Plan Your Ideal Beirut Tour – Harissa, Jeita & Byblos

Trying to come up with the perfect Beirut tour can feel like an overwhelming task. Between the three most popular destinations – Harissa, Jeita, and Byblos – there’s so much to see, you’ll barely have time to fit it all in one day. Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can see all three spots in one amazing, unforgettable day from Beirut. Before you start your tour, it’s important to understand what each spot offers so you can make the most of your time.

Harissa

Atop a slender peak rising 1,400 feet above sea level, Harissa is a pilgrimage center that’s home to the gleaming white Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. From the top of this mountaintop site, views of Beirut, the Jezzine Mountains, and the Mediterranean are dazzling. Be prepared to share the spot with tour buses and hoards of excited sightseers.

Once you’ve taken in the view from the balcony of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, follow the steps down to Church of St. Paul. Next up is the terrace of Stations of the Cross; a series of metal sculptured sculptures by famous Lebanese sculptor 樆郅 佡切慴 瑳坸散牤. For a truly special experience, catch the sunset as you walk down the terrace.

Jeita

Photo by Mo Magdy on Unsplash
Years of erosion and tectonic plates shifting have crafted Jeita into the stunning site it is today: two separate caves connected by an underground river that stretches nearly nine miles and reaches depths that reach over 330 feet. Visitors can explore one of the two caves: The upper cave is accessible by walking through a few hundred yards of illuminated passages, cascades and chambers, culminating in a stunning waterfall in an emerald-green pool at the entrance to the lower cave.

On the other hand, the lower cave is longer and offers a much different experience. Take an exciting boat ride along the underground river and explore an area filled with natural and mysterious formations including a suspended fairytale lake.

Byblos

Photo by Adalberto Rangel on Unsplash
After your tour of Harissa and Jeita, it’s time to finish off the day with a visit to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world: Byblos. From its curved harbor to its narrow alleyways lined with souvenir shops and cafes, this ancient city is full of beautiful historical sites and scenic views.

Start at Byblos Castle and work your way back through 7000 years worth of civilization. Explore how this location has been inhabited since Neolithic times, with each layer uncovering unique cultural facts and stories about trade, feuds and warfare between civilizations. Wander through Byblos Citadel’s remains, sample the region’s specialties in restaurants and take a break near the cobbled streets that lead to the harbor. There’s plenty to explore here!

End your journey by strolling along a picturesque beach or sitting on a panoramic terrace to watch the sunset over Byblos Bay.

What’s the Best Way To Visit Harissa, Jeita & Byblos?

This full-day tour of Harissa, Jeita and Byblos is best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide who can share the unique history behind each location like unseen pieces of the puzzle. With such a guidance you will be able to experience an exceptional level of insight that will transform your tour for sure. Therefore it is important for you to select a tour operator who provides reliable services and has customer-friendly practices such as flexible booking options, attentive customer support and trained local guides who are passionate about their hometown’s culture and history.

For instance, GetYourGuide offers reliable and customer-friendly tour packages that are perfect for this day long tour from Beirut. With their experienced guides, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience full of fun and learning as you explore all three locations – Harissa, Jeita & Byblos. So if you want to soak in all that these three popular destinations have to offer while gaining knowledge about their history, GetYourGuide provides the perfect opportunity! Book your tour today!

An Insider’s Guide to Beirut, Lebanon – Explore the Charm of the Middle East

Welcome to Beirut; a vibrant city with an intriguing blend of historical charm and modern-day excitement. When it comes to planning your ideal Beirut tour, there’s a lot more to discover than just the typical touristic attractions. As a local, I’d like to share my insider’s guide with you, where you’ll unlock hidden gems, uncover fascinating food and cultural experiences, learn captivating stories from the city’s history and discover unique off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions – Discover the Hidden Gems

Beirut has many hidden spots that only locals know about. For a relaxing day, visit Sursock Museum, a hidden gem in the heart of the city, which houses contemporary art exhibitions and offers a tranquil garden with a scenic view of Beirut. Alternatively, you can also visit the National Museum of Beirut, which presents more than 6000 years of history and stories of the region. For a unique experience, take a walk down the Hamra street, a bustling and lively street filled with shops and cafes.

Dining Spots – Explore the Delicious Local Cuisine

Beirut is known for its great food and culinary traditions. You should definitely try Manouché, a popular Lebanese breakfast dish, as well as delicious grilled meat, falafel, and hummus. A great place to start is Barbar, located in Hamra, where you can try Lebanese street food with a twist. For a more refined experience, try Tawlet, a sustainable restaurant that supports local farmers and producers from all regions of Lebanon. Here you get to enjoy an authentic taste of Lebanese homemade dishes.

Cultural Experiences – Immerse Yourself in the City’s Traditions

Lebanon and Beirut, in particular, have an incredibly rich and diverse cultural scene. The city hosts the Beirut International Film Festival, showcasing new films from around the world, accompanied by workshops, talks and other film-related events. You can also explore the city’s art scene by visiting Beirut Art Center, a non-profit space dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions and multimedia installations. Lastly, be sure to attend the Raouché International Festival; an annual celebration featuring musical and dance performances, fireworks, and other cultural experiences.

Local History – Learn Captivating Stories

Beirut has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Roman Empire. One notable historical spot is Pigeon Rocks, which according to myth, holds the remains of a sea monster killed by Hercules. Additionally, you can visit Martyr’s Square, which highlights some of the key events that took place in the city during the civil war in the late 1900s. Lastly, you can visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, a modern architectural masterpiece that symbolizes a strong connection between the past and present of Beirut.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions – Take a Unique Adventure

To experience something truly unique, I recommend taking a doughnut-shaped, panoramic helicopter tour of the city for breathtaking views of Beirut from above. Additionally, you can visit the iconic Pharaon Street in the Gemmayze neighborhood. The street is famous for its unique urban art installations and murals. Lastly, visit the Al-Omari Mosque in the Beqaa valley, located on a hill which offers a scenic view of the valley below.

Beirut may have a lot of touristic places and attractions, but with this insider’s guide, I promise you an unforgettable experience filled with hidden gems, delicious traditions, fascinating cultural experiences and captivating stories from the city’s past.