Baalbek & Ksara Winery Tour: Ruins, Wine Tasting + Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient Baalbek then taste wine in Ksara’s cool caves

You’ll walk among Baalbek’s ancient Roman temples with a local guide who brings history alive, share Lebanese brunch in Zahle’s lively streets, then explore Ksara’s underground wine caves for tastings. With pickup included and lunch sorted, you’ll get a real taste—literally—of Lebanon’s past and present that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first glimpse of Baalbek — those columns just shoot up out of the earth, like they’ve been waiting for you for centuries. Our guide, Fadi, had this way of pausing at the right moments so we could take it all in (and honestly, catch our breath). The stones felt warm under my hand even though the morning was cool. There was a group of old men playing cards near the entrance; one waved at us and grinned when I tried to say “marhaba.” I probably butchered it but he seemed amused.

We’d left Beirut early — pickup was right on time — and by the time we reached Zahle I was starving. Brunch was sfiha baalbakiyeh (sort of like little meat pies), plus this sticky-sweet dessert I never caught the name of. Arabic coffee came in tiny cups that somehow made me feel more awake than a whole pot back home. Fadi explained how Zahle is famous for its poets and wine; someone nearby laughed as he told a story about his uncle getting lost in the vineyards once. The air smelled faintly of anise from a bakery across the street.

Baalbek itself is wild — Temple of Jupiter just looms over you. We wandered through arches where sunlight slanted in dusty gold stripes. Fadi pointed out graffiti from French soldiers (“1919!”) and told us how locals used to picnic here before tourists came back. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small standing there. It’s not just ruins; it’s layers of people who’ve passed through.

The last stop was Chateau Ksara winery. The cellars are these old Jesuit-dug caves — cool and echoey, with bottles stacked everywhere like some secret library. We tasted dry reds that made my mouth pucker (in a good way), and someone in our group tried to guess flavors but mostly we just laughed at ourselves. The drive back was quiet except for the clink of empty glasses and someone softly snoring behind me. I keep thinking about that sunlight on stone, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Baalbek ruins, brunch & winery visit

• Explore Baalbek Roman ruins
• Enjoy traditional Lebanese brunch in Zahle
• Tour Chateau Ksara winery and wine tasting

Top questions

How long does the Baalbek & Ksara winery tour take?

This is a full-day trip including travel from Beirut to Baalbek, Zahle brunch, and Ksara winery visit.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Are entry fees to Baalbek ruins covered?

Entry fees to historical sites are included in the tour price.

What food is served during lunch or brunch?

You’ll enjoy traditional Lebanese brunch in Zahle with sfiha baalbakiyeh, dessert, and Arabic coffee.

Is wine tasting at Chateau Ksara part of the tour?

Yes, guided wine tasting at Chateau Ksara winery is included.

Are guides multilingual on this tour?

The local guide speaks multiple languages to assist guests.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this day trip from Beirut?

Infants can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees for Baalbek ruins and other sites, a traditional Lebanese brunch in Zahle with dessert and Arabic coffee, bottled water throughout the journey, guided wine tasting at Chateau Ksara winery—and then you’re brought back comfortably at day’s end.