Cradled between sea and summit, Lebanon is a country of contrasts and harmony, where ancient ruins meet modern cafés, and snow-capped peaks overlook olive groves and turquoise coves. It’s a place that rewards curiosity, inviting you to wander through UNESCO World Heritage sites, dine on mezze beneath cedar trees, and hear the call to prayer echo across valleys once walked by prophets and poets.
Timing your visit is more than a matter of weather; it’s about rhythm. Spring paints the hillsides green and fills the air with the scent of jasmine. Summer hums with life along Beirut’s Corniche and the beaches of Byblos. Autumn brings cool breezes ideal for hiking the Qadisha Valley or tasting wine in the Bekaa Valley, while winter dusts the Cedars of God with snow, perfect for skiers and romantics alike.
Lebanon is a destination that stirs the senses and captures the imagination. From lively cities to tranquil monasteries, travelling here is about more than sightseeing; it’s about tasting, listening, and connecting with a land where every stone has a story. Our Small Group tours in Lebanon are designed to do just that, weaving together iconic landmarks with authentic cultural encounters. Here are the highlights we’ll share with you when you travel with us.
Beirut: The Beating Heart of Lebanon
Your journey begins in Beirut, a city that has mastered the art of reinvention. Set against the glittering Mediterranean, Beirut is a mosaic of civilisations, Phoenician, Ottoman, French, each leaving its mark on the architecture, food, and rhythm of daily life.
We’ll take you beyond the postcard views to experience the city’s living heartbeat. Wander through Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, where colonial façades hide vibrant cafés, and art galleries spill light onto cobbled streets. Along the Corniche, the sea breeze carries aromas of roasted nuts and strong Arabic coffee, while families gather to watch the sunset behind the Pigeon Rocks of Raouché.
Autumn (September to November) is one of the best times to visit Beirut, when the weather is warm but not overwhelming. The city’s energy is magnetic, evenings bring laughter, music, and mezze feasts that last for hours. On our Small Group tours in Lebanon, we make sure you have time to explore Beirut your way, with insider guidance to the best local bakeries, hidden rooftop bars, and family-run restaurants where tradition and creativity blend in every dish.
Jeita Grotto and Harissa: Wonders of Earth and Sky
Leaving the capital, we travel north towards Jeita Grotto, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Lebanon. Hidden beneath limestone hills, this vast cave system stretches for nearly nine kilometres and features stalactites so grand they resemble stone cathedrals. You’ll glide along an underground river by boat, the cool air echoing with the sound of dripping water and the faint sparkle of mineral formations that took millennia to form.
Next, we ascend to Harissa, where a cable car carries us up the mountainside to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. The panoramic view from the summit reveals the coastline stretching endlessly below, Beirut’s skyline shimmering in the distance. It’s both a pilgrimage site and a place of peace, where travellers pause to breathe in the crisp air and reflect on the country’s layered faith and history.
For the best visibility and comfort, spring and early autumn are ideal for this experience. The skies are clear, and the landscape bursts with colour, a perfect blend of spiritual calm and natural splendour.
Baatara Gorge and Douma Village: Nature’s Masterpiece
Few sights in the Middle East rival the raw beauty of Baatara Gorge, where a 255-metre waterfall plunges through three natural rock bridges into a vast sinkhole. In spring, melting snow from the nearby mountains feeds the cascade, creating a spectacle of mist and sunlight. The air hums with the sound of rushing water, and the canyon’s limestone walls glow in hues of amber and grey.
After exploring the gorge, we stop at Douma Village, a hidden gem in the northern mountains known for its red-tiled roofs and stone alleyways. Time slows here. Locals greet you with warm smiles and stories over traditional Lebanese lunch, where you’ll taste dishes passed down through generations, tabbouleh fresh with parsley, vine leaves filled with rice, and smoky aubergine dips paired with warm flatbread.
This part of Lebanon shines brightest in April and May, when wildflowers bloom and the valleys are lush. Travelling with our Small Group tours in Lebanon means you’ll explore at the perfect pace, pausing not only for photographs, but for moments of genuine connection.
Qadisha Valley: A Journey into the Sacred Past
Carved deep into Lebanon’s northern mountains, the Qadisha Valley, “Valley of the Saints”, is one of the most spiritual and scenic places on earth. The river Nahr Qadisha winds through dramatic cliffs dotted with hermitages, chapels, and cave monasteries that date back more than a thousand years.
We’ll stay at the Monastery of St. Anthony, whose walls have sheltered monks since the 12th century. The experience is simple yet profound, waking to the sound of bells, joining the monks for morning prayers, and stepping outside to views that seem carved from eternity. The light here changes every hour, painting the valley in gold and shadow.
For those who love hiking, spring and autumn offer ideal conditions. Paths are clear, temperatures are mild, and waterfalls cascade through the ravines. On our Small Group tours, we guide you through hidden trails where pilgrims once walked barefoot, allowing you to feel the same serenity that has drawn seekers here for centuries.
The Cedars of God and Becharre: Trees Older Than Time
High in the mountains above the Qadisha Valley stands the Cedars of God, one of Lebanon’s most iconic sights. These ancient trees, some more than 1,000 years old, once blanketed the region and were prized by ancient empires for their durable wood. Mentioned in the Old Testament, the Cedrus libani remains a powerful national symbol, representing endurance, wisdom, and peace.
We’ll stroll among the towering trunks, their resin-scented air thick with silence and history. Just beyond lies the village of Becharre, birthplace of the poet Kahlil Gibran, whose words about love, freedom, and faith still resonate around the world. His small museum, filled with manuscripts and artwork, captures both his genius and his deep affection for his homeland.
In winter, this region transforms into a snowy paradise. The nearby Cedars Ski Resort becomes a playground for skiers and adventurers, offering a rare chance to carve slopes while gazing down toward the Mediterranean. For those who prefer walking to skiing, late spring reveals another side, crisp air, blooming wildflowers, and sweeping mountain views that seem to go on forever.
Byblos: Where History Meets the Sea
If Lebanon has a soul, it might be found in Byblos. Believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, Byblos (Jbeil) tells 7,000 years of history through its stone walls, ancient harbour, and lively souks.
We’ll wander through the Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century from stones once belonging to Phoenician temples, before descending to the old port, where fishermen still mend their nets beside moored boats. The sea breeze carries the scent of salt and grilled fish from nearby taverns. Evenings here are magical, the call of gulls fades into laughter from waterfront cafés, and the glow of lanterns flickers across the water.
Byblos is enchanting year-round, but April through October offers ideal conditions for exploring the ruins and seaside promenade. On our Small Group tours in Lebanon, we balance history with leisure, time to shop for handmade crafts, sip local wine, or simply watch the sunset from the harbour walls where civilisation began.
Zahle and Ksara Winery: Flavours of the Bekaa Valley
From the coast, we head inland to the fertile Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s breadbasket and wine country. Our destination is Château Ksara, one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the Middle East. Beneath its vineyards lie a network of cool, candlelit caves, once natural tunnels, now perfect for ageing barrels of Cabernet and Syrah.
You’ll explore these underground cellars, learning how Lebanon’s unique microclimate and limestone-rich soil give its wines their distinctive character. Of course, no visit is complete without a tasting, where bold reds and crisp whites are paired with local cheeses and olives.
We continue to Zahle, the valley’s cultural heart, where outdoor cafés line the riverbanks and the air is perfumed with roasting meat and arak, Lebanon’s traditional anise spirit. The best season for this experience is autumn, when the vineyards glow gold and the harvest is in full swing, a feast for both palate and soul.
Baalbek and Anjar: The Empire’s Echo
No journey through Lebanon is complete without visiting Baalbek, the ancient City of the Sun. The sheer scale of its Roman temples rivals anything in Europe, yet here, the stones rise from the quiet fields of the Bekaa Valley, vast columns carved for gods Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury still standing against the sky.
Walking through Baalbek is like travelling through time. You can almost hear the music of ancient festivals and the chants of pilgrims who once gathered here. The sunlight shifts across marble reliefs, and each shadow tells a story of devotion, power, and endurance.
Nearby lies Anjar, founded in the 8th century by the Umayyad Caliphs. Its geometric ruins, palaces, baths, and markets, offer a fascinating contrast to Baalbek’s grandeur, showing the precision and artistry of early Islamic architecture.
The best months for exploring these open-air sites are March to May and September to November, when the heat eases and the light softens for photography. On our Small Group tours in Lebanon, expert guides bring these ruins to life, transforming ancient stones into stories you’ll never forget.
Echoes of Lebanon
Every traveller leaves Lebanon with a different melody in their heart. Yours might begin with the call of church bells over the Qadisha Valley, the laughter shared over mezze in Beirut, or the quiet hush beneath the cedars in Becharre. It might be the golden light on the temples of Baalbek, or the taste of wine drawn fresh from the cellars of Ksara.
That’s the beauty of our Small Group tours in Lebanon, they connect the threads of history, nature, and cuisine into one living tapestry. You’ll explore deeply, travel thoughtfully, and return with a story that feels as rich and layered as the country itself.
Because in Lebanon, every experience, from mountain monastery to seaside café, leaves its echo. And those echoes stay with you long after you’ve gone.
Ready to turn dreams into reality? Embrace the moment, pack your sense of wonder, and dive into these ultimate, unique Lebanon experiences. Your Lebanon bucket list awaits. Start by exploring options with trusted providers today!
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