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Day 1
Arrive Beirut airport. Look out for your name on a signboard. Your driver will transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 2: Jeitta Grotto – Harissa – Byblos
Meet your driver/guide at 09:00am at the hotel reception. Start the tour by visiting the famous Jeita grottos with their fabulous sceneries (nominated to be one of the 7 Nature Wonders of the World). Jeita is one of the world’s most beautiful caves, just 20 km away north of Beirut. A dry upper gallery can be seen on foot via accessible walkway, known for having the longest stalactites in the world. The lower caverns are visited by boat over a subterranean lake 623 meters long. A short boat-ride is included for a unique experience.
After many years of exploration, Lebanese speleologists have penetrated 6,910 meters from the entry point of the grotto to the far end of the Underground River and 2,130 meters of the upper galleries. The main source of the Dog River (Nahr El Kalb) rises in this cavern.
Next stop is Harissa, 600 meters above sea level which is reached by teleferique (cable-car). Harissa, Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the most important shrines in the world honouring the Virgin Mary. The shrine is highlighted by a huge, 15-ton bronze statue of the virgin erected in 1908. Inside its base, there is a chapel with outside spiral staircase that leads to the top. There is also a teleferique service from the bay of Jounieh to the mountain of Harissa. Enjoy the panoramic view of Jounieh bay from the top.
Final stop is Byblos, the beautiful Phoenician city considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world goes back at least 8,000 years and is a UNESCO Heritage site, having survived the Phoenicians, Romans, the Crusades and Ottomans makes it one of the richest archaeological areas in the country.
Located at 36 kilometers north of Beirut, has the “Roman Medieval port” as its main tourist hub. The landmarks in this area are, the crusader castle and church as well as the extensive remains of city’s past.
The city charms visitors from its Souks (markets) to its magnificent harbour, Crusader castle, and sea-side promenade. All around are many restaurants, sandy beaches, and cafés.
Lunch is served in a Lebanese restaurant.
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Day 3
Pick up time from hotel, transfer to Beirut airport for departure flight.
Sequence of visits may change.
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Note that passports should not have a stamp of Israel inside, otherwise will be refused entry.
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