Lebanon offers a unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant culture. From Roman ruins at Baalbek to the bustling streets of Beirut, cedar forests, and mountain villages, this small country packs incredible diversity. Experience world-class cuisine, historic sites, and warm hospitality in one of the Middle East's most fascinating destinations.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Baalbek Roman Ruins
Highlights: Temple of Bacchus — best-preserved Roman temple in the world · Temple of Jupiter with colossal columns · Temple of Venus · Archaeological museum on site · Stroll through the old town of Baalbek
Byblos (Jbeil) — One of the World's Oldest Cities
Highlights: 12th-century Crusader castle · Ancient Phoenician ruins and royal necropolis · Old Souk with artisan shops · Charming harbor with waterfront restaurants · Fossils museum
Jeita Grotto and Harissa
Highlights: Jeita Grotto — spectacular limestone cave with underground river (UNESCO candidate) · Harissa cable car over Jounieh Bay · Our Lady of Lebanon shrine with panoramic Mediterranean views · Jounieh waterfront for lunch
Qadisha Valley and Cedars of God
Highlights: Qadisha Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site — ancient monasteries carved into cliffs · Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab) — ancient cedar grove with trees over 1,000 years old · Khalil Gibran Museum in Bcharre · Hiking trails through the valley
Tyre (Sour) and Sidon (Saida)
Highlights: Tyre: UNESCO Roman hippodrome, necropolis, and stunning public beach · Sidon: medieval sea castle, old souk, soap museum · Sidon port and fish restaurants · Beaufort Castle en route (spectacular hilltop Crusader fortress)
Shouf Cedar Reserve and Deir el Qamar
Highlights: Shouf Cedar Reserve — largest protected cedar forest in Lebanon · Beiteddine Palace — 19th-century Druze emir's palace with exceptional mosaics · Deir el Qamar — charming historic village with Ottoman architecture · Moussa Castle — eccentric privately-built castle museum
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized full-day tours from Beirut: Baalbek $45-65/person, Byblos+Harissa $35-50/person, South Lebanon (Tyre+Sidon) $55-75/person through Lebanon Explorer, Nakhal, and most Beirut hotels
- Private
- Private car with driver: $80-150/day for custom itinerary. Hotel concierge can arrange or use Welcome Pickups platform for pre-booked transfers
- Public
- Shared minibuses (service) from Cola transport hub (south: Sidon, Tyre, South Lebanon) and Charles Helou bus station (north: Byblos, Tripoli). Fares $2-7 each way. No fixed schedule — depart when full.
- Rental
- Car rental from $30-50/day for economy cars. International Driving Permit required. Useful for mountain villages and Beqaa Valley where public transport is limited
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early for Baalbek (85km) — arrive by 9AM to visit before midday heat and return to Beirut with energy to spare
Combine geographically close sites: Baalbek + Ksara Winery, Byblos + Harissa, Sidon + Tyre, Beiteddine + Deir el Qamar
Download Maps.me offline maps before heading to mountain areas where mobile data coverage can be patchy
Check South Lebanon security advisories the day before traveling — situation near Israeli border changes periodically