Discovering Lebanon’s natural wonders and cultural heritage just got easier with this new small-group tour. Exploring Jeita Grotto’s majestic caverns, the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, and the ancient city of Byblos, this semi-private experience offers an immersive day of sightseeing. Travelers can look forward to scenic cable car rides, boat cruises, and guided tours of these remarkable destinations. What’s more, they’ll savor the rich culinary traditions of the country with a traditional Lebanese lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. With so much to see and do, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Lebanon.
Key Points
- A full-day excursion to three top attractions in Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa, and the ancient city of Byblos.
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 7 travelers, including hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Lebanese lunch.
- Visitors can explore the impressive Jeita Grotto, including a cable car ride and a boat ride through the lower grotto.
- The tour offers panoramic views of the mountains and coastline from the hilltop shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa.
- Participants can discover the ancient harbor, Byblos Castle, and the charming old town of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Byblos.
Overview of the Tour
This new small-group tour takes travelers on a full-day excursion to three of Lebanon’s top attractions – the Jeita Grotto, the Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa, and the ancient city of Byblos.
The group size is capped at 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Included in the tour are hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Lebanese lunch.
Participants will have 90 minutes of free time to explore the impressive Jeita Grotto, take in the panoramic views from the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, and wander through the historic souks and crusader-era fortress of Byblos.
This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to some of Lebanon’s most iconic sights.
Key Details to Know
The tour takes place over the full-day and picks up travelers within the Beirut district only. It’s a confirmed activity booked at the time of reservation, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible despite offering stroller and infant seat options. The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers.
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, as well as an experienced English-speaking guide/driver who’ll provide explanations about each site visited. The fuel surcharge is also covered.
To get the most out of the experience, guests should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and good walking shoes or sneakers.
What’s Included in the Tour
In the New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita, Harissa & Byblos, the tour includes an experienced English-speaking guide/driver who’ll provide explanations about each site visited.
It also covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the fuel surcharge.
The tour includes:
- Pickup from your hotel within the Beirut district.
- Dedicated English-speaking guide and driver throughout the day.
- Admission tickets to the Jeita Grotto, Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa, and the ancient city of Byblos.
- A traditional Lebanese lunch at a scenic restaurant.
This comprehensive tour allows you to explore three of Lebanon’s top attractions in a single day, making it an excellent way to make the most of your time in the country.
What to Bring for the Tour
Travelers should pack comfortable, lightweight clothing and good walking shoes or sneakers for the Jeita, Harissa & Byblos Tour. The weather in Lebanon can be warm, so light, breathable fabrics are recommended.
The full-day tour involves walking around several historic sites, so it’s important to wear appropriate footwear. Although the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, there will be opportunities to explore on foot, so dressing comfortably is key.
Plus, it’s a good idea to bring any personal items you may need, such as sunscreen, a hat, or a camera to capture the stunning views. By packing the right gear, you’ll be well-equipped to fully enjoy this comprehensive tour of some of Lebanon’s top attractions.
Exploring Jeita Grotto
One of the highlights of the Jeita, Harissa & Byblos Tour is the 90 minutes of free time allotted to explore the magnificent Jeita Grotto, one of Lebanon’s most famous natural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the grotto’s stunning stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years.
The tour allows ample time to:
- Ride the cable car up to the upper grotto, providing sweeping views of the landscape.
- Set out on a boat ride through the lower grotto, gliding along the serene underground river.
- Admire the impressive Cathedral Chamber, showcasing the grotto’s most impressive rock formations.
- Capture breathtaking photographs to immortalize the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural cave system.
Panoramic Views at Harissa
The tour then ascends to the hilltop shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountainous terrain and the Mediterranean coastline below. At the observation platform, guests can bask in the stunning views and take memorable photographs. The majestic statue of the Virgin Mary stands tall, overlooking the stunning landscape. Harissa’s strategic location provides a unique perspective of the region, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Lebanon.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint | Hilltop shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon |
| Vista | Breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and coastline |
| Landmark | Majestic statue of the Virgin Mary |
| Location | Strategically situated for optimal views |
| Experience | Opportunity to take memorable photographs |
Discovering Ancient Byblos
From the panoramic vistas of Harissa, the tour now takes visitors to the ancient coastal city of Byblos, where they’ll discover the rich history and cultural heritage that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travelers will explore the city’s bustling souks, meandering alleyways, and the impressive crusader-era fortress.
Key highlights of Byblos include:
- The ancient harbor, which has been in use for over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- The Byblos Castle, a well-preserved crusader fortress that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean.
- The archaeological site, which features remnants of temples, tombs, and other structures dating back to the Phoenician, Hellenistic, and Roman eras.
- The charming old town, with its traditional markets, artisanal shops, and quaint cafes.
Traditional Lebanese Lunch
After exploring the historic sites of Byblos, the tour stops at a scenic restaurant to enjoy a traditional Lebanese lunch, allowing visitors to sample the rich culinary heritage of the country.
The lunch features a spread of authentic Lebanese dishes, from creamy hummus and tangy tabbouleh to tender grilled meats and fluffy pita bread. Guests can savor the complex flavors and fragrant spices that define Lebanese cuisine.
The scenic setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea enhances the dining experience, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and appreciate the local culture.
This traditional Lebanese lunch is a highlight of the tour, capping off a day of discovering Lebanon’s remarkable history and natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it does provide stroller and infant seat options, making it suitable for individuals with certain disabilities. However, the tour involves walking and may not be fully accessible for all.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
The tour can accommodate larger groups, though the maximum group size is capped at 15 travelers. Customization options may be available for larger groups, but travellers should inquire directly with the tour provider to discuss their specific needs.
Are Any Additional Fees Charged During the Tour?
The tour includes a fuel surcharge, but there are no additional fees charged during the tour. The cost covers hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Lebanese lunch for the group.
Can Travelers Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a traditional Lebanese lunch is included in the tour price and is served at a scenic restaurant during the day.
Can the Tour Be Booked for a Different Date or Time?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a different date or time. The tour operator offers flexible scheduling, allowing travelers to select a departure time and date that best fits their needs and preferences.
Recap
This small-group tour offers an immersive experience showcasing Lebanon’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Travelers will visit the majestic Jeita Grotto, the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, and the ancient city of Byblos.
The tour includes scenic cable car rides, boat cruises, and a traditional Lebanese lunch, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the country’s remarkable destinations and rich culinary traditions.
