Discovering Lebanon in 14 Days

  • Day 1: Beirut City Tour
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport

    Begin your Lebanese adventure exploring the fascinating capital city, Beirut. Visit the National Museum of Beirut to learn about the country's rich history, then head to Martyrs' Square, where you can admire the stunning Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque and the iconic Martyrs' Statue. Take a stroll down the Beirut Corniche and enjoy the beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Day 2: Byblos & Jeita Grotto
    45 minutes (22 miles) from Beirut

    Experience the UNESCO-listed Byblos, one of the world's oldest inhabited cities. Discover the historic ruins of the Phoenician city and the stunning Byblos Castle. Afterward, continue to the nearby Jeita Grotto, a mystical underground cave that fascinates visitors with its breathtaking stalactite formations, illuminated with colored lights.

  • Day 3: Tripoli & Akkar
    1 hour 30 minutes (47 miles) from Byblos

    Head north to the lively city of Tripoli, another UNESCO city. Enjoy a walk through its old souks and medieval markets, taste the famous Lebanese sweets, and visit the stunning Tripoli Castle. Afterwards, drive through the beautiful countryside to explore the remote Lebanese mountains of Akkar. Don’t miss the picturesque villages Ruhaibeh and Kfarsakhre, where you can meet friendly locals and experience the rural life of Lebanon.

  • Day 4: Batroun & Yahchouch
    1 hour (28 miles) from Akkar

    Discover the Mediterranean gem of Batroun, a quaint coastal town with beautiful beaches and a charming old city. Savor the local seafood and stroll the Batroun seaside promenade before heading to the beautiful Yahchouch Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty and beautiful waterfalls.

  • Day 5: Baatara Gorge Waterfall & Baalbek
    2 hours (48 miles) from Yahchouch

    Explore the natural wonder of Baatara Gorge Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall that plunges into a sinkhole, over 255 meters below. Then, head to the stunning Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient Roman ruins and beautiful temples of Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus.

  • Day 6: Zahle & Château Ksara
    1 hour 15 minutes (34 miles) from Baalbek

    Visit the beautiful wine region of Zahle, known for its vineyards and wineries. Take a tour of the famous Château Ksara, one of Lebanon's oldest and most famous wineries. Taste the famous Lebanese wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bekaa valley.

  • Day 7: Sidon & Tyre
    1 hour (25 miles) from Zahle

    Explore the historic coastal towns of Sidon and Tyre. Wander through the lively markets and souks, visit the UNESCO-listed Tyre Necropolis, discover the ancient ruins of Sidon Sea Castle, and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Day 8: Beiteddine Palace & Deir El Qamar
    1 hour (25 miles) from Tyre

    Visit the stunning Beiteddine Palace, a masterpiece of Lebanese architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. Continue to the charming village of Deir El Qamar, and stroll through its picturesque streets lined with beautiful old houses and churches.

  • Day 9: Cedars of God & Bcharre
    2 hours 15 minutes (77 miles) from Deir El Qamar

    Experience the natural wonder of the Cedars of God, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the world's oldest trees. Then, drive to the beautiful village of Bcharre, famous for its traditional architecture, stunning views, and its connection to the famous Lebanese poet, Khalil Gibran.

  • Day 10: Koura & Balamand Monastery
    1 hour 15 minutes (42 miles) from Bcharre

    Explore the beautiful countryside of Koura and discover its charming villages, old churches, and beautiful scenery. Then, visit the stunning Balamand Monastery, a peaceful place with beautiful gardens, and a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

  • Day 11: Qadisha Valley & Our Lady of Lebanon
    2 hours 15 minutes (72 miles) from Balamand Monastery

    Experience the natural beauty of the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features stunning gorges, caves, and monasteries that date back to the early Christian era. Then, visit the stunning Our Lady of Lebanon, a religious site that overlooks the beautiful Jounieh Bay, famous for its stunning views and holy relics.

  • Day 12: Jbeil & Amchit
    1 hour (22 miles) from Our Lady of Lebanon

    Explore the historic city of Jbeil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Phoenician era. Visit the stunning harbor and the impressive Jbeil Castle before discovering the beautiful coastal village of Amchit, famous for its traditional architecture and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Day 13: Beirut Art & Culture Tour
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Amchit

    Discover the artistic side of Beirut with a visit to the Sursock Museum, one of Lebanon's most important museums of modern and contemporary art, followed by a visit to the Beirut Art Center, a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that features the works of local and international artists.

  • Day 14: Day Trip to Aanjar & Kfar Qouq
    1 hour 30 minutes (39 miles) from Beirut

    On your last day, visit the fascinating Aanjar Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the ruins of an Umayyad city. Continue to the nearby village of Kfar Qouq, known for its beautiful orchards, charming streets, and traditional cuisine.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • National Museum of Beirut (2 hours, $13)
  • Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque (30 minutes, free)
  • Martyrs' Square (1 hour, free)
  • Byblos Castle (1 hour, $6)
  • Jeita Grotto (1.5 hours, $18)
  • Tripoli Castle (1 hour, $6)
  • Baatara Gorge Waterfall (1 hour, $5)
  • Baalbek Roman Ruins (4 hours, $15)
  • Château Ksara Winery (2 hours, $30)
  • Tyre Necropolis (1 hour, $4)
  • Sidon Sea Castle (1 hour, $4)
  • Beiteddine Palace (2 hours, $10)
  • Cedars of God (2 hours, $5)
  • Balamand Monastery (1 hour, free)
  • Our Lady of Lebanon (1 hour, free)
  • Jbeil Castle (1 hour, $6)
  • Sursock Museum (2 hours, $10)
  • Beirut Art Center (2 hours, free)
  • Aanjar Archaeological Site (2 hours, $8)
  • Kfar Qouq Village (1 hour, $8)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $173

Transportation

Lebanon has a well-established transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and car rentals. Buses are the most affordable option, with fares ranging from $0.30 to $1. Taxis are more expensive, with fares starting at $4. Car rentals are a convenient option for travelers who want to explore the country at their own pace, with daily rates starting at $30. Travel times between destinations can vary greatly depending on traffic and road conditions.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the stunning Jezzine Waterfall, or a visit to the charming wineries of Batroun Mountains. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the smaller villages and focusing on the main cities.

Airports

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the main airport in Lebanon, located in the southern suburbs of Beirut. It is approximately 30 minutes from the city center by car, and offers flights to major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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