducing the world to viticulture and oenology. Lebanon is also said to be the place where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine. Originally started in 1857, Ksara winery has blossomed in recent years, producing some excellent vintages. Over the past decade, Ksara has seen the introduction of new grape varieties that have grown into vines nurtured by the Bekaa Valley. Ksara has also seen developments in technique such as vines cultivation on wires and the attentive application of advanced science by French oenologists, who watch over the vinification, fermentation and decanting processes.
Founded during the Umayyad period under Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705-715), the city of Aanjar was an inland commercial centre, at the crossroads of two important routes: one between Beirut and Damascus and the other crossing the Bekaa and leading from Homs to Tiberiade. Only discovered by archaeologists at the end of the 1940s, excavations uncovered a fortified city surrounded by walls and flanked by forty towers surrounding a rectangular area (385x350m). Dominated by gates flanked by porticos - an important North-South axis and a lesser East-West axis - superposed above the main collectors for sewers, divide the city into four equal quadrants. Public and private buildings are laid out according to a strict plan: the great palace of the Caliph and the Mosque in the South-East quarter occupies the highest part of the site, while the small palaces (harems) and the baths are located in the North-East quarter to facilitate the functioning and evacuation of waste waters. Secondary functions and living quarters are distributed in the North-West and South-West quarters. The ruins are dominated by spectacular vestiges of a monumental tetrapyle, as well as by the walls and colonnades of the Umayyad palace, three levels of which have been preserved. These structures incorporate decorative or architectonical elements of the Roman era.
Day 4 : Harissa - Byblos - Tripoli - Beirut
After breakfast, depart for Harissa where you will climb by cable car to the Holy statue of Notre Dame for a breath-taking view of Jounieh and Beirut. In the afternoon, proceed to Byblos, the oldest town in the world continuously inhabited for 5,000 years. Visit the city of Byblos, including the Citadel, St John's Church and the old port. Proceed to Tripoli, known as the capital of the north and visit sites in the old part of the city, dating back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Return to hotel in Beirut for overnight.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
The coastal town of Byblos is located on a sandstone cliff 40 km north of Beirut. Byblos bears outstanding witness to the beginnings of the Phoenician civilization and scholars say the site of Byblos goes back at least seven thousand years. Touted as the birthplace of the modern alphabet, Byblos was also once the epicentre of the world’s shipping. Its remarkable Crusader Castle was built in the 12th century. The castle, along with the town, was captured by the Muslims and its walls destroyed in 1188. The Crusaders recaptured and rebuilt it in 1197.
Located in northern Lebanon, Tripoli is Lebanon's second largest city and has its own unique character and historical wealth going back to the 14th century BC. Of most interest however is its old town, which includes sites dating back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, as well as colourful souks, hammams, khans, mosques, narrow alleyways and theological schools (madrassas). All are within easy walking distance of each other.
Located in northern Lebanon, Tripoli is Lebanon's second largest city and has its own unique character and historical wealth going back to the 14th century BC. Of most interest however is its old town, which includes sites dating back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, as well as colourful souks, hammams, khans, mosques, narrow alleyways and theological schools (madrassas). All are within easy walking distance of each other.
Day 5 : Sidon - Tyre - Beirut
After breakfast, you will start your exploration of southern Lebanon with a visit to Sidon, a vital commercial and administrative centre. Its star is a Crusader Castle overlooking the harbour. The old town is still standing with its alleys and its souks (markets) which have maintained their Middle Age features. Continue to Tyre which was previously an island. The main sites of interest are the Arc de Triomph and the Hippodrome. Return to Beirut.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
Sidon (a.k.a. Saida) is located in the southern part of the country, and, as such, has been the crossroads of many civilizations whose traces may still be seen today. It is known as the capital of the South. Sidon’s habitation goes back as far as 6000BC. Its trade links with Egypt aided its rise during the Phoenician period in the 12th to 10th centuries BC. Despite invasions in 1200 BC by Philistines and in 675BC by Assyrian king Esarhaddon, Sidon reached its pinnacle under the Persian Empire (550 - 330 B.C.). At the end of the Persian era in 351 B.C., unable to resist the superior forces of Artaxerxes III, the Sidonians locked their gates and set fire to their city rather than to submit to the invader - more than 40,000 died in the blaze. After the disaster the city was too weak to oppose the triumphal march of Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. This city’s turbulent history of invasion and destruction is evident in its buildings and sites and makes for a fascinating visit. The city’s sea castle, lively port and excellent seafood also make it a popular spot for locals.
Legend has it that Tyre, (or Sur in Arabic), was the birthplace of Europa (a Phoenician woman of high lineage from Greek mythology after whom Europe was named) and Dido (Queen of Carthage). Tyre has a long and illustrious history. In ancient times it was the most important city of the Phoenicians, amassing great wealth and power from the export of purple dye. In the first century AD, Tyre was the home of a Christian community visited by St. Paul, and it became a major stronghold of the Crusaders in the 12th century. Today, Tyre is the fourth largest city in Lebanon and is famous for its ancient ruins and a Roman Hippodrome, which became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
Legend has it that Tyre, (or Sur in Arabic), was the birthplace of Europa (a Phoenician woman of high lineage from Greek mythology after whom Europe was named) and Dido (Queen of Carthage). Tyre has a long and illustrious history. In ancient times it was the most important city of the Phoenicians, amassing great wealth and power from the export of purple dye. In the first century AD, Tyre was the home of a Christian community visited by St. Paul, and it became a major stronghold of the Crusaders in the 12th century. Today, Tyre is the fourth largest city in Lebanon and is famous for its ancient ruins and a Roman Hippodrome, which became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
Day 6 : Bcharreh – Cedars – Qozhaya - Beirut
After breakfast, visit Gebran Museum in Bcharreh. Afterwards, visit the Cedars forest that contains around 300 cedar trees. It is a relic and a rare area of woodland that Lebanon was well known for in ancient times. The Canaanites, Egyptians and Phoenicians used cedar wood to build their temples and ships. Continue to the Monastery of St Antonios Qozhaya in the Qadisha Valley, filled with caves and rock shelters inhabited from the 3rd millennium BC to the Roman period, the valley is scattered with cave chapels, hermitages and monasteries cut from rock. Return to hotel in Beirut for overnight.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the stunning Qadisha Valley offers spectacular scenery and a unique atmosphere. With the Qadisha River running through the bottom of the gorge, the valley is considered one of Lebanons most beautiful places to visit. Qadisha comes from a Semitic root meaning ‘holy’. Scattered with caves and rock shelters from the third millennium B.C. to the Roman period, the valley is filled with cave chapels, hermitages and monasteries cut from rock.
Day 7 : Batroun - Assia – Tannourine Cedars – Baatara Gorge - Beirut
After breakfast, take a morning walking tour of Batroun, known for its Maronite and Greek Orthodox churches and other ancient sites. Continue to visit a pottery workshop in Assia where artisans still hand-make unique local styles of pottery using very traditional practices. Afterwards, proceed to Tannourine, the site of the impressive Baatara Gorge sinkhole & Balaa Gorge waterfall. The waterfall drops 250m into the Baatara Pothole, a cave sculpted out of Jurassic limestone. Return to Beirut.
Overnight in The Parisian Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
Batroun is a vibrant ancient coastal city situated 50km north of Beirut. It is considered to date back to before the time of the Phoenicians who ruled much of the eastern Mediterranean from 1,500BC to 300BC. It is home to an old crusader castle, vaulted souks and Maronite and Greek Orthodox churches.
Day 8 : Deir el Qamar - Beiteddine - Barouk
Leave in the morning for Beiteddine, stopping en-route at the village of Deir el Qamar, with its charming buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In Beiteddine, take a tour of the fine palace and its museums, which illustrates the best of 19th century Lebanese architecture. The palace enjoys incredible views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, continue to the Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in Barouk for a leisurely walk enjoying the wilderness. Return to Beirut.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Deir al-Qamar, meaning "Monastery of the moon", is located south-east of Beirut. At an altitude of 800m the village is in the Chouf District and was, in 1864, the first village in Lebanon to become a municipality. A number of well-known personalities were born in the village: artists, writers and politicians. In 1860 the town was set ablaze during a civil war between Druze and Christians, soon after Napoleon sent a French contingent to rebuild the village.
Located 45 kilometres southeast of Beirut, Beiteddine is the administrative capital of the Chouf District. The palace is the best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir.
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve lies in the Chouf District of Lebanon. It is located on the slopes of Barouk mountain and has an area of 550 km2 (210 sq mi), nearly 5.3% of the Lebanese territory. The reserve contains the Lebanon cedar forests of Barouk, Maaser el Shouf and Ain Zhalta-Bmohray. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and eco-tourism area, hosting 32 species of wild mammal, 200 species of bird, and 500 species of plant.
Located 45 kilometres southeast of Beirut, Beiteddine is the administrative capital of the Chouf District. The palace is the best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir.
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve lies in the Chouf District of Lebanon. It is located on the slopes of Barouk mountain and has an area of 550 km2 (210 sq mi), nearly 5.3% of the Lebanese territory. The reserve contains the Lebanon cedar forests of Barouk, Maaser el Shouf and Ain Zhalta-Bmohray. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and eco-tourism area, hosting 32 species of wild mammal, 200 species of bird, and 500 species of plant.
Day 9 : Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Beirut airport for your departing flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Accommodation
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
The Parisian Hotel
Beirut (7 nights) Located a short walk from Beirut’s Mediterranean coastline, just 2km from the city centre’s many cultural sites, and a 15-minute drive from Rafic Hariri International Airport, The Parisian Hotel is conveniently situated to accommodate a range of desires. The hotel’s 46 guestrooms feature modern, homely décor, all modern amenities, a full en-suite with bath and a balcony with cityscape or sea views. During their stay, guests may also enjoy extensive dining options in The Parisian's John Posh Café and a range of convenient services including 24-hour reception and car rental.
Culinary Lebanon
Learn recipes, sample delicious mezze and sip on fine wines
Hiking in Lebanon (11-10 days)
Discover Lebanon's panoramic ridges and isolated monasteries by foot
Caving in Lebanon
Explore Lebanon's spectacular sinkholes and cave complexes
Skiing in Lebanon (1-5 days)
Experience Lebanon's lofty ski slopes or try your hand at snowshoeing
Lebanon Explorer (10 days)
Roman sites, rich culture and cedar forests
Hidden Lebanon (9 days)
Ancient ruins, natural wonders and the hidden treasures of Lebanon
Gourmet Lebanon (8 days)
Discover the flavours of the Levant
Ancient Wonders of Lebanon (7 days)
Discover ancient history, archaeology & architecture
Essential Lebanon (6 days)
Discover Phoenician history, sublime ruins & fine wine
Hiking the Holy Valleys (6 days)
Hike through the verdant and historic Qadisha valley
Mary , Hiking the Holy Valleys, LebanonThe Qadisha Valley is a beautiful and fascinating place. The night in the monastery was a highlight for me although both the other home stay nights were equally enjoyable in their own way. Danielle made me feel particularly welcome and my guides looked after me very well throughout.
Joanne Hyde , Essential LebanonGreat mixture of everything. Of all the places we visited, Byblos is a lovely town with great restaurants. Also, the lunch at the Eco place in the Bekka valley was stunning. While it was expensive, Lebanon is an expensive country and we saw more than we could possibly have seen by ourselves. Best holiday in a long while. Travel The Unknown were flexible and professional to deal with and put together a trip for us that was one of the best holidays in years. Would definitely consider Travel The Unknown again for future trips.
Charles Harpum , Essential LebanonThe trip to Lebanon was first class in every way. In the four full days of the tour, we saw all the main sights in the country and some extras were thrown in. The guide and driver were outstanding. The accommodation was good and the food was absolutely superb.
Chris Thompson , Lebanon ExplorerThe Lebanon Explorer visit was a pleasure from start to finish. From a personal and friendly approach to booking to the seamlessly organised and well paced itinerary, the trip was highly memorable. Our guide was always ready to help us to understand the complexities of everyday life in Lebanon as well as providing entertaining information on the rich historical and archaeological sites. For me, the best part was that I didn't feel rushed.
Andrea Nutter , Tailormade LebanonTravel the Unknown is now our travel company of choice. It is really easy to deal with Rahul, the destinations offered are very comprehensive and all aspects of the trips are carefully chosen - itinerary, accommodation, meals etc. Our guides have been superb. They are knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and always happy to suggest tweaks to enhance the experience. The drivers are equally good and willing to go the extra mile - literally too. All in all, a first class company.
Robert Williams , Lebanon ExplorerMost of my 40 years of travelling across the globe has been independent travelling with the occasional exception. My recent organised tour of Lebanon with Travel The Unknown was excellent a diverse and great trip. It was a great way of seeing such a small and wonderfully diverse country in a short time, a truly great place!! Rahul and his team were responsive, knowledgeable and a real pleasure to do business with them. The local guide was excellent and the driver friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend them if they travel to a country you want to see albeit do not want the effort, hassle and planning to travel independently.
