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

4.8· 48 reviews9 hoursFrom INR 6347
Small-group tour to Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche from Beirut — Day trips things to do in Beirut

Full-day small-group tour — visit Sidon's Crusaders sea castle, the ancient Roman Hippodrome in Tyre, and Maghdouche's religious sites, with a flexible itinerary.

This small-group adventure from Beirut covers the key archaeological sites of Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche in a single day. Journey begins in the morning, allowing ample time to engage with each location. Key stops include Sidon’s Crusaders sea castle, the lively old souk, and the fascinating Soap Museum. In Tyre, explore the ancient Roman Hippodrome, before heading to Maghdouche to see the Al-Omari Mosque and Our Lady of Awaiting Shrine.

With a limited group, you can tailor your visit to suit your interests while avoiding the crowds typically found on larger tours. A flexible itinerary means you can spend more time at the sites that capture your attention, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more personal experience.

Places you'll visit

Sidon (Saida)Tyre (Sour)

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• A short overview of every location. • Water in bottles • Local group leader who speaks English and has experience • Air conditioning in the vehicle • Pickup and drop-off at the hotel
What's NOT included?+
• Meal not included • Tips are not included
What should I know before booking?+
• Infants and young children are allowed in a stroller or pram • Specialized seats for infants can be provided • Appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
How does pickup work?+
Pickup is available from all hotels in Beirut.
What's the itinerary?+
• Pickup from your hotel in Beirut occurs at 8:15 AM for a full day of touring. Travelers will visit the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, known for its religious, political, and commercial significance, believed to have been inhabited since 4000 B.C. The first stop in Sidon will be the Crusaders Sea Castle. • Between the Sea Castle and the Land Castle (St. Louis Castle) lie the old Souks (markets) that have preserved their historical architecture and commercial activities. The area features ongoing repairs and small craft shops. The old Souk includes 14 kilometers of vaulted passageways. Near the Sea Castle, the picturesque vaulted souk allows tradespeople to continue their work. Adjacent to the souk is a traditional coffee house where patrons enjoy narguileh (water pipe) and Turkish coffee. Fishermen sell fresh catches at the market near the port entrance to the souk. Entering el-Shakiriyya market, travelers will find Debbaneh Palace, which features a roofed narrow staircase leading to the internal courtyard of this historical building constructed in 1721. The structure retains its Ottoman Arab architectural style. • Next, visitors will go into a museum dedicated to the history of soap making in the area, covering its evolution and manufacturing methods. A demonstration of traditional olive oil soap production will take place, along with insights into the history of "hammam" (bath) customs. The museum also displays historical artifacts uncovered during excavations, including clay pipe heads from the 17th to 19th centuries and pottery remnants. The building itself is a 17th-century former soap factory, with sections believed to date from the 13th century. • The Great Mosque, formerly the Church of St. John of the Hospitalers, features four walls dating back to the 13th century, recently restored to their original condition. Originally serving as a fortress-like Crusader compound with its chapel, it remains an impressive sight, particularly from the seaside. • Khan El Franj is one of several khans established by Fakhredine II for merchants and their goods. This typical khan includes a large rectangular courtyard with a central fountain surrounded by covered galleries. It served as an economic hub in the 19th century and hosted the French consulate. • After visiting Khan al Franj, the next destination is the village of Maghdoucheh, where travelers will see Our Lady of Awaiting, a Melkite Greek Catholic Marian shrine discovered in 1721. Visitors will explore the shrine, which comprises a tower topped with a statue of the Virgin and Child, a cathedral, a cemetery, and a cave believed to be where Virgin Mary rested while awaiting Jesus. • The tour then continues to Tyre, founded around 2750 B.C. according to Herodotus, noted as the birthplace of Europa and the founder of Carthage, Dido. Travelers will view its old north harbor, vibrant streets, and beach along both sides of the city. • The next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tyre, dating back to the 2nd century C.E. It is recognized as one of the largest and best-preserved Roman hippodromes globally, with a length of around 480 meters and a width of 90 meters, seating 20,000 spectators who attended chariot races. • The Al-Bass site features a Byzantine road, a second-century triumphal arch, a Roman road with an aqueduct, and the remnants of a massive second-century structure. • Return drop-off will be at your hotel.

Reviews

What travellers say4.8 · 48 total

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.

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