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Private half-day tour to Dog River, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa from Beirut

5.0· 11 reviews6 hoursFrom INR 7323
Private half-day tour to Dog River, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa from Beirut — Luxury & private things to do in Beirut

Six hours in a private vehicle — Dog River canyon, Jeita Grotto caves, and Harissa shrine, including all entry fees.

This private half-day tour from Beirut covers three significant attractions within just six hours. Begin at Dog River, where ancient inscriptions reflect over 3,000 years of history carved into limestone walls by various civilizations. Next, explore Jeita Grotto, a finalist for one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, featuring stunning stalactites and an underground river that offers a unique boat ride.

The trip concludes with a cable car ascent to Harissa, where you'll visit the revered Our Lady of Lebanon shrine, perched 650 metres above the Mediterranean. This tour is fully private, ensuring a tailored experience, and all entry fees are included. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes for the cave exploration.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Guide • Pickup and drop-off service from the hotel • Air conditioning in the vehicle • Private transportation that is comfortable
What's NOT included?+
• Meal during the activity • Tips for guides or staff
What should I know before booking?+
• Infants and small kids can be accommodated in a pram or stroller • Specialized seats for infants are provided • Appropriate for all levels of physical fitness
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
How does pickup work?+
Pickup is available from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence in Beirut.
What's the itinerary?+
• 9:00 AM — Departure from Beirut An English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel in Beirut and head north. The Dog River canyon is approximately 20 minutes away, and you will learn about Lebanon's history before reaching the first destination. • Dog River inscriptions — 3,000 years of history on one cliff At the Dog River canyon, where the road narrows between the cliffs and the sea, the limestone cliffs have served as a continually updated archive of military history for over 3,000 years. Notable inscriptions include those from Pharaoh Ramesses II in 1274 BC, King Esarhaddon in 671 BC, and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The French army marked their presence in the 19th century. The Lebanese Republic has also recorded events, such as the withdrawal of Israeli and Syrian troops, on the same rock. This site is unique for documenting the passage of countless civilizations over centuries, with the driver sharing insights into each inscription. • From the inscribed cliff face above ground, descend into one of the most remarkable cave systems beneath the ground — a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The interconnected limestone caves extend 9 kilometers under the Lebanese mountains; the upper cave can be explored on foot via an elevated walkway featuring stalactites and stalagmites up to 8 meters tall. The lower cave is navigated by electric boat along an underground river through chambers of remarkable beauty, where silence prevails. The juxtaposition of the ancient inscriptions at the Dog River and the natural formations in Jeita makes this sequence particularly impactful. • From underground to above the clouds — board the well-known Harissa Téléférique at the Jounieh seafront and ascend 650 meters above sea level, with Jounieh Bay sprawling below and Lebanese mountain ranges ahead. The aerial views during the ride are among the most photographed in Lebanon, with the driver pointing out coastal landmarks along the way. • At the mountaintop, view the iconic 8.5-meter bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, located 650 meters above sea level with arms outstretched toward the Mediterranean. This prominent religious monument is surrounded by the Maronite Basilica and nearby churches, making it one of Lebanon’s most significant Christian pilgrimage sites. The journey from inscribed cliff to underground cave to mountaintop shrine illustrates the country’s extraordinary rich history, nature, and faith in just half a day. • Lunch in Jounieh — optional After descending from Harissa by cable car, you will find yourself at the Jounieh waterfront, a vibrant Mediterranean area with restaurants offering fresh Lebanese mezze and seafood, all with views of the bay below. It’s a relaxed opportunity to extend your morning before the brief drive back to Beirut. ~1 hr · At own expense · Optional · ~20 min back to Beirut • Return to Beirut — approx. 3:00–4:00 PM The driver will take you back along the coastal highway to your hotel in Beirut, concluding a six-hour journey filled with ancient inscriptions, underground caves, and a mountaintop shrine, all at your own pace.

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