Discover the rich tapestry of Lebanon’s history and culture on a small group tour. Explore iconic destinations like Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche, led by knowledgeable guides. Enjoy the past, from the crusader-era sea castle to the ancient Hippodrome. With included transportation, admission tickets, and a traditional lunch, this hassle-free adventure offers a personalized experience. limited to just 20 participants, this tour promises an intimate and engaging journey through Lebanon’s fascinating heritage. What secrets will you uncover?
Key Points
- This small-group tour offers an immersive exploration of the historic sites of Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche, with a maximum group size of 20 for a personalized experience.
- The tour includes a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Tyre, providing an authentic culinary experience, and all transportation and admission tickets are included.
- Knowledgeable guides lead the tour, offering expert insights at each heritage site, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to Lebanon’s rich history and culture.
- The tour provides seamless transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as comfortable travel in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- The tour has an overall rating of 5.0 stars based on 9 reviews, highlighting the expertise of the guides and the memorable experiences offered.
Tour Overview
This small-group tour takes visitors on an enriching journey through the historic sites of Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche from Beirut.
Guests will explore the crusader-era sea castle of Sidon, the ancient Phoenician ruins of Tyre, and the Our Lady of Awaiting shrine in Maghdouche.
With a maximum group size of 20 travelers, the experience is designed to be personalized and intimate.
Along the way, travelers will enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Tyre.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, and all transportation, admission tickets, and gratuities are included, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive exploration of these captivating Lebanese destinations.
Inclusions
The tour package includes a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Tyre, providing travelers with an authentic culinary experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, making the transportation seamless. Travelers will enjoy comfortable travel in an air-conditioned minivan throughout the tour.
A knowledgeable local guide and tour leader are provided to ensure a personalized and enriching experience.
Admission tickets to all the heritage sites, including the crusader-era sea castle of Sidon, the ruins of Tyre, and the Our Lady of Awaiting shrine in Maghdouche, are included in the package.
Gratuities are also covered, so travelers can relax and fully enjoy the cultural exploration.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers are provided free pickup from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Beirut, with the tour starting promptly at 8:00 AM. This ensures a convenient and hassle-free start to the day’s adventure.
The tour leader will greet you at your chosen pickup location, ready to whisk you away in the comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. With a maximum group size of 20, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience throughout the journey.
The on-site local guide will be on hand to provide expert insights and commentary, making the most of your time at each historic site. Whether you’re staying in the heart of Beirut or on the outskirts, the tour’s pickup service has you covered.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details for a smooth experience.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Most travelers can participate in the activities, though certain physical abilities may be required.
Lastly, free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the start of the tour, providing flexibility for any last-minute changes in plans.
Travelers can rest assured that they’ll have a personalized and enriching experience on this small-group tour, with knowledgeable guides and all tickets and admissions included.
Whether exploring the historic sites or savoring a traditional lunch, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche.
Reviews and Ratings
With an exceptional overall rating of 5.0 stars, the 9 reviews for this tour highlight the expertise of the guides and the enriching experiences provided. Specific mentions praise the knowledgeable guide in Tyre and the quality of the traditional lunch, further cementing the tour’s reputation for delivering a well-rounded and memorable experience.
| Review Highlights | Positive Feedback | Specific Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledgeable guides | Enriching experiences | Professional guide in Tyre |
| Personalized experiences | Comfortable transport | High-quality traditional lunch |
Clearly, this small group tour to Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche is a top-rated choice for travelers seeking an authentic and insightful exploration of Lebanon’s historical and cultural heritage.
Exploring Sidon
Beginning the tour, visitors explore the crusader-era sea castle of Sidon, a well-preserved medieval fortress situated along the Mediterranean coast.
Constructed in the 13th century, the castle served as a strategic stronghold during the Crusades and offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s rich history.
Wandering through the castle’s stone walls and towers, guests can imagine the battles that once took place here.
The castle’s location on a small island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, adds to its impressive and defensive nature.
From the castle’s ramparts, visitors enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the city of Sidon beyond.
An informative local guide brings the castle’s past to life, enriching the overall experience.
Discovering Tyre
Next, the tour continues to the ancient city of Tyre, once a mighty Phoenician settlement. Visitors explore the impressive ruins that date back thousands of years, marveling at the archaeological wonders that remain.
The site features the Hippodrome, an ancient stadium that hosted chariot races, as well as the remnants of towering columns and massive stone structures that testify to Tyre’s former grandeur. A local guide leads the group through the excavations, sharing insights into the city’s storied past as a center of commerce and culture during the Phoenician era.
The highlights of visiting Tyre include:
- Witnessing the incredible scale and preservation of the ancient Hippodrome.
- Tracing the footsteps of Phoenician traders and artisans through the extensive archaeological site.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of Tyre’s pivotal role in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Visiting Maghdouche
The tour then takes visitors to the tranquil village of Maghdouche, home to the revered Our Lady of Awaiting shrine. Here, travelers will learn about the site’s deep spiritual significance and its role in local Christian pilgrimage.
The shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is believed to mark the spot where she awaited Christ during his ministry. Visitors can explore the serene grounds, taking in the stunning vistas over the Mediterranean Sea.
The guide will provide insights into the shrine’s history and architectural features, enriching the experience. This stop offers a chance to take in the religious and cultural heritage of the region, complementing the earlier visits to the ancient sites of Sidon and Tyre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t offer customization options. The itinerary is set and includes specific heritage sites and activities. However, the small group size allows for a personalized experience within the tour’s structure.
Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
Yes, the tour operator typically offers discounts for larger groups. The more people in your party, the lower the per-person cost. It’s best to inquire about group rates when booking to take advantage of potential savings.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable and modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended for the walking tour and visiting religious sites.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?
The tour provider accommodates various dietary needs. They recommend informing them of any dietary restrictions when booking, so they can ensure the lunch provided meets your dietary requirements. The provider aims to cater to all participants’ needs.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour allows ample time for sightseeing and photography at the historical sites visited. However, please be mindful of any restrictions at certain locations.
Recap
This small group tour provides an immersive experience to explore Lebanon’s rich history and culture.
Travelers will visit iconic heritage sites in Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche, with a traditional lunch and all transportation and admission tickets included.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this personalized adventure offers a hassle-free way to discover Lebanon’s fascinating destinations.
