I had a wonderful trip to the south of Lebanon with Albert as our guide. The pick-up and drop-off were very easy and convenient, and the ride was comfortable throughout the trip. We were able to see many of the main attractions, ruins, and hidden gems throughout the cities of southern Lebanon. Despite the ongoing aggression in the south, I felt that the tour company and our guide handled everything professionally, safely, and in a very timely manner. Albert and the team were extremely knowledgeable and were able to answer all of my questions about the history, culture, and sites we visited. I really appreciated being able to experience and learn about this beautiful part of Lebanon, especially places that I may not have been able to discover on my own. The tour was also excellent value for the money and made for the perfect day trip. It was a great way to see so much of southern Lebanon in one day without having to worry about transportation, planning the route, or navigating between the different sites yourself. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore the incredible history, culture, and beauty of southern Lebanon.
Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included
+8 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Price from
- $45 / person
- Location
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 12 reviews
- Languages
- AR, EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 12
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Beirut Daily Tours
Description
South Lebanon is the part of the country most visitors skip — and it is the part that consistently surprises them most when they actually go. This guided small-group day trip from Beirut covers three destinations that together span 5,000 years of Phoenician, Crusader, Roman, and sacred history — with a guide who makes every stop make sense and lunch fully included. Sidon: a 13th-century Crusader sea castle built on an island off the coast, a medieval souk that actually still functions, the world's only olive oil soap museum, and a Silk Road caravanserai. Tyre: a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Al-Bass archaeological complex — triumphal arch, colonnaded street, Roman hippodrome seating 20,000 — is one of the most complete Roman urban landscapes anywhere in the Mediterranean. Maghdouché: a hilltop sanctuary where the Virgin Mary is held to have waited while Jesus preached in Sidon — revered by Christians and Muslims for two millennia. Three stops, one guide, one included lunch.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, and Thu
- Start times
- 8:30 AM
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 12
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $45
- Child (ages 4–12)
- $45
- Infant (ages 0–3)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Beirut
8:30 AM — Hotel pickup Your guide meets the group at your Beirut hotel and heads south along the Mediterranean coastal highway. Sidon is 45 minutes away.
Crusaders Sea Castle
Sidon Sea Castle — Crusader fortress on a Mediterranean island A 13th-century Crusader fortress on a small island just off the coast, connected to shore by a stone causeway with open sea on both sides. Phoenician traders were using this harbour 3,000 years before the Crusaders built here. Your guide covers the full layered history — Phoenician port to Crusader fortress to Mamluk conquest — from the castle ramparts.
Sidon Souks
Sidon Old Souks — the real thing Stone-vaulted alleyways where spice merchants, goldsmiths, and artisan workshops have traded continuously for centuries. Not renovated for tourism — actually functioning, actually unchanged. Your guide points out what makes Sidon's market different from every other souk in Lebanon.
Soap Museum — the only one of its kind on earth. Sidon has been producing olive oil soap for over a thousand years — and this museum, the only one dedicated to the craft anywhere in the world, tells the complete story. Housed in a restored khan in the old city. A genuinely surprising and informative stop that most travelers did not know they wanted until they are inside it.
Khan al-Franj
Khan el Franj — where the Silk Road met the Mediterranean A 17th-century caravanserai built by Emir Fakhreddine II for European merchants trading along the Silk Road — arcaded courtyards, vaulted galleries, carved stone facades. One of the finest Ottoman buildings in Lebanon and a fitting final image of Sidon before heading south.
Al-Bass Archaeological Site
Al-Bass Archaeological Complex — Roman Tyre at full scale Enter through a triumphal arch still standing after two thousand years. Walk a colonnaded street flanked by ancient sarcophagi from the Roman necropolis. Reach the Tyre Hippodrome — one of the largest in the Roman world, built for 20,000 spectators on a 480-metre track, starting gates and turning posts still in place. Your guide places every structure in its Roman and Phoenician context — this is the kind of site where having the right guide is the difference between a good visit and an unforgettable one.
Tyre
Lunch in Tyre — included Fresh Lebanese mezze and seafood at a local Tyre restaurant — Mediterranean right there, ancient city as backdrop. Fully included.
Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara — Mantara means "the one who waits" Christian tradition holds that the Virgin Mary waited in a cave here while Jesus preached in Sidon below. The Arabic name — Mantara, "the one who waits" — has been attached to this place for two millennia. Revered by Christians and Muslims alike. The Basilica stands above the ancient cave, panoramic views over the southern Lebanese coast below. A quiet, unexpected close to a day that started at a Crusader sea castle and covered 5,000 years of history along the way.
Beirut
Return to Beirut — approx. 5:30–6:30 PM Drop-off at your Beirut hotel. South Lebanon done properly — Phoenician, Crusader, Roman, and sacred, all in one day.
What's included
Included
Entry/Admission to Sidon Castle (if option selected)
Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut
Entry/Admission to Sidon Soap Museum ( if option selected )
Professional expert guide
Entry/Admission to Al-Bass Archaeological Site ( if option selected )
Not included
Gratuities (optional)
Food or drinks unless specified
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer free pickup services from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Beirut.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
12 reviews
How it compares in Beirut
- Starting price $45 is 55% below the typical $100 for tours of similar length in Beirut
Excurgo comparison of 438 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included take?
Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included cost?
Prices start at $45 per person for this Beirut experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, starting at 8:30 AM.
How much does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included cost for children?
Children aged 4–12 pay from $45, adults from $45. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We offer free pickup services from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Beirut. Pickup points include Q Studios Hotel, Galleria Hotel Beirut.
What languages is Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included offered in?
The experience is available in AR, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 12 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Beirut Daily Tours.
Reviews(12)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
8
Lebanon tours and trips
N
Very interesting
This trip I found personally very interesting, since it includes a part of South Lebanon. Our tour guide, Albert, was helpful and even adjusted the trip to my needs, allowing me to visit a mosque. Highly recommended. For a Russian-speaking audience. I can recommend this tour and especially guide Albert. The tour offers an opportunity to see southern Lebanon. Albert can also tailor the tour to individual requests. The girls who were travelling with me, he gave me time to walk by the sea, and at the same time he took me to the mosque, as I asked. Recommended to all
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review! We're glad you found the trip meaningful and appreciated Albert's flexibility and guidance. Exploring South Lebanon is always a special experience—hope to see you again soon!
A
Sidon and Tyre!
Visited Sidon and Tyre today! And Albert was an amazing tour guide as ever! Making us laugh the entire journey! Definitely request this man for a fun trip! So much history explored with him! We visited the hippodrome the seaside and put our feet in the Mediterranean, walked the roads kings and rulers of the ancient past walked!
Operator response
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy you enjoyed discovering the rich history of Sidon and Tyre with Albert—he truly brings the past to life with fun and laughter. Looking forward to your next adventure with us!
A
Great tour
I took a trip to Sidon and Tyre with the guide Alain and driver Mustafa. They were both very nice, friendly and respectful. Alain told us a lot of interesting facts about the history of Lebanon. He also took us, upon my request, to Dar Debbané in Sidon, which was a beautiful addition to our program.
P
Lovely relaxed day
Another excellent tour with Hassane. With only two of us in tow the day was engaging and indulgent particularly Sidon. Tyre on the sea was picturesque.
Operator response
Dear Guest: Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with Hassane! We're delighted to hear that your tour was engaging and indulgent, especially during your visit to Sidon. The picturesque setting of Tyre on the sea must have been truly memorable. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for more amazing tours in the future!
M
Excellent vfm tour
A wonderful one to one tour of coastal southern Lebanon. My driver and guide, Albert, was exceptionally interesting and great company. They were 8 of the best hours I spent in Lebanon. The tour included a visit to the Crusader Castle and the souk in Sidon, the wonderful Roman remains in Tyre, and the beautiful church in Maghdouche. All washed down with one of the best meals I had while in Lebanon. The tour is excellent value for money compared to other similar offers, since it includes the cost of entry and lunch. I really would recommend it.
C
Lots of Lebanon in a few hours!
Driver and tourguide picked me up at my hotel in the morning and provided fresh water for the journey. Our tourguide Paula told interesting information about the sights we were visiting and was always down for some chatting about different aspects of Lebanon and life in general. Sidon and Tyre met us with beautiful views and its exciting history. We had lunch in a very good seafood restaurant. What I enjoyed the most was seeing that much of Lebanon in such a short time. A great experience!
O
Awesome tour
Beautiful tour I really enjoyed it and excellent customer service very pleasant the tour guide very knowledgeable friendly thank you 🙏🏼💕
Operator response
Thank you for your feedback on our tour! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to seeing you on one of our Tours again soon. Kind Regards, Beirut Daily Tours
O
The best driver and tour guy Hassam
Hassam is a great driver and tour guide with a huge knowledge of Lebanon and Middle East culture and History he speak semana languages , very kind, friendly, love his job. We had an amazing tour, we ask if we can get some fruits and Lebanon desserts he took us to the best place for desserts 😀😀👍🏼👍🏼. He is the best of Lebanon 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
S
The tour was amazing and...
The tour was amazing and a great introduction on my first day in Lebanon. My driver/guide Hassane was knowledgeable and interesting. He also arranged for an archeologist to meet us at the sites in Tyre, who was fantastic and provided great professional and personal insight to the sites. The tour was so good, I booked another with Hassane to Baalbek the following day. Highly recommend!
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from$45
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