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Small-group tour of Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche from Beirut

5.0· 44 reviews9 hoursFrom INR 4394
Small-group tour of Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche from Beirut — Cultural & heritage things to do in Beirut

A full-day small-group tour from Beirut — Sidon’s Crusader castle, Tyre’s Roman ruins, and Maghdouché’s sacred site, including lunch during the journey.

This small-group tour takes you from Beirut to three significant historical sites in South Lebanon in a single day. You'll start in Sidon, where you'll visit a 13th-century Crusader sea castle, the unique soap museum, a lively medieval souk, and a grand Silk Road caravanserai. From there, the journey continues to Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Al-Bass Archaeological Complex, which showcases Roman urban structures like the hippodrome and triumphal arch. Finally, the tour concludes at Maghdouché, a revered hilltop sanctuary known for its connection to the Virgin Mary.

Lunch is included, allowing you to refuel while taking in the sights. Expect to dive into three thousand years of history across these remarkable locations.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Transportation in a comfortable vehicle • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel • A lunch meal • Intimate group sizes • Air conditioning in the vehicle • Guides who are professional and well-informed
What's NOT included?+
• Admission fees • Admission fees • Admission fees
What should I know before booking?+
• Infants must be seated on an adult's lap • Appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
How does pickup work?+
Pickup is available from any hotel, Airbnb, or residence located in Beirut.
What's the itinerary?+
• 8:30 AM — Departure from Beirut A professional guide will meet you at your accommodation in Beirut and travel south via the Mediterranean coastal highway to Sidon, which was historically linked to prominent trading cities of antiquity. • The tour begins at Sidon's notable landmark — a 13th-century Crusader fortress situated on a small island just offshore, accessible by a narrow stone causeway. This fortress features towers that rise from the Mediterranean, and as you explore its vaulted halls, your guide will share the compelling history of Crusader rule, Mamluk battles, and the Phoenician port that once established Sidon as a leading trade hub. From the ramparts, the coastal vistas are among the most exceptional in Lebanon. • Next, stroll through one of Lebanon's most authentically preserved traditional marketplaces, consisting of narrow stone-vaulted paths where spice vendors, goldsmiths, textile merchants, and craft workshops have thrived for generations. In contrast to the refurbished souks in Beirut, Sidon's ancient market remains genuine and vibrant, retaining its original character from the Ottoman period. This sensory-rich environment is often remembered as a highlight by visitors. • Discover the only museum focused on the ancient art of producing olive oil soap, a craft from Sidon that has been uninterrupted for over a millennium. Located in a nicely restored khan within the old city, the museum details the entire process from olive harvest to final soap product, showcasing the traditional techniques that earned Sidon's soap acclaim throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. • Conclude your visit in Sidon at the grand 17th-century caravanserai, commissioned by Emir Fakhreddine II, which served European merchants along the Silk Road. The Khan el Franj features spacious arcaded courtyards, vaulted galleries, and intricately carved stone facades, representing some of the finest Ottoman architecture in Lebanon. • Upon arrival in Tyre, explore one of the Mediterranean's most intact and atmospheric Roman archaeological sites. The Al-Bass complex provides a vivid glimpse of ancient Tyre, featuring a monumental triumphal arch, colonnaded streets, and ancient necropolis tombs. Additionally, the Tyre Hippodrome—one of the largest in the Roman era, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators—offers an immersive experience as you walk its 480-meter track, passing the original starting gates. Your guide will bring the historical narratives of Phoenician and Roman Tyre to life amidst this remarkable ancient landscape. • Lunch in Tyre — included Enjoy a well-deserved meal at a local restaurant in Tyre, featuring fresh Lebanese mezze and seafood, set against the backdrop of the ancient city. This meal is included in your tour price. • The day's final stop — the hilltop village of Maghdouché, where local Christian tradition suggests the Virgin Mary waited in a cave while Jesus preached in Sidon. The Arabic term "Mantara" translates to "the one who waits," and this sanctuary has long been a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike. The Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara is positioned above the cave, and the panoramic views from the hill provide a serene conclusion to a day that began by the Mediterranean in Sidon. • Return to Beirut — approx. 5:30–6:00 PM Travel back north along the coastal highway, arriving at your hotel in Beirut, wrapping up a comprehensive day exploring the Phoenician, Crusader, Roman, and sacred locations of South Lebanon, with all meals included.

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What travellers say5.0 · 44 total

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