Fabulous Tour to Jeita Grottos, Harissa Shrine & Byblos City

Exploring the captivating wonders of Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage is a must-do experience for any traveler. This fabulous tour takes visitors on a journey through the stunning limestone caverns of Jeita Grottos, the serene Harissa Shrine with its magnificent views, and the ancient city of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in rich history. Led by a knowledgeable driver-guide, this engaging itinerary promises to leave travelers awestruck and eager to uncover more of Lebanon’s exceptional attractions. With each stop offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This comprehensive tour explores the natural wonders of Jeita Grottos, the spiritual significance of Harissa Shrine, and the ancient history of Byblos city.
• Knowledgeable driver-guides provide insightful commentary, and the tour includes convenient hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and a delicious local Lebanese lunch.
• Jeita Grottos offer a remarkable underground river experience and stunning limestone formations, while Harissa Shrine boasts a towering statue of the Virgin Mary.
• Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases well-preserved Phoenician, Roman, and medieval ruins, including a Crusader castle and Phoenician port.
• The tour is suitable for a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and seamless experience.

Tour Overview

This fabulous tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore three of Lebanon’s most renowned attractions: the Jeita Grottos, the Harissa Shrine, and the ancient city of Byblos.

Departing from Beirut, the tour provides a rundown of these iconic sites, accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of the region. Guests can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a delicious included lunch, making this a truly seamless and enjoyable excursion.

Boasting an impressive 5.0 rating based on 12 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Lebanon’s rich history and natural wonders.

Inclusions

The tour includes a driver/guide, a tour escort/host, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a delicious lunch. These inclusions ensure a hassle-free and comfortable experience for the travelers.

Specifically, the tour offers:

1. A knowledgeable driver/guide who’ll lead the group and provide insightful commentary throughout the journey.

2. A dedicated tour escort/host who’ll ensure the smooth coordination of the overall experience.

3. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, eliminating the need for participants to worry about transportation logistics.

4. Air-conditioned vehicles for a pleasant and relaxing ride.

The lunch provided during the tour is a great opportunity for travelers to sample local Lebanese cuisine and recharge before continuing their exploration of the stunning sights.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the tour is available from any hotel in Beirut, and participants are required to confirm their pickup location up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity. This ensures the tour operator can efficiently coordinate transportation and accommodate all guests.

The pickup service is a convenient feature, allowing travelers to start their day without the hassle of finding their own way to the meeting point.

With this streamlined pickup process, guests can sit back and relax as they’re transported to the first destination on the itinerary.

The tour’s pickup and drop-off service contributes to the overall seamless experience, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the sights and seeing the cultural highlights of the day.

Tour Details

The tour starts at 9:00 am and can accommodate a maximum of 15 travelers. While a minimum number of guests is required for the tour to operate, the exact minimum isn’t specified.

Travelers should be aware that the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour includes several highlights:

1. Exploring the breathtaking Jeita Grottos, a stunning natural wonder.

2. Visiting the Harissa Shrine, a renowned religious site.

3. Discovering the historic city of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Additional Information

Confirmation of booking is typically received unless the tour is booked within 12 hours of the start time.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. It operates near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are provided. Adults must accompany any children on the tour.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and they have the option to reserve now and pay later. The tour price may vary depending on the group size.

Exploring Jeita Grottos

Jeita Grottos’ stunning limestone caverns, sculpted by nature over millennia, await visitors on this captivating tour. Guests will be awestruck by the enormous caverns, adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.

The tour experience includes:

1. A ride on an underground river, gliding silently through the caverns in a small boat.

2. Exploring the upper and lower grottos, each with their own unique geological formations.

3. Witnessing the incredible acoustics of the caverns, with guides leading visitors in song.

4. Learning about the history and importance of this natural wonder, a symbol of Lebanon’s natural beauty.

This unforgettable visit to Jeita Grottos is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Visiting Harissa Shrine

After exploring the captivating Jeita Grottos, the tour proceeds to the next destination – the iconic Harissa Shrine. Perched atop Mount Lebanon, this revered religious site offers visitors a profound spiritual experience, commanding sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.

At the shrine, visitors can marvel at the imposing statue of the Virgin Mary, as well as the ornate basilica and convent buildings. The experience is further enhanced by the serenity of the location, which provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city below. To better understand the significance of this sacred site, the tour includes the following informative details:

Feature	Description
Statue of Virgin Mary	Towering 15 meters high, overlooking Jounieh Bay
Basilica	Impressive neo-Romanesque structure housing religious relics
Convent	Home to Maronite Catholic nuns who maintain the shrine

Discovering Byblos City

The next stop on the tour is the ancient coastal city of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history spanning thousands of years.

Travelers will be captivated by the city’s well-preserved Phoenician, Roman, and medieval ruins, including the impressive Crusader castle and the Phoenician port. Byblos is also known for its charming old town, with its narrow streets, traditional shops, and vibrant cafes.

Some of the must-see attractions include:

1. The Byblos Archaeological Site, which features ancient temples, tombs, and the remnants of the old Phoenician city.

2. The Byblos Castle, a Crusader fortress that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

3. The Byblos Souk, a bustling marketplace selling local crafts, antiques, and delicious Lebanese cuisine.

4. The St. John the Baptist Church, a beautiful Crusader-era church known for its intricate stone carvings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, according to the additional information provided. However, it is stroller accessible, indicating that the tour may accommodate some mobility aids, though not full wheelchair access.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on this tour. The tour operator indicates the tour is not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants can be seated on laps.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are discounts available for group bookings on this tour. The more people in the group, the greater the discount offered. Discounts typically range from 5-15% depending on the total number of travelers booked.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour provider generally offers a set itinerary, but they may be willing to customize it for guests upon request. Customers should inquire about any flexibility in the tour program when booking to determine if modifications can be accommodated.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour has a standard duration, but customers can inquire about extending the tour time. Tour operators may be able to accommodate requests to extend the tour, depending on availability and additional costs.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Lebanon’s natural and historical wonders.

From the breathtaking Jeita Grottos to the serene Harissa Shrine and the ancient city of Byblos, travelers will be immersed in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this experience promises an unforgettable journey through Lebanon’s most iconic destinations.