Private Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Tour | From Beirut
Description
Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos are the three destinations that appear on almost every Lebanon first-timer's list — and for good reason. This private day trip gets you to all three exclusively at your own pace, with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver who covers the key facts and stories at each stop. No group to keep up with. No fixed schedule beyond the pickup time. Just three of Lebanon's most iconic destinations, a private vehicle, and eight hours. Jeita Grotto: a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature finalist — 9 kilometres of limestone caves 30 minutes from Beirut. Harissa: the cable car ride to 650 metres above the Mediterranean and the iconic shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. Byblos: one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth — 7,000 years of Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader history in a single coastal site. Entrance tickets and lunch payable on site — you control the budget on the day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
9:00 AM — Hotel pickup Your driver meets the group at your Beirut hotel. The vehicle is exclusively yours for the day. Jeita Grotto is 30 minutes north — the day starts immediately.
Jeita Grotto — New 7 Wonders finalist · UNESCO tentative site Two cave systems that most visitors rank as the highlight of their entire Lebanon trip. The upper cave on foot — stalactites and stalagmites up to 8 metres tall carved over millions of years. The lower cave by silent electric boat along an underground river — a level of stillness that photographs cannot capture. Your driver covers the key geological facts at the entrance. You explore at your own pace inside. Entrance fee payable on site. Photography not permitted inside. Lower cave boat ride may close during high water seasons.
Harissa cable car — 650 metres above Jounieh Bay Board the Téléférique at Jounieh seafront and ride up to 650 metres — Jounieh Bay spreading below you, the Lebanese mountains ahead. One of the most photographed aerial views in Lebanon. The ascent is the experience. Your driver points out the coastal landmarks as you ascend. Cable car ticket payable on site. Subject to weather and operational conditions.
Our Lady of Lebanon — the shrine above the coast The 8.5-metre bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon — arms outstretched toward the Mediterranean, one of the most visited religious monuments in the Middle East. The Maronite Basilica and neighbouring churches surround it. Panoramic views over the entire Lebanese coastline from 650 metres. Revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Your driver shares the history and significance of Harissa on the descent.
Byblos Castle & archaeological site — 7,000 years on foot One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth — the city whose Phoenician script gave the world its alphabet and whose name gave us the word Bible. The 12th-century Crusader castle built from recycled Phoenician and Roman stones. Inside: Neolithic foundations from 5000 BC, Bronze Age temples, Phoenician royal tombs, and Roman streets. Your driver covers the key historical facts at the entrance — you explore the full site at your own pace, as slowly or as quickly as the group wants.
Byblos Old Souk & fishing port Stone-paved lanes with jewellery workshops, antique dealers, and cafés — then down to the ancient fishing harbour where wooden boats sit against medieval walls and open sea. The most photogenic corner of Byblos. Good lunch options here at your own expense before the return.
Lunch in Byblos — optional Waterfront Lebanese mezze and fresh seafood at a Byblos harbour restaurant — the ancient fishing port directly in front of you. Optional and at your own expense. Your driver recommends the best spots. Worth the stop.
Return to Beirut — approx. 5:30–6:30 PM Drop-off at your Beirut hotel. Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and 7,000 years of Byblos — Lebanon's three most iconic day-trip destinations, covered privately at your own pace.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Free pickup is available from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Beirut.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
We were two days with Fadi. I would like to thank you at the first because of tours and inform you Fadi is a nice real man, kind, flexible, professional, honest, polite, conversationalist. We wish we could visit whole the world with Fadi as a tour guide. The passengers enjoy the time with him.
Mr. Kassem was a very good driver, helpful, knowledgeable and a happy person, that makes you feel comfortable 2 minutes after meeting him. The tour was pricey though. With less money, travelers can have lunch too.
Pick up was slightly late due to our hotel location and traffic but Hussein was very apologetic. He provided great service throughout the tour without being over pushy. I booked this tour as we could choose what we wanted and did not want to do- much better than an all inclusive! Hussein was excellent, knowledgeable and very polite. See my separate review of Manuella restaurant- a fantastic choice
Visited Byblos, Jeita Grotto and Harissa with Kassem. Great driver, very friendly and relaxed. Would highly recommend!
Nothing but positive things to say: - Driver, Ali, was on time - Very knowledgable, able to reply to all questions - Great tour of places you cannot miss out on during a trip to Beirut - Trip is at your own pace, not depending on a group I recommend booking with them!!
