We’re excited to explore Lebanon’s natural and historical wonders on this guided small-group tour from Beirut. We’ll marvel at the stunning limestone formations of Jeita Grotto, discover the ancient ruins of Byblos, and soar above the city on the Teleferique cable car to the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Harissa. With a delectable lunch and a knowledgeable guide by our side, we’re in for an unforgettable day. But the real question is, what secrets will these incredible sites reveal to us?
Key Points
- A guided day tour from Beirut that explores Lebanon’s natural and historical wonders, including the Jeita Grotto, Byblos, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Harissa.
- Includes a delectable lunch at a local Lebanese restaurant, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.
- Offers the opportunity to explore the majestic Jeita Grotto on foot and by boat, as well as the ancient ruins of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Provides a scenic cable car ride to the Shrine of Our Lady of Harissa, offering panoramic views of Jounieh Bay and the surrounding mountains.
- Accommodates a maximum group size of 15 travelers, with instant confirmation of booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Tour Overview
Our guided day tour from Beirut takes you on an immersive exploration of Lebanon’s natural and historical wonders, taking you to the majestic Jeita Grotto, the ancient ruins of Byblos, and the shrine of Our Lady of Harissa.
At Jeita, we’ll venture inside the captivating caves, marveling at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites before gliding across the shimmering underground lake by boat.
Next, we’ll uncover the rich history of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as we tour the Crusader Castle and ancient ruins.
To cap off the day, we’ll ride the Teleferique cable car up to the breathtaking shrine of Our Lady of Harissa, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
Inclusions
This guided tour includes a delectable lunch at a local Lebanese restaurant, where we’ll savor the rich flavors of the region’s cuisine. Plus, we’ll have the services of an knowledgeable local guide to provide insights throughout the day’s activities.
Our air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, and all entry fees to the historical sites are covered as part of the package.
The tour’s inclusions also feature:
- Exploration of the majestic Jeita Grotto on foot and by boat.
- A visit to the Crusader Castle and ancient ruins of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A ride on the Teleferique cable car to the shrine of Our Lady of Harissa.
Exclusions
While the tour includes a variety of services, gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t covered in the package price. We’ll need to account for these optional tips separately during the experience.
As a general guideline, it’s customary to tip the driver around $2-3 USD per person and the guide about $5 USD per person, though the exact amount is at our discretion. Bringing some small bills with us will make it easy to express our appreciation for their excellent service throughout the day.
Beyond the tips, there aren’t any other major expenses we’ll need to worry about, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of this unforgettable tour.
Tour Details
The tour boasts an impressive 332 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, attesting to its quality and popularity.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, we can expect a personalized and intimate experience.
Confirmation of our booking will be received right away, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants can join by sitting on our laps.
Most travelers are able to participate comfortably in the activities planned for the day.
The logistics of the tour are straightforward:
- Pickup from any destination in Beirut
- Start time at 8:30 am
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
This well-rounded tour promises to be an engaging and memorable day exploring Lebanon’s cultural and natural wonders.
Logistics
Let’s kick off the logistics by mentioning that we can get picked up from any destination within Beirut.
The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am, so we’ll want to plan our morning accordingly.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before it begins. This ensures we can adjust our schedule without any hassle.
Once we’re all aboard the air-conditioned vehicle, we’ll embark on our exciting adventure to Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos.
With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, we can look forward to a seamless and enriching experience discovering these remarkable Lebanese destinations.
The logistics have been thoughtfully arranged to make this tour as convenient and enjoyable as possible.
Exploring Jeita Grotto
We’ll start our guided tour with a visit to the majestic Jeita Grotto, one of Lebanon’s natural wonders. This subterranean cave system stretches over 9 kilometers and features stunning limestone formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of natural processes.
We’ll explore the grotto on foot and by boat, marveling at the intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological features.
The Upper Grotto, which can be accessed by a series of walkways and bridges.
The Lower Grotto, which is only accessible by boat, offering a unique perspective of this underground world.
The Cathedral Chamber, an expansive cavern with towering ceilings and breathtaking rock formations.
The Jeita Grotto is truly a must-see destination on any visit to Lebanon.
Visiting Byblos
After exploring the captivating Jeita Grotto, we’ll head to the ancient city of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a rich history dating back over 7,000 years.
We’ll tour the impressive Crusader Castle, which was built in the 12th century and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.
We’ll also wander through the ruins of the ancient Phoenician city, marveling at the well-preserved architectural remains and imagining the bustling marketplace that once thrived here.
With the guidance of our knowledgeable local expert, we’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind Byblos’ remarkable historical legacy.
From the towering castle to the serene seaside setting, Byblos is a true gem that offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s captivating past.
Riding the Teleferique
Following our exploration of the ancient city of Byblos, we’ll head to the shrine of Our Lady of Harissa, which can be reached by taking the Teleferique cable car.
This scenic ride offers breathtaking views of the Jounieh Bay and the surrounding mountains, providing an opportunity to soak in the stunning natural beauty of Lebanon.
The Teleferique ride takes approximately 10 minutes each way, and offers three key benefits:
- Panoramic vistas of the coastline and hills
- A relaxing, hassle-free mode of transportation
- Easy access to the Our Lady of Harissa shrine, a prominent pilgrimage site
We’re sure to be enchanted by the majestic landscapes unfolding before our eyes as we glide up the mountainside in the comfortable cable car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers. We’ll explore the stunning Jeita Grotto, historic Byblos, and the shrine of Our Lady of Harissa in a small group, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
We’re afraid you won’t be able to bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The package includes a delicious Lebanese lunch at a local restaurant, so you can enjoy the authentic cuisine. Let’s focus on savoring the experience together!
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, we do offer a private tour option for this experience. With a private tour, you’ll enjoy a more personalized and flexible itinerary to suit your preferences. Just let us know when you’d like to book, and we’ll take care of the details.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
We don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Just wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and be ready to learn about the stunning natural and cultural sights. The tour provides everything else we’ll need for an unforgettable experience.
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?
If the weather is bad, we’ll adjust the tour accordingly. We may spend more time indoors, like exploring the Jeita Grotto or visiting the museum in Byblos. The guide will work with us to ensure we have an enjoyable experience despite the weather.
Recap
This guided tour offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse ourselves in Lebanon’s natural and historical wonders.
From the awe-inspiring Jeita Grotto to the ancient ruins of Byblos and the serene Teleferique ride, we’ll enjoy a seamless and enriching experience.
With a delectable local lunch and a knowledgeable guide, we’re sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for this captivating country.
