Small Group Tours to Baalbek, Anjar & Chateau Ksara With Lunch and Tickets

Exploring Lebanon’s ancient wonders has never been more accessible. This small group tour invites travelers to explore the country’s rich history, from the grandeur of Baalbek’s Roman ruins to the charm of Anjar’s Umayyad palace. Along the way, guests will savor a traditional Lebanese lunch and uncover the secrets of Chateau Ksara, the oldest winery in the country. With personalized attention and ample time for questions, this immersive experience promises an intimate and enriching journey. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the captivating stories that have shaped Lebanon’s past.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Beirut.

Key Points

• Small-group tour visiting three of Lebanon’s top historical sites: Baalbek, Anjar, and Chateau Ksara winery.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, knowledgeable local guide, lunch, transportation in private minivan, and all entry fees.
• Personalized attention with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
• Explore the impressive Roman ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad palace complex in Anjar, and the historic Chateau Ksara winery.
• Tour provides behind-the-scenes insights and ample time for questions.

Tour Overview

This small-group tour allows visitors to discover three of Lebanon’s most history-packed sites – the ancient ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad palace of Anjar, and the oldest winery in Lebanon at Chateau Ksara.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, lunch at a Lebanese restaurant, and transportation in a comfortable, climate-controlled private minivan.

Guests can expect personalized attention from the tour leader and plenty of time to ask questions. The group size is capped to ensure an intimate experience.

Travelers will also go behind the scenes to learn about Lebanese winemaking at Chateau Ksara, the country’s oldest winery.

Inclusions

The tour’s inclusions encompass hotel pick-up and drop-off, a knowledgeable local guide, a lunch at a traditional Lebanese restaurant, and transportation in a comfortable, climate-controlled private minivan.

The guide will provide personalized attention and ample time for questions, ensuring guests have a rich and engaging experience. Gratuities are also included, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the tour without worrying about additional costs.

Whether you’re exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, the Umayyad palace in Anjar, or the oldest winery in Lebanon at Chateau Ksara, the inclusions are designed to make this small-group tour a truly memorable and hassle-free experience.

Pickup Details

Guests are picked up from hotels and residences across Beirut, and should be ready in the lobby by 8:00 am. Those outside Beirut should meet the group at the office before 8:00 am.

This ensures a punctual start to the tour, allowing the group to make the most of the day’s itinerary. The pickup process is designed to be efficient and convenient:

1. Hotel pickup from accommodations within Beirut city limits
2. Prompt departure at 8:00 am sharp
3. Meeting point at the office for guests outside Beirut
4. Timely arrivals allow for a smooth transition into the tour activities

The careful coordination of transportation and meeting points sets the stage for an immersive and well-organized small group experience.

Tour Details

To ensure a personalized experience, the group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

Throughout the day, ample time is allotted for questions, allowing guests to engage with the knowledgeable local guide and gain deeper insights into the sites visited.

Comfortable, climate-controlled private minivans facilitate smooth transportation between the historic locations, providing a pleasant and stress-free journey.

Plus, the tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process at Chateau Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery.

Exploring Baalbek

After exploring the historical winemaking process at Chateau Ksara, the tour moves on to the impressive Roman ruins of Baalbek, one of Lebanon’s most renowned archaeological sites. Guests will discover the grandeur of this ancient city, which was once a hub of religious and political power in the region.

The tour highlights include:

1. The monumental Temple of Bacchus, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

2. The Temple of Jupiter, an immense structure that once stood as a testament to the power of the Roman empire.

3. The Hexagonal Court, a remarkable feat of engineering that showcases the advanced construction techniques of the Romans.

4. The stunning limestone quarries, where the massive stones used to build Baalbek were extracted.

Visiting Anjar

The tour then proceeds to the ancient city of Anjar, a remarkably well-preserved Umayyad palace complex that offers a glimpse into the architectural wonders of the early Islamic period. Visitors will be captivated by the symmetrical layout, ornate decorations, and intricate stonework that characterize this eighth-century site. As they explore the ruins, they’ll learn about the Umayyad dynasty and the significance of Anjar as a strategic crossroads during the Islamic Golden Age.

Anjar Highlights	Description
Umayyad Palace	Impressive ruins of an 8th century palace complex
Symmetrical Layout	Carefully planned streets and buildings
Ornate Decorations	Intricate carvings and mosaics
Historical Significance	Important Umayyad era trading center

Touring Chateau Ksara

Next, the tour visits Chateau Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery and one of the country’s premier wine producers.

Guests explore the centuries-old cellars, where they learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the estate’s award-winning vintages. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at Lebanon’s thriving wine industry and offers a chance to appreciate the country’s rich viticultural heritage.

At Chateau Ksara, guests can:

1. Discover the historic cellars dating back to the 19th century.
2. Learn about the traditional techniques used to produce Ksara’s renowned wines.
3. Sample a selection of the winery’s acclaimed red, white, and rosé wines.
4. Browse the on-site shop for bottles to take home as souvenirs.

Additional Information

Confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 15 people per tour.

The small-group format ensures personalized attention throughout the day. Guests will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the sites they’re visiting. The comfortable, climate-controlled private minivan provides a pleasant transportation experience.

At the Chateau Ksara, visitors will go behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Lebanese winemaking. With these additional details, travelers can feel confident in their decision to join this comprehensive tour of Baalbek, Anjar, and Chateau Ksara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children’s Tickets Discounted for This Tour?

The tour information doesn’t specify if children’s tickets are discounted. Infants must sit on laps, but there’s no mention of pricing for other children. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, so discounts may be available but aren’t explicitly stated.

Can We Make Stops Along the Way for Photos?

The tour allows for photo stops along the way. Guests can take ample time to capture the scenic landscapes and historic sites they visit during the excursion. The tour is designed to provide a well-rounded and immersive sightseeing experience.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator generally allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Guests can discuss their preferences with the guide and make adjustments to the schedule, within reason, to accommodate photo stops or explore specific areas of interest.

Do You Provide Any Dietary Accommodations for Lunch?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences for the included lunch. Guests should notify the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure appropriate meal arrangements are made.

How Do I Get a Refund if I Need to Cancel?

If you need to cancel, you can request a refund, but the policy may vary. Reach out to the tour operator as soon as possible to understand the cancellation and refund procedures. They’ll be able to provide more details on the options available.

Recap

This small-group tour provides an immersive experience exploring Lebanon’s rich history and cultural heritage. Guests can discover the ancient wonders of Baalbek, the Umayyad architecture of Anjar, and the country’s oldest winery at Chateau Ksara, all while enjoying personalized attention, traditional Lebanese cuisine, and comfortable transportation.

It’s an ideal way to explore Lebanon’s diverse past and gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring legacy.