We’re thrilled to offer an immersive full-day private car tour that takes you on a captivating journey through some of Lebanon’s most iconic destinations. From the breathtaking Jeita Grotto caves to the historic city of Byblos, this tour promises an intimate and personalized experience. With a knowledgeable chauffeur, seamless logistics, and accessibility options, we’ve crafted an adventure that caters to your every need. But the real excitement lies in the secrets these sites hold – secrets that are just waiting to be uncovered. Embark on this remarkable exploration, and let the wonders of Lebanon unfold before your eyes.
Key Points
- A full-day private car tour from Beirut that visits the Jeita Grotto caves, Our Lady of Harissa shrine, and the ancient city of Byblos.
- Allows for independent exploration at each site with the flexibility to spend desired time, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut, and brief explanations about the sites from an experienced, English-speaking local guide.
- Wheelchair accessible and can accommodate infant seats upon request, ensuring accessibility for all.
- Excludes entrance fees to the sites and the cost of lunch, but covers the essential elements for a seamless day trip.
Tour Overview
This full-day private car tour from Beirut allows us to visit the captivating Jeita Grotto caves, the iconic Our Lady of Harissa shrine, and the ancient city of Byblos at our own pace.
We’ll explore these remarkable attractions independently, having the flexibility to spend as much time as we’d like at each site.
With just our group and a knowledgeable chauffeur, we’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger group tours.
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut are included, making the logistics seamless.
Whether we’re admiring the majestic underground caves, marveling at the panoramic views from the Harissa hilltop, or strolling through Byblos’ historic streets, this tour promises to be a highlight of our time in Lebanon.
Key Details
The tour has a duration of a full day, with a start time of 8:30 AM.
It’s received an impressive 221 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, indicating its high quality.
This private car tour allows you to explore Jeita Grotto, Our Lady of Harissa, and Byblos at your own pace, with just your group and the chauffeur.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut, as well as a brief explanation about each site from an experienced, English-speaking local guide.
While entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and infant seats are available upon request.
The 24-hour cancellation policy with a full refund ensures flexibility.
Inclusions
Experienced English-speaking local guides provide a brief explanation about each site we visit on this tour.
We also enjoy a private tour just for our booking, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut included. This ensures we’ve a more intimate experience, exploring the attractions at our own pace without any interruptions.
The inclusions cover the essential elements of a seamless day trip, allowing us to focus on soaking in the sights and experiences without worrying about logistics.
Whether it’s the stunning natural beauty of the Jeita Grotto caves or the historical charm of Byblos, we can immerse ourselves in the destinations thanks to the comprehensive inclusions provided.
Exclusions
While the inclusions cover key aspects of the tour, there are a few exclusions we should be aware of. Entrance fees to the sites we’ll visit and the cost of our lunch aren’t included in the tour price, so we’ll need to budget for those additional expenses.
Plus, gratuities for the chauffeur aren’t covered, so we may want to plan to tip them at the end of the day to show our appreciation for their service.
The exclusions for this tour include:
- Entrance fees to Jeita Grotto, Our Lady of Harissa, and Byblos
- Cost of lunch
- Gratuities for the chauffeur
Additional Information
Before embarking on this tour, we’ll want to be aware of a few additional details.
Booking confirmation is provided at the time of reservation, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with transportation and sites accommodating those with mobility needs.
Children 3 and under can join at no additional cost, subject to availability.
The tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it easily accessible.
Although most travelers can participate, we encourage checking with the tour provider if we’ve any special requirements.
Lastly, a 24-hour cancellation policy with a full refund is in place, offering flexibility and peace of mind.
Visiting Jeita Grotto
After departing from Beirut, we’ll arrive at the captivating Jeita Grotto, a natural wonder that has long enchanted visitors. This vast cave system, carved over millennia by the flow of the Nahr al-Kalb river, boasts an array of breathtaking limestone formations, including towering stalactites and glistening stalagmites.
As we explore this subterranean masterpiece, we’ll be awed by:
- The Upper Grotto, a stunning cavern with a cathedral-like ambiance
- The Lower Grotto, accessible by boat, where we’ll glide through an underground river
- The impressive scale and complexity of this geological marvel, which has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark
Immersing ourselves in the Jeita Grotto’s natural beauty will undoubtedly be a highlight of our day.
Exploring Our Lady of Harissa
From the Jeita Grotto, we’ll make our way to the revered pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Harissa, perched high above Jounieh Bay.
This magnificent statue of the Virgin Mary stands as a prominent landmark, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and the surrounding mountains.
We’ll climb the steps leading up to the observation deck, where we can admire the intricate religious sculptures and architecture.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon is an impressive sight, with its twin bell towers and ornate interior.
We’ll have the chance to explore the grounds, visit the small museums, and learn about the history and significance of this important spiritual destination.
Discovering Historic Byblos
Next, we’ll discover the historic city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Byblos boasts a wealth of archaeological sites and ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into its rich past as a thriving Phoenician port and trading center.
We’ll stroll through the charming old town, admiring the medieval castle, Crusader-era churches, and the well-preserved Phoenician harbor. The Byblos Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features remnants of temples, tombs, and settlements spanning over 7,000 years of history.
As we explore this captivating destination, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the region’s enduring cultural heritage.
Some highlights of Byblos include:
- The medieval Byblos Castle, which houses a museum with artifacts from the site’s long history
- The Crusader-era St. John the Baptist Church, known for its intricate architecture
- The ancient Phoenician harbor, which still bustles with activity today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
We don’t typically have a strict dress code for these tours, but we recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Modest attire is generally appreciated when visiting religious sites.
Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?
Yes, we can absolutely stop for photos along the way! The tour is private, so we have the flexibility to make additional stops as needed to capture the stunning scenery and sights at our own pace.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for Lunch?
We don’t have any specific dietary requirements for the included lunch on this tour. The tour allows for flexibility, so if you have any special dietary needs, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, we can typically customize the tour itinerary to suit your preferences. Our team will work with you to create a personalized experience that meets your interests and needs within the tour’s structure and duration.
How Accessible Are the Sites for People With Disabilities?
We’re pleased to share that the sites on this tour are wheelchair-accessible. The transportation and surfaces are designed to accommodate travelers with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable experience for all. Let us know if you have any other accessibility needs.
Recap
This full-day private car tour from Beirut offers a captivating experience, allowing us to explore the stunning Jeita Grotto caves, the iconic Our Lady of Harissa shrine, and the ancient city of Byblos.
With a knowledgeable chauffeur and the flexibility to spend desired time at each site, this tour provides an intimate and personalized day trip from Beirut, making it an accessible and hassle-free option.
