Jeita Grotto, Byblos & Harissa Day Trip from Beirut

Summary

Private Guided Tour: Jeita Grotto, Byblos Castle & Harissa Shrine

You’ll get to see Lebanon’s wild side inside Jeita Grotto, ride a cable car over Jounieh Bay, climb up to Harissa’s famous shrine, and wander ancient Byblos—all in one day with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off the morning with a quick coffee from a tiny spot near our hotel—Lebanese espresso is strong, by the way. Our driver, Samir, showed up right on time in a clean car (AC was a lifesaver, even in spring). The first stop was Jeita Grotto. I’d seen photos, but nothing really prepares you for the cool air and the echo of water dripping from the ceiling. The upper cave is all walkways and wild rock shapes—some look like melted candles. Down below, we hopped into a little boat for a short ride on the underground river. The guide pointed out a spot where bats sometimes hang out; we didn’t see any, but you could hear them squeaking somewhere in the dark.

Next up: Jounieh. The Telepherique cable car is a bit old-school but totally safe. It climbs up fast, and suddenly you’re looking down at rooftops and the blue sweep of the bay. At Harissa, we climbed the spiral steps up to Our Lady of Lebanon. The statue’s huge up close—locals leave flowers at her feet—and the view over Jounieh is something else. There’s a little breeze up there, and you can hear church bells if you catch it at noon.

Byblos was our last big stop. The old souk is all cobblestones and tiny shops selling everything from olive soap to old coins. We wandered past a guy roasting chestnuts on a cart; the smell followed us into the castle grounds. Byblos Castle itself is solid stone, built by Crusaders but surrounded by ruins way older than that—our guide explained how Phoenician traders once loaded ships right from this shore. Inside the castle museum, I spotted fossil fish that looked almost cartoonish—turns out they’re 100 million years old, dug up from nearby hills. We finished with a quick stroll along the port where fishermen were mending nets as the sun started to dip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeita Grotto and Harissa Shrine

• Visit Jeita Grotto with walk and cruise
• Ride Telepherique gondola to Harissa
• Climb to Our Lady of Lebanon statue

Day 2 — Explore Byblos City and Museums

• Tour ancient city of Byblos
• Stroll Byblos old souk market
• Visit Byblos Castle and museum
• See fossils at Byblos Fossil Museum

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and works for most fitness levels. There are some steps at Harissa and Byblos Castle, but you can take your time. Strollers and infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are best—there’s some walking on uneven ground in Byblos and inside Jeita Grotto. Bring a light jacket for the grotto (it’s cool inside), and maybe some cash for snacks or souvenirs in the souk.

Are photos allowed inside Jeita Grotto?

No photography inside the grotto itself—it helps protect the site. But you can snap plenty of pictures outside and at other stops.

What’s included

Your private ride (with AC), all fuel and parking fees are covered. A friendly local guide leads the way, sharing stories and tips. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut are included too.