Day 1 : Arrival
Arrive into Beirut Airport where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Beirut.
Overnight in Warwick Palm Beach Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: n/a
10 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
A turbulent recent history means this beautiful and welcoming country sees few visitors. In spite of this, a trip to Lebanon is a deeply rewarding experience. Its ancient history, resilient and forward-looking people, and wealth of natural beauty ensures that this small country packs a lot of punch. Take a boat through the cave complex at Jeita, journey back in time at the incredible Roman complex of Baalbek, and explore Byblos, the birthplace of the alphabet and an important ancient nexus of global maritime trade. Also explore some of Lebanon's natural wonders including its verdant cedar forests and last remaining wetlands. Enjoy all this whilst feasting on delicious Lebanese cuisine and wines.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Beirut's beguiling mix of antiquity and modernity
- The stunning cave complex of Jeita Grotto
- Byblos, birthplace of the alphabet
- Explore Mamluk and Ottoman sites in Tripoli
- Majestic architecture of Beiteddine Palace
- Baalbek, vast Roman complex
- Migratory birds in Ammiq Wetland
- Sidon's crusader castle on the sea
- Phoenician city of Tyre
Places Visited
Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Faqra - Byblos - Tripoli - Beiteddine - Deir el Qamar - Zahle - Baalbek - Anjar - Ammiq Wetland - Sidon - Tyre
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
After breakfast, get acquainted with the cosmopolitan and historic capital of Lebanon, Beirut. Visit the picturesque Pigeons Rock, the Corniche and then onward to the city centre where one of the largest reconstruction projects in the world is currently taking place. Round off your first day with a visit to the impressive National Museum.
Overnight in Warwick Palm Beach 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.
The National Museum of Beirut is the main archaeological museum in Lebanon. Opening in 1942, it boasts around 1,300 artefacts which date from pre-historic times to the Medieval Mamluk era. Most of the finds are Medieval, but the museum holds a reputation for ancient Phoenician objects.
The National Museum of Beirut is the main archaeological museum in Lebanon. Opening in 1942, it boasts around 1,300 artefacts which date from pre-historic times to the Medieval Mamluk era. Most of the finds are Medieval, but the museum holds a reputation for ancient Phoenician objects.
Day 3 : Beirut - Jeita - Faqra - Harissa - Beirut
Today you will visit the Jeita Grotto, a beautiful natural wonder, and one of the best caverns in the Middle East. Transfer by cable car to a cavern consisting of both a lower and upper gallery. The lower ones are visited by boat, while the upper gallery can be accessed on foot. Then a drive up the mountain to reach Faqra. At about 1500-metres up stands a wonderfully-preserved Roman temple. Return to Beirut.
Overnight in Warwick Palm Beach Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
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.
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 4 : Beirut - Bcharreh - Cedars - Qadisha Valley - Byblos
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 on 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. Drive to Byblos and overnight.
Overnight in Aleph Boutique Hotel, Byblos
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 5 : Byblos – Tripoli - Byblos
Morning walking tour of Byblos, one of the oldest towns in the world, continuously inhabited for 5,000 years. You will see 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 Byblos.
Overnight in Aleph Boutique Hotel, Byblos
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 6 : Byblos – Beiteddine – Deir el Qamar – Zahle
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. Drive on to Zahle - “The Bride of the Beqaa” - where you will visit the vibrant Berdawne area, the Saydet Al Karma and the Lady of Zahle - towering statue of Virgin Mary. Overnight in Zahle.
Overnight in Hotel La Place, Zahle
Meal plan: Breakfast
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.
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.
Zahle is the capital and largest city of Beqaa. The mean elevation is 1,000m and lies at the junction of the Lebanon mountains and the Beqaa plateau. Known as the "Bride of the Beqaa" because of its geographical location and attractiveness.
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.
Zahle is the capital and largest city of Beqaa. The mean elevation is 1,000m and lies at the junction of the Lebanon mountains and the Beqaa plateau. Known as the "Bride of the Beqaa" because of its geographical location and attractiveness.
Day 7 : Zahle – Baalbeck – Anjar – Zahle
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, is 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. Afterwards, visit the historical Umayyad site in Aanjar. In ancient times, it was an important commercial site due to its strategic location in Bekaa. Return to Zahle.
Overnight in Hotel La Place, Zahle
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.
Founded during the Umayyad period under Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705-715), the city of Anjar 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. Dominated by gates flanked by porticos, an important North-South axis and a lesser East-West axis 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 the walls and colonnades of the Umayyad palace, three levels of which have been preserved. These structures incorporate decorative or architectonic elements of the Roman era.
Founded during the Umayyad period under Caliph Walid Ibn Abd Al-Malak (705-715), the city of Anjar 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. Dominated by gates flanked by porticos, an important North-South axis and a lesser East-West axis 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 the walls and colonnades of the Umayyad palace, three levels of which have been preserved. These structures incorporate decorative or architectonic elements of the Roman era.
Day 8 : Zahle – Ammiq Wetland – Kefraya – Beirut
In the morning you will visit the Ammiq Wetland, an important nature reserve in the Bekaa Valley. Afterwards visit the Kefraya winery and learn about Lebanese wine production methods. Descend into the storage cellars to sample fantastic wines. Drive back to Beirut.
Overnight in Warwick Palm Beach Hotel, Beirut
Meal plan: Breakfast
At approximately 100 hectares in size, Ammiq Wetland is part of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and one of the last significant wetlands in Lebanon. Designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), it is still an important rest stop for migratory birds on their journeys between Europe and Africa. The area used to cover much more of the Bekaa Valley and efforts are being made to preserve this important nature reserve.
Day 9 : Beirut - 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 Warwick Palm Beach 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 10 : 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.
Warwick Palm Beach Hotel
Beirut (5 nights) Warwick Palm Beach Hotel is just 1-minute walk from the seafront Corniche promenade and Zaitounay Bay. All rooms are air-conditioned and luxuriously decorated. Each is equipped with satellite TV and an elegant bathroom. Guests can sample authentic Indian cuisine at Al Hindi. The Level 6, a panoramic sea view restaurant, offers an international cuisine and serving daily breakfast buffet. La Parrilla Summer Edition located at the rooftop is a fine dining grill house and bar combining the finest meat in town with a wide variety of international dishes. During the heat of the day, Warwick Palm’s rooftop pool is a pleasant retreat to cool off. The hotel also offers a gym with a variety of fitness machines.
Aleph Boutique Hotel
Byblos (2 nights) Just five minutes from the stunning ancient ruins of Byblos, the Aleph Boutique Hotel is a stylish urban destination located in the heart of a historical city. A fusion of comfort and style, the rooms and suites offer views of either the Byblos Castle or the Mediterranean Sea. For the best view, head up to the Aleph rooftop restaurant and bar where you can enjoy the dish of your choice from the internationally-inspired menu, while gazing out over the Mediterranean Sea.During your stay you can’t miss out on a visit to the Byblos ruins. The city, known as Jbeil locally, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, having been first occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC and then continuously inhabited from 5000 BC. This rare history meant that civilizations built on top of each other, sometimes stealing stones from the older buildings to build new ones. In fact, archeologists had to move a Roman amphitheater to a different part of the site because it was placed right on top of an ancient temple! The crusader castle is by far the most imposing of all the ruins; it is incredible to imagine someone standing on the same balcony as you, some 9 centuries ago.
Hotel La Place
Zahle (2 nights) This well-situated 3* business hotel is just 4 minutes on foot from Menshieh Park and only 5 mins in a car from Our Lady of Zahle, and Bekaa. It sports all the modern amenities you would expect from a reputable hotel.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.