Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Day Trip – With Lunch (4G on Board)

Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage comes alive on this comprehensive day tour exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad ruins of Anjar, and the historic Ksara Chateau. Visitors will marvel at towering columns, massive stone blocks, and a fusion of architectural styles while seeing the country’s winemaking tradition. With a delicious Lebanese lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and on-board Wi-Fi, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into Lebanon’s captivating past and vibrant present. But the true highlight may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this remarkable journey.

Key Points

• This day trip explores Lebanon’s rich historical and cultural heritage, including the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek and the Umayyad ruins of Anjar.
• The tour includes a visit to the Ksara Chateau, Lebanon’s oldest winery, where visitors can explore the underground cave cellars and taste the chateau’s acclaimed vintages.
• Travelers will enjoy a delicious Lebanese lunch with mezze, a main dish, fruits/dessert, and a soft drink, as well as comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour.
• The tour is led by a professional English and French-speaking guide, who will provide informative commentary on the history and significance of the sites visited.
• Travelers can stay connected during the tour with the provided on-board WiFi, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip from Beirut provides the opportunity to explore Lebanon’s historical ruins and winemaking heritage, visiting the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, the 8th-century Umayyad ruins of Anjar, and the Ksara Chateau, Lebanon’s oldest winery.

Travelers will journey through the scenic countryside, stopping to tour the impressive ruins and learn about their rich history.

At Ksara Chateau, they’ll go underground to explore the winery’s cave cellars and discover the secrets of Lebanese winemaking.

With air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and a delicious Lebanese lunch included, this tour offers a well-rounded experience of Lebanon’s cultural and culinary delights.

Inclusions

The tour package includes a delicious Lebanese lunch with mezze, a main dish, fruits or dessert, and a soft drink.

Plus, air-conditioned transportation, a professional English and French-speaking guide, entrance fees to all sites, bottled water, and on-board WiFi are provided.

This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience as you explore the ancient ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad ruins in Anjar, and the historic Ksara Chateau.

With all the necessary inclusions taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the rich cultural heritage and winemaking traditions of Lebanon.

This comprehensive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the country’s most captivating sights and experiences.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can opt to be picked up from their hotels in Beirut city, excluding hostels, Airbnb, or private apartments. Alternatively, they can meet the tour group at the Nakhal & Cie office in Beirut.

This convenient meeting and pickup arrangement ensures a hassle-free start to the day trip.

The key options include:

1. Hotel pickup in Beirut city
2. Meet at the Nakhal & Cie office in Beirut
3. Comfortable air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
4. Guidance from a professional English and French-speaking guide

These flexible options cater to the diverse needs of travelers, allowing them to choose the most suitable meeting point and embark on the captivating journey to Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara.

Baalbek Ruins

Situated in the Beqaa Valley, the ancient ruins of Baalbek stand as a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and engineering.

Towering columns and massive stone blocks, some weighing over 1,000 tons, create an awe-inspiring sight that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Visitors can explore the vast Temple of Jupiter, the awe-inspiring Temple of Bacchus, and the impressive Great Court, which once hosted lavish festivals and events.

The sheer scale and intricate design of these ruins are a remarkable feat, showcasing the skill and ambition of the ancient Roman builders.

As the crown jewel of this tour, Baalbek offers a glimpse into the magnificence of the Roman Empire’s architectural achievements.

Anjar Umayyad Ruins

Beyond the grandeur of Baalbek’s Roman ruins, the 8th-century Umayyad ruins of Anjar offer a captivating glimpse into the architectural legacy of the Islamic caliphate. Established by the Umayyad caliph Al-Walid I, this once-thriving city exhibits a unique fusion of Roman and Islamic design elements, showcasing the cultural exchange that shaped the region’s history.

Visitors can explore:

• The remains of the royal palace, featuring intricately carved stonework and arched entrances.
• The remains of the city’s main street, flanked by columns and arcades.
• The remnants of a large mosque, with its distinctive mihrab and minaret.
• The complex network of underground tunnels, once used for commerce and defense.

These ruins provide a window into the rich tapestry of Anjar’s past, a testament to the enduring influence of the Umayyad empire in the Levant.

Ksara Chateau

What makes Ksara Chateau a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts is its rich history as Lebanon’s oldest winery. Founded in 1857, this renowned estate nestled in the Bekaa Valley boasts a remarkable legacy, having played a pivotal role in the development of the country’s winemaking industry. During the tour, visitors can explore the estate’s impressive network of underground cave cellars, where the wines are meticulously aged. The chateau also offers a tasting session, allowing guests to savor the distinctive flavors of its acclaimed vintages. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply curious about Lebanon’s winemaking heritage, a visit to Ksara Chateau promises an immersive and enlightening experience.

Ksara Chateau Highlights
Established in 1857
Oldest winery in Lebanon
Underground cave cellars
Acclaimed wine tastings

Winery and Cave Cellars

Ksara Chateau’s winery and cave cellars captivate visitors, showcasing its pioneering role in Lebanon’s winemaking legacy. The estate’s underground network of caves provides the ideal environment for aging the acclaimed vintages, with the serene, temperature-controlled atmosphere and natural humidity preserving the wines’ distinct flavors.

Guided tours allow guests to witness the meticulous process, from fermentation to bottling, while exploring the historic chambers that have housed Ksara’s celebrated wines for over a century.

The experience at Ksara Chateau includes:

1. Touring the centuries-old underground caves
2. Witnessing the winemaking process
3. Sampling the estate’s renowned vintages
4. Learning about the chateau’s storied history and tradition

Additional Information

This tour requires good weather conditions and a minimum number of travelers to proceed. Confirmation of the booking is provided immediately upon reservation. Unfortunately, the tour is non-refundable and can’t be changed once booked.

Wheelchair users can’t be accommodated, but infant seats are available. The full-day excursion departs from Beirut, either from your hotel or the Nakhal & Cie office in the city.

You’ll visit the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad ruins in Anjar, and the historic Ksara Chateau winery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a traditional Lebanese lunch and have access to on-board WiFi.

This comprehensive package ensures you make the most of your time in Lebanon’s cultural heartland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes infant seats and covers historical sites and a winery tour. However, parents should consider their child’s interests and stamina for the full-day itinerary.

Can I Purchase Alcoholic Beverages During the Tour?

Yes, tour participants can purchase alcoholic beverages during the winery tour at Ksara Chateau. However, the tour doesn’t include any alcoholic drinks in the meal or elsewhere, so additional purchases would be at the traveler’s own expense.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Dressing appropriately for the sites and weather conditions is recommended to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Is There Any Special Accommodation for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Travelers with disabilities should contact the tour operator to discuss any special accommodations they may require to ensure their comfort and participation in the tour.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can’t be extended as it’s a pre-set full-day package. However, there may be options to customize the itinerary or combine the tour with other activities. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any flexibility in the tour length.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour offers an immersive exploration of Lebanon’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Visitors marvel at the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, discover the fusion of Roman and Islamic architecture in Anjar, and explore the country’s winemaking tradition at Ksara Chateau.

With a delicious Lebanese lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide, this tour provides a well-rounded and enriching experience for travelers.