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From Beirut to Byblos Tour
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From Beirut to Byblos OVERVIEW

TOUR SUMMARY

7 days

Beirut to Beirut

On Request

Country(ies): Lebanon

Tour type: Private

Group size: Min: 1 | Max: 0

Accommodation:3 to 5-star hotels

Meals: Breakfasts - 6, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 4

Transport: AC car/minibus

Highlights:Lively and cosmopolitan Beirut city, ruins at Baalbek and Byblos, beautiful scenery of the Beka'a Valley, crusader Castle of Qalaat Al-Bahr, ancient Souks, port city of Sidon

Set forth on a captivating expedition through the soul of Lebanon, a land where history, culture, and scenic beauty converge effortlessly. Your adventure begins in Beirut, the lively Mediterranean hub, where echoes of an ancient past intertwine with modern-day vibrance. From Beirut, the journey unfurls into the lush expanses of the Beka’a Valley, framed by towering mountains and adorned with vast vineyards that have sustained Lebanon’s wine heritage for thousands of years. Discover the timeless splendour of Baalbek, once celebrated as Heliopolis, a remarkable site of Roman grandeur nestled within the valley. Here, the remains of monumental temples stand as enduring witnesses to a distant era, with the awe-inspiring Temple of Bacchus rising prominently among the ruins.

Continuing this remarkable journey, you’ll reach the mesmerising Beiteddine Palace, a beacon of Lebanon’s architectural heritage. Built by Emir Bashir Shihab II in the late 18th century, this luxurious palace exemplifies the elaborate blend of Ottoman and Arabesque design, symbolising generations of power and influence. Close by, the ancient Umayyad ruins of Anjar quietly reveal stories of a long-gone era, with timeworn stones bearing testimony to centuries of human resilience and ambition.

Heading north, the coastal charm of Byblos awaits, where the clock seems to slow amid the town’s timeless cobblestone streets and ancient walls. Here, history breathes as you wander among traces of past civilisations, from Phoenician artefacts to Crusader forts, each relic unfolding a piece of Lebanon’s rich narrative. Absorb the pulse of local life, savouring traditional dishes and experiencing the heartfelt hospitality that fills every corner of this historic town.

As your voyage reaches its conclusion, return to Beirut, where your travel memories linger amid the city’s vibrant streets and lively souks. Reflecting on the experiences shared and landscapes traversed, you bid Lebanon farewell—a place of contrasts where ancient history coexists harmoniously with modern life. Departing with the spirit of this enchanting land within you, know that the memories of your Lebanese journey will remain, etched forever in the heart of your wanderlust.

ITINERARY

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Our representative will greet you upon arrival at Beirut airport and escort you to your selected accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to start discovering this stunning coastal city.

OVERNIGHT:

Beirut hotel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None


After leaving Beirut, you’ll journey through the scenic Beka'a Valley to reach the ancient town of Baalbek. This historical site is believed to have Phoenician origins, with the settlement’s history dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. In the 1st millennium BC, a temple dedicated to the god Baal was established here, giving the city its name. In 334 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the area, renaming the city Heliopolis—a name adopted by later Roman rulers. Derived from Greek, *Helios* means sun and *Polis* means city, hence, the "City of the Sun". Today, Baalbek is celebrated for its intricately detailed Roman ruins, drawing many visitors to the area each year.

OVERNIGHT:

Baalbek hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


This morning, you will travel to Beiteddine, with stops at Ksara and Anjar along the way. Your first destination is Ksara, located in the Beka’a Valley and renowned for its wine production. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s local wines. Later, you’ll continue to the historical site of Anjar. Founded by Caliph Walid I in the early 8th century, Anjar’s ruins showcase a distinctive, structured layout typical of ancient palace-cities, with excavations revealing numerous shops, baths, and souks. Finally, you’ll reach Beiteddine for a tour of the Palace, a small museum, and a Mosaic exhibition.

OVERNIGHT:

Zahle hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


Today, you travel north to the historic town of Byblos, passing through the coastal city of Saida (or Sidon) and the magnificent Crusader castle of Qalaat Al-Bahr, also known as the Sea Castle. Built by the Crusaders in 1228 AD, the castle is now made up of two primary towers connected by a wall. Sadly, much of the decorative features that once adorned the walls have been lost, as the Mamluks sought to dismantle all Sea Castles to prevent the Crusaders from regaining control of the coast. You will reach Byblos later in the afternoon, where you will have some leisure time to start discovering the souks.

OVERNIGHT:

Byblos hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


This morning, you will explore the ancient city of Byblos, which asserts itself as the longest-inhabited town in history. You will tour the Old Souks, the Citadel, the ancient ramparts, the Church of St John, and the Roman Amphitheatre.

OVERNIGHT:

Byblos hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


Today, you return to Beirut and embark on a city tour, beginning with a drive along the seafront promenade. During this drive, you will pass the striking Pigeon Rocks, a massive natural arch rising from the sea. If time allows later, this is a well-known spot for enjoying the sunset. Next, you will proceed through the Hamra commercial district, then visit the National Museum and Martyrs' Square. The National Museum in Beirut houses an impressive collection of more than 100,000 artefacts, although only around 1,300 are currently on display. The museum is arranged in chronological order, starting from the Bronze Age and progressing through to the modern era. The tour concludes with a visit to Martyrs’ Square, where you can observe the bullet-marked bronze statues, which stand as a poignant reminder of the destruction wrought during the Lebanese Civil War.

OVERNIGHT:

Beirut hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


You have the freedom to continue exploring Beirut today until we take you to the airport for your departure.

OVERNIGHT:

N/A

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


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Included:

 

  • All lodging
  • All meals specified in your itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at the beginning and end of your journey
  • Entry fees for all sites listed in your itinerary
  • Knowledgeable tour guide for all sightseeing activities
  • Private transport for all road journeys mentioned
  • Lebanon tourist visa
  • Detailed pre-departure information

 

Excluded:

 

  • International flights (available upon request)
  • Departure fees
  • Gratuities
  • Meals, beverages, and snacks not specified in the itinerary
  • Any additional items not listed in the itinerary

 

Dates and Prices

Seasonal rates for this tour are provided below. We are also able to tailor the itinerary to suit your specific preferences. Please get in touch with us for further information and pricing.

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Select the currency that works best for you by clicking one of the icons below. Whether you prefer US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), or any of our other supported currencies, simply tap the flag or symbol to instantly update all prices site-wide.

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Price (P/P)
Offer Price
Note

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

TOUR NOTES

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

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We use high-quality 4-star hotels for this tour. Accommodation is provided in twin, triple, or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning. For examples of the hotels typically used on this tour, please refer to the accommodation tab. Should you have any specific accommodation requirements, do let us know, and we will be pleased to offer you a personalised quote.


This itinerary is crafted as an example of a bespoke tour plan. Therefore, we do not provide fixed group departure dates for you to join. Instead, the tour is available for you to enjoy privately, with flexibility to start on any date throughout the year. Indicative seasonal prices are listed below, based on two people travelling. If you wish to modify the itinerary or if the number of travellers differs, please get in touch with us, and we will tailor a price specifically for you.


Electrical Sockets and Adapters

  • The sockets in use are round with two prongs and a 220-volt supply (Type C).
  • You can find universal adaptors at most airport shops if you don’t already have one.
  • Standard European adapters generally work, though they may fit a bit loosely in the sockets at times.
  • All hotel rooms are equipped with electrical sockets for charging devices such as cameras and phones.
  • Hair dryers are usually available upon request from hotel reception if one isn’t already provided in your room.
  • If you are travelling with US appliances (110 volts), you will need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.


The time zone for Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon is GMT plus 2 hours, while in the UAE, it is GMT plus 3 hours. Daylight saving time has been implemented in some years but not consistently. Currently, it seems that Egypt will not be observing daylight saving time from 2016 onwards, though this could change unexpectedly, potentially affecting flight schedules and timings. In Jordan and Israel, daylight saving time, which advances the clock by one hour, is typically observed from the end of March to the end of October, shifting the time to GMT plus 3 hours. The specific dates for these changes vary annually, and there are occasions when the adjustments may be cancelled altogether.


The official currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (also known as the Lira). There is no need to bring Lebanese currency with you as exchange services are available at international airports, and in most hotels, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. It is advisable to carry small denominations of notes or coins during your tour, as these will be handy for things like public toilets, tipping, and minor purchases. ATMs are commonly found in larger towns, and many local stores accept payment by VISA, Mastercard, or Amex, although extra charges may apply – so it's best to check before making a purchase. Travellers' cheques are not recommended as they are no longer widely accepted and often incur high exchange fees.

Given the significant recent devaluation of the Lebanese pound, if you withdraw money from an ATM or use your credit card, you will be charged at the official exchange rate, which is much higher than the local market rate. For this reason, we suggest bringing sufficient US Dollars or Euros in cash to cover your expenses during your trip and avoiding reliance on credit cards in Lebanon. You can exchange your foreign currency to Lebanese Pounds at current rates while in the country – your guide can assist you in finding suitable exchange locations.

While in Lebanon, you should have enough funds to cover meals not included in your itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses such as laundry. Most of these can be paid for in local currency, but tips for your guides and drivers may be given in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR).

It’s difficult to suggest a precise amount of personal spending money, as it will vary depending on individual preferences. However, a general guideline would be to budget around USD 25-35 per person per day. If you plan to do a lot of shopping or purchase alcohol frequently, it’s a good idea to bring a bit more.


Your airport transfers are included only on the first and last day of the scheduled tour, as well as on any extra days if you book your accommodation through us. If you organise your own accommodation at the start or end of the tour, you will need to arrange your own transfers for these days.


Our tours include a variety of transport options to ensure you experience the country you’re visiting up close, while also allowing you to relax and recharge for the next leg of your journey. In Lebanon, due to the relatively short distances, we use private vehicles throughout the tour. The vehicles chosen will be spacious and comfortable, tailored to the size of the group.


Tipping is a common custom in Lebanon as a way to show appreciation for services received. As such, you may choose to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. There is no set amount you are required to give, and it's important to consider your own budget when deciding. We are frequently asked for guidance on tipping amounts, and we would suggest around GBP 5 / USD 8 per person, per day, as a suitable amount.


We aim to provide you with as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. To cater to those with different travel preferences, we do not include international flights in the main tour price. However, we are more than happy to recommend flights that pair well with your tour. Simply get in touch with us, share your preferred travel dates and departure airport, and we will offer you a selection of airlines, schedules, and prices to choose from.

Your arrival and departure transfers are included on the first and last days of your tour. Most of our Lebanese tours begin and end at Beirut airport (BEY).

Occasionally, we offer flight-inclusive packages from selected airports. When these are available on our website, the prices shown are accurate at the time of quoting but are subject to the continued availability of the fares. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking, along with flight details, including times and the airline, before tickets are issued.

Flight-inclusive prices are based on the most economical Economy class tickets, which are usually non-refundable and non-changeable, unless the flight is cancelled for reasons like Covid-19, in which case airlines tend to be more flexible. For those looking for more flexibility, we also offer Premium Economy and Business Class tickets for an additional cost. Any changes to flight-inclusive bookings will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.

Flight CO2 Emissions:

Flying is a fantastic way to discover new places, but it also contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that affect the environment. By considering the CO2 emissions of your flight, you can help reduce your travel footprint.

We encourage you to think about the environmental impact of your flight when selecting an airline and international flight. Many airlines and flight search websites (such as Google Flights and Skyscanner) provide CO2 emission data, allowing you to compare your options and make a more informed choice. Many airlines are working to improve their sustainability efforts, and by opting for a greener flight, you can help make a positive contribution to the planet while still enjoying your journey.


Passports must remain valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Avoid bringing a nearly full or soon-to-expire passport. It is the traveller's responsibility to arrange their visa, and the requirements may change at any time according to local authorities.

For many nationalities, a visa on arrival is available at Beirut International Airport. This applies to most countries within the Commonwealth, European Union, Russia, Japan, and the United States. Even if you qualify for a visa on arrival, it’s advisable to verify the latest requirements with your local Lebanese consulate.

Other nationalities may need to arrange their visa before travelling. To obtain one in advance, contact your nearest Lebanese embassy, consulate, or a visa agency for further information.

IMPORTANT: The Lebanese Government prohibits entry to individuals holding Israeli passports, Israeli visas (whether valid or expired), or those with any evidence of travel to Israel in their passport.


Luggage: You can bring suitcases, rucksacks, or fabric holdalls to Lebanon. It's also advisable to carry a small daypack or bag for use during the day. Your main luggage will usually stay at the hotel while you're out sightseeing, so you won’t have to carry it far, and hotel porters are typically available to assist.

Luggage Restrictions: There are no specific luggage limits for this trip. However, most airlines have restrictions on hold luggage, typically between 20kg and 25kg, and on hand luggage, usually between 5kg and 10kg. We recommend you confirm the limits with your airline before heading to the airport.

Clothing: Lebanon's weather varies, with hot summer days and cold, wintry conditions in the winter. Temperatures, especially in the mountains, can drop significantly at night, so be sure to pack for cooler and possibly wet conditions. Formal attire, such as suits and ties, is not necessary. In some regions, modest dress is highly valued, particularly for women. To respect the local culture, we suggest wearing loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing. While shorts (not hot-pants) and T-shirts are acceptable at tourist sites, it's best to avoid exposing too much skin (we recommend covering your shoulders). When visiting mosques, both legs and arms should be covered. Bikinis and swimwear are common at some beaches.

Other Items: We recommend packing a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, a money belt, a small torch, a camera, and a charger.


It is essential to ensure that you have comprehensive medical insurance, covering emergency medical situations, including evacuation and repatriation.

Vaccinations and other health protection measures differ depending on your destination and where you're travelling from. We recommend you consult your GP or a travel health clinic for the latest advice on required vaccinations for your trip. You should also make sure your routine vaccinations and boosters, which are recommended for your general health at home, are up to date. This includes vaccines related to your occupation, lifestyle risks, and any existing medical conditions.

Additional vaccinations and boosters often advised for the countries in this region include:

  • Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
  • Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
  • Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
  • Lebanon: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A

Malaria is not typically found in the region, unless contracted elsewhere, so malaria prophylaxis is generally unnecessary.

For more details, you can find further information here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon

Note: We are aware that some locations in Egypt use 'black henna' instead of traditional brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye called PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which can cause severe allergic reactions and scarring. To avoid potential risks, it is advisable to refrain from getting henna tattoos in Egypt unless you are certain the henna is pure brown henna.


Our small-group tours in Lebanon operate with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 18 participants per group.

Tailor-made tours are costed for two people travelling with a driver and guide for the sightseeing activities. If you're travelling as a family or in a larger group, we’ll offer discounts and customised quotes.

In Lebanon, all sightseeing tours are led by fully trained, local English-speaking guides. At Egypt Uncovered, we prioritise working with local guides and representatives, as we believe this provides a more authentic and enriching experience of the country and its landmarks.


This tour includes a meet-and-greet service and airport transfer on the first day. Our representative will be waiting with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed for easy identification. If you are unable to locate our representative, emergency contact numbers will be provided on your tour confirmation voucher.

A transfer to the airport is also included at the end of the tour. Please review the tour itinerary and your flight times carefully. Most international flights departing from Khartoum are scheduled in the early hours of the morning. If you have upgraded to a 4 or 5-star hotel in Khartoum, only a day-use room is typically included for your final day. A full night's stay is provided at the standard 3-star hotel. If you require a full night’s accommodation in an upgraded hotel, an additional charge may apply.

Refunds are not available for missed transfers or parts of your trip due to incorrect flight details or delayed arrivals. Any additional expenses incurred to join the group will be your responsibility.

If your flights are scheduled to arrive before the tour starts or depart after the tour ends, we can arrange extra accommodation and airport transfers. We will strive to book these at the same hotel as the main tour, subject to availability (upgraded hotels can also be arranged upon request). Please note that if you do not book additional accommodation through us, arrival and departure transfer services will not be included, and you will need to organise your own transport.

Arrival Procedure

Be prepared for potential delays at immigration, especially if you are obtaining a “visa on arrival” (refer to the Passports and Visas section). After passport control, proceed to baggage reclaim, where further waiting times are common. Once you collect your luggage, you will need to show your baggage receipts (typically attached to your boarding pass), and your bags may be manually inspected by airport staff. This is standard procedure to ensure no prohibited items, such as alcohol or inappropriate materials, are brought into Sudan. Be aware that some magazines with certain images might also be considered inappropriate and could be confiscated without return.

After completing these formalities, you will find our representative waiting just outside the glass doors with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed.

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