10-Day Itinerary for Lebanon

  • Day 1: Beirut Downtown
    10 minutes (5 km) from Rafic Hariri International Airport

    Start your trip in the heart of Beirut, the Downtown area, where you can admire a mix of modern and traditional architecture, also known as the Paris of the Middle East. Visit The Roman Baths, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and Martyrs' Square. For lunchtime, have a traditional Lebanese meal at Mouneh.

  • Day 2: Jeita Grotto and Byblos
    1 hour (19 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Take a day trip to the north of Lebanon and visit the Jeita Grotto, one of the world's most beautiful caverns. Afterwards, have lunch at Chez Zakhia, and then head to the ancient city of Byblos.Explore the historic castle, old souks, and the famous St. John the Baptist Church while learning about the city's rich history.

  • Day 3: Explore Beirut's Neighborhoods
    15 minutes (5 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Discover the different neighborhoods of Beirut in depth, starting from Gemmayze, known for its colorful and artistic streets, to Mar Mikhael, the hub for nightlife lovers. Savor a delicious Lebanese dinner at Tawlet, while enjoying traditional live music.

  • Day 4: Baatara Gorge Waterfall and Cedars of God
    2.5 hours (91 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Embark on an excursion to the beautiful Baatara Gorge Waterfall before heading to the unique forest of the Cedars of God in Bcharre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch at Rest House Tyr with a stunning view of the valley, before heading back to Beirut.

  • Day 5: Sidon and Sour
    1.5 hours (48 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Start your day in the ancient city of Sidon, known for its seafood and stunning seafront. Visit the stunning Sea Castle and the colorful Soap Museum. For lunch, try the traditional Lebanese food at Abou Fadi before heading down to the southern port city of Sour, also known as Tyre. Explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Mina Archaeological Site, with ancient ruins that date back to the Phoenician era.

  • Day 6: Beiteddine Palace and Deir el Qamar
    1 hour (40 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Take a day trip to the Chouf mountains and visit the Beiteddine Palace, one of the most impressive landmarks in Lebanon. Afterwards, have lunch at the scenic L'Auberge de la Ferme and then head to the picturesque town of Deir el Qamar, which is famous for its preserved Lebanese architecture.

  • Day 7: Tripoli and Batroun
    1.5 hours (85 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Visit the northern coastal city of Tripoli. Stroll through the ancient markets of the old city, Esh-Sham, before continuing to El Mina for lunch at Assaha. Finish the day in the peaceful and colorful town of Batroun, which is home to beautiful beaches and traditional houses that have been turned into artistic gems.

  • Day 8: Beirut Art and Culture
    10 minutes (5 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Discover Beirut's cultural scene and explore the interesting artistic venues. Start with the stunning Beirut Art Center, followed by a visit to the renowned Sursock Museum for lunch at the museum's Moon At Noon restaurant.Next, check out the outdoor museum, Beirut Art Walk, before indulging in traditional Lebanese sweets at the Al Bohsali shop.

  • Day 9: Harissa and Jbeil
    1 hour (35 km) from Beirut Downtown

    Take a scenic trip to the mountain top town of Harissa to see the iconic Lady of Lebanon statue while enjoying the panoramic view of the entire coastal line. Afterwards, move toward the ancient city of Jbeil, and visit the Citadel of Raymond de Saint Gilles, the ancient Phoenician Port, and the Mosque of Fakhreddine.

  • Day 10: Departure Day
    10 minutes (5 km) from Beirut Downtown

    If time permits, have a quick morning trip to the National Museum of Beirut, where you can learn about the rich history of Lebanon from the Classical periods to modern times. Enjoy your last lunch in Lebanon with stunning rooftop views at Babel Bay, before making your way to Rafic Hariri International Airport to head back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Jeita Grotto (1.5-2 hours, $18)
  • Byblos Castle/St. John the Baptist Church (1-2 hours, $8)
  • Baatara Gorge Waterfall (1.5-2 hours, $10)
  • Cedars of God (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Sea Castle (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Al Mina Archaeological Site (1-2 hours, $8)
  • Beiteddine Palace (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Sursock Museum (1-2 hours, $15)
  • Lady of Lebanon statue (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Citadel of Raymond de Saint Gilles (1-2 hours, $7)
  • National Museum of Beirut (1-2 hours, $10)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $104

Transportation

Transportation options in Lebanon include taxis, buses, rental cars, and service cars. Use taxi apps like Allo Taxi App or Careem App to easily find taxis during your trip. Bus rides are inexpensive, reliable, and efficient, but they might be crowded during rush hours. It is also a good idea to rent cars for a day trip or adventure outside of the city. Estimated costs for transportation are between $8 and $25 per day, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.

Useful Tips

For those who have a longer trip we suggest checking out the famous wine region of Bekaa Valley, which is known for its wineries and Roman ruins. Hike the different mountain trails of Qornet al-Sawda, Tannourine or Chouwen to get some exercise and stunning views. For a shorter trip a one-day trip to Sidon and Sour can be substituted by an extended day of art and culture exploring around the city Beirut.

Airports

There is only one commercial airport in Lebanon, Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), located about 5 kilometers south of Central Beirut. It is the main hub for all major airlines that fly to Lebanon. The airport is easily accessible by taxi or Service car.

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