How to Plan Your Beirut Tour: Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour

Are you planning to visit Beirut and explore its wonders? If so, it’s best to make the most of your trip by going on a guided tour. One of the best tours to check out is the Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour offered by a reliable tour company. Here’s what you need to know about this tour:

Experience

The Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour takes you on a full-day adventure to explore the beautiful landmarks of Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos. You’ll enjoy cable car rides, boat rides, and visits to historical sites.

Highlights

Here are the tour highlights you don’t want to miss:

– Visit Jeita, one of the world’s most beautiful caverns.
– Explore Byblos, one of the oldest towns in the world.
– Admire panoramic views of Jounieh Bay from the Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa.

Planning Your Tour

To make the most out of your experience on this tour, here are some tips when planning:

Booking Your Tour

To book your Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour, click on this link. It is always best to book your tour in advance to secure your spot.

Pricing

The tour costs $55 per person. This includes transportation and guide fees. However, the entrance fee for Jeita Grotto and cable car rides are not included in the tour price.

What to Bring

To make the most out of your tour, don’t forget to bring the following:

– Comfortable shoes for walking.
– Sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.
– A camera to capture the beautiful sites.

Full Description

Here’s what you can expect on the tour:

Your tour guide will pick you up at your designated point in Beirut. From there, you will travel to Jeita Grotto, one of the world’s most beautiful caverns. Once you get there, a scenic cable car will take you up to the upper cave, where you can explore the stunning rock formation.

After visiting the upper cave, you will take a train ride down to the lower cave, where you will take a boat ride through the river cavern. You will be amazed by the natural wonders that await you.

Next, you will visit the magnificent Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa. You will enjoy another cable car ride that will take you up to the statue, where you can admire the panoramic views of Jounieh Bay.

End the day at Byblos, one of the oldest still-inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 8000 B.C. You will walk through the old souq, visit Byblos Castle, go past the Fossils Museum, see Byblos’ old port, and admire Saint Jean Mark Church.

Please note that Jeita Grotto and cable car rides are closed on Mondays, as well as on the 4th and 5th day of the Muslim Eid Al Fitr holiday.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the best tour in Beirut that combines the beauty of nature and history, the Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour is the perfect choice. Book your tour in advance to ensure your spot, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views.

An Insider’s Guide to Beirut: Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour

Beirut is a Mediterranean coastal city known for its unique history and culture, which are reflected in its architecture, food, and urban lifestyle. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the must-see attractions in Beirut and the surrounding areas, offering a comprehensive guide to making the most of your trip to Beirut.

Local Attractions in Beirut

Beirut has a long history, having been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. The city has undergone various transformations throughout its history, including being a Phoenician city, a Roman colony, and an Ottoman province. Today, Beirut is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions.

One must-visit attraction is the National Museum of Beirut, which houses a vast collection of cultural artifacts and artifacts from multiple periods, including ancient Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Islamic eras. Another must-visit site is the Pigeon Rocks, an iconic pair of rock formations located at the Raouche neighborhood, which is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes.

For a relaxing day out, head to Beirut’s Corniche Road, a scenic promenade that runs along the seafront, with stunning views and public beaches where you can take a swim. Other notable attractions include the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, the St. George Maronite Cathedral, and the Martyr’s statue.

Local Restaurants and Dining Spots in Beirut

Lebanese cuisine is famous worldwide, and Beirut is the best place to sample the best of it. From street food stalls to upscale dining rooms, Beirut has plenty of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets.

For a taste of traditional Lebanese cuisine, head to Al Falamanki, an authentic Lebanese restaurant located in the Raouche neighborhood that offers excellent mezze, immersive ambiance, and fair pricing. Another must-visit restaurant is Tawlet, a celebrated eatery that features a rotating menu of homemade Lebanese dishes, prepared by local farmers.

If you’re looking to enjoy a drink or two, check out Iris, a rooftop lounge located in Downtown Beirut, which offers stunning city views, live entertainment, and a modern setting. Another excellent choice is Bar Tawile, a cozy & chic bar located in Mar Mikhael, brewing up locally inspired cocktails.

Explore Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour

Beirut is situated in a strategic location, with many nearby attractions that are worth visiting. One such popular tourist destination is Jeita, a stunning limestone cave system that is home to underground rivers, stunning rock formations, and breathtaking sights.

Harissa is another tourist destination located a few miles north of Beirut and is famous for the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a 15-ton bronze statue placed on top of a hill that overlooks the bay of Jounieh. It’s one of Lebanon’s most visited religious and cultural sites that also houses a museum and a chapel worth exploring.

Byblos, is believed to be the oldest city in the world, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a charming ancient town located on the Mediterranean coast, home to historical landmarks, museums, and traditional markets and offers a perfect insight into ancient Phoenician urban living.

Cultural Experiences in Beirut

Lebanon has a rich culture, with influences from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. It’s reflected in its art, music, and urban lifestyle. Beirut is an urban capital, where ancient and modern coexist, creating a unique blend of experiences.

One notable cultural experience you mustn’t miss is visiting Beirut Souks, especially during the holiday season, a magical place where you can experience a Lebanese winter wonderland, stroll around the Christmas tree, and catch many entertainment activities, such as theater plays, and hosting traditional events as well as local artists’ exhibitions.

Another way to understand Lebanon’s vibrant culture is by exploring its museums. A must-visit institution is the Beirut Art Center, a nonprofit art foundation that showcases contemporary art from Lebanon and the Middle East. You can also explore ‘Beit Beirut,’ a renovated Art Deco-style apartment building that functioned as a militia stronghold during the Lebanese civil war and has now turned into a museum of memory exhibiting the history of the 2006 war.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions in Beirut

While most visitors are attracted to Beirut’s main attractions, some hidden gems do not make it to the tourism catalog, providing a more intimate experience with the local environment. A notable place to visit is the Horse-Shoe, known to be the city’s first rooftop bar, nowadays turned into a community space, hosting numerous events, exhibitions, and live performances.

Another exciting spot to explore is Beirut’s art district, namely Mar Mikhael, a bohemian neighborhood housing street art, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and unique architecture that emerged after the civil war.

Furthermore, a hike to the Lebanon Mountain Trail is a hidden gem awaiting adventurous tourists. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful parts of Lebanon and offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the natural beauty of the country.

In conclusion, Beirut offers a diverse array of attractions catering to all interests from ancient history, enchanting caves, and religious sites to vibrant neighborhoods, cultural scenes, and beautiful views. With this comprehensive guide, you can make the most of your trip to Beirut, creating unforgettable memories and learning so much about the city’s rich history and culture.