Private Tripoli Day Trip from Beirut | Medieval City Tour

9:00 AM — Pickup from your Beirut hotel Your friendly driver meets you at your hotel and heads north along the beautiful Mediterranean coastal highway toward Tripoli — Lebanon's second city and one of the most historically fascinating destinations in the country.

Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles — commanding Crusader fortress Begin at the impressive Crusader citadel that has watched over Tripoli since the 12th century — originally built by Raymond de Saint-Gilles, Count of Toulouse, during the First Crusade and later expanded by the Mamluks. Climb to the ramparts for a wonderful panoramic view over Tripoli's old city — minarets and stone rooftops stretching all the way to the port of El Mina, with the Lebanese mountains rising dramatically behind. Your driver shares the fascinating story of the many civilisations that have left their mark on these ancient walls.

Al-Mansouri Great Mosque — Mamluk masterpiece Visit one of the finest Mamluk monuments in Lebanon — built in the 14th century on the site of a former Crusader Cathedral of Santa Maria. Look closely at the entrance portal and you can see the original Gothic stonework from the Crusader church still incorporated into the Mamluk facade — a fascinating detail that your driver points out and explains beautifully.

Taynal Mosque — where two civilisations meet A short walk to one of Tripoli's most remarkable buildings — the Taynal Mosque, incorporating two connected prayer halls where Gothic arches and Mamluk stonework exist beautifully side by side. One of the most architecturally unique buildings in Lebanon and a wonderful example of how Tripoli's history has layered civilisation upon civilisation in the most elegant way.

Tripoli Old Souk — one of the most authentic markets in Lebanon Spend a full hour exploring one of the most authentically preserved medieval markets in the Arab world — a wonderful labyrinth of vaulted stone alleyways where gold merchants, spice vendors, fabric traders, and artisan workshops have occupied the same spaces for centuries. Unlike the renovated souks of Beirut, Tripoli's old market is the real, living, breathing thing — a genuine and charming window into traditional Lebanese commercial life that visitors of all ages thoroughly enjoy.

Tripoli Soap Factory — a centuries-old tradition A brief and fascinating stop at one of Tripoli's traditional olive oil soap factories — a craft that has been practiced in this city for centuries and that produced soap exported across the Mediterranean world. A charming and educational stop that gives you a wonderful glimpse into one of Lebanon's oldest artisan traditions.

Hallab 1881 — Tripoli's legendary institution No visit to Tripoli is truly complete without a stop at Hallab — the most beloved pastry and dining institution in Lebanon, founded in 1881 during the Ottoman era. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh Lebanese dishes followed by Hallab's legendary sweets — their knefeh, baklava, and mamoul are made to recipes unchanged for generations and celebrated across the Arab world. A thoroughly enjoyable and deeply Lebanese experience that the whole family will love.

El Mina Port — Tripoli's charming waterfront End your Tripoli day at El Mina — the city's historic port district where the pace of life slows to something wonderfully unhurried. Colourful fishing boats in the harbour, lovely Ottoman-era mansions lining the corniche, and a palm-lined waterfront where locals gather throughout the day. A peaceful and charming final stop before the drive back to Beirut.

Return to Beirut — approx. 4:30–5:30 PM Your driver brings you comfortably back to Beirut with drop-off at your hotel — completing a wonderful day in one of Lebanon's most fascinating and most rewarding cities.