13-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Lebanon

  • Day 1: Beirut Souks
    15 minutes (5 km) from Beirut Airport

    Explore the vibrant street markets of Beirut Souks for a family-friendly experience. Wander through the maze of shops and stalls selling everything from local spices to handmade crafts while taking in the bustling atmosphere of the city.

  • Day 2: Jeita Grotto
    25 minutes (18 km) from Beirut Souks

    Discover the natural wonder of Jeita Grotto, a series of interconnected limestone caves that are home to an underground river. Take a guided tour of the caves to see the stunning stalactites and stalagmites up close and learn about the history of the site.

  • Day 3: Byblos Castle
    30 minutes (38 km) from Jeita Grotto

    Visit the impressive Byblos Castle, a 12th-century fortress that has stood the test of time. Take a walk around the castle walls, enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains, and learn about the history of the region.

  • Day 4: Cedars of God
    1 hour 15 minutes (89 km) from Byblos Castle

    Take a trip to the stunning Cedars of God, a forest of ancient cedar trees that have been protected for centuries. Walk among the towering trees and breathe in the fresh mountain air, or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the cedars and the region.

  • Day 5: Batroun
    1 hour 15 minutes (67 km) from Cedars of God

    Explore the charming coastal town of Batroun, known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture. Take a walk along the seafront promenade, enjoy a swim in the clear waters, and try some of the local seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants.

  • Day 6: Harissa
    50 minutes (44 km) from Batroun

    Visit the mountaintop town of Harissa, home to the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue and shrine. Take the cable car up to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding countryside, and explore the many shops and restaurants in the town.

  • Day 7: Tyre
    1 hour 30 minutes (89 km) from Harissa

    Travel to the southern city of Tyre, known for its ancient Roman ruins and stunning beaches. Explore the historic city walls, visit the Al Bass Archaeological Site, and enjoy some time on the beach with the family.

  • Day 8: Sidon Sea Castle
    30 minutes (23 km) from Tyre

    Discover the historic Sidon Sea Castle, a fortress that stands on a small island just off the coast of the city. Walk across the bridge to the castle and explore the surrounding area, which is filled with charming streets and colorful markets.

  • Day 9: Baatara Gorge Waterfall
    1 hour 10 minutes (56 km) from Sidon Sea Castle

    Take a trip to the stunning Baatara Gorge Waterfall, a natural wonder that is known for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Take a hike through the surrounding countryside to reach the waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch with the family.

  • Day 10: Qadisha Valley
    1 hour 10 minutes (63 km) from Baatara Gorge Waterfall

    Explore the serene beauty of the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to stunning landscapes and historic monasteries. Take a guided tour of the valley to learn about the history of the region, or hike through the scenic trails to discover the beauty of the area on your own.

  • Day 11: Zaitunay Bay
    1 hour (34 km) from Qadisha Valley

    Relax and unwind in the picturesque Zaitunay Bay, a harbor-side development filled with shops, restaurants, and stunning waterfront views. Take a walk along the promenade, enjoy a meal with the family, or just soak up the sunshine and fresh sea air.

  • Day 12: National Museum of Beirut
    20 minutes (6 km) from Zaitunay Bay

    Discover the rich cultural history of Lebanon at the National Museum of Beirut. Take a tour of the museum's many exhibits, which include artifacts from ancient Phoenician and Roman civilizations, as well as more recent contributions to Lebanese art and culture.

  • Day 13: Pigeon Rocks
    20 minutes (4 km) from National Museum of Beirut

    End your trip with a visit to the iconic Pigeon Rocks, a stunning natural formation located just off the coast of Beirut. Take a walk along the Corniche to enjoy the sea views, or join a boat trip to get closer to the rocks and explore the surrounding waters.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Beirut Souks (2 hours, $10)
  • Jeita Grotto (2.5 hours, $17)
  • Byblos Castle (2 hours, $13)
  • Cedars of God (3 hours, $20)
  • Batroun (3 hours, $25)
  • Harissa (3 hours, $15)
  • Tyre (4 hours, $30)
  • Sidon Sea Castle (2 hours, $10)
  • Baatara Gorge Waterfall (4 hours, $20)
  • Qadisha Valley (4 hours, $15)
  • Zaitunay Bay (2 hours, $20)
  • National Museum of Beirut (3 hours, $12)
  • Pigeon Rocks (1 hour, $5)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $192 per person

Transportation

Travelers can get around by taxi or car rental during their time in Lebanon. Taxi rides can be quite affordable, but getting around by car rental offers more flexibility in terms of time and travel itinerary. Rental prices for a mid-size car range from $25 to $50 per day, depending on the company. To save on transportation costs, travelers may also consider using public transportation options like buses or shared taxis, which are frequent and affordable.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring other parts of Lebanon like the Bekaa Valley or the Chouf Mountains. For those with less time, you can opt to skip some of the destinations or combine them into a two-day trip. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations for any activities or restaurants you want to experience to avoid long wait times and disappointment.

Airports

Lebanon's main international airport is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), located in the southern suburbs of Beirut. It's located 5 km south of Beirut's city center and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. The airport offers a range of services and amenities for travelers, including currency exchange, restaurants, and duty-free shopping.

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