Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos: Private Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

From Beirut caves to Byblos souks in one full day

You’ll start with hotel pickup in Beirut before riding a cable car up to Harissa for sweeping bay views. Drift by boat through Jeita Grotto’s silent limestone caverns, then wander Byblos’ ancient souks and castle ruins with your local guide. Expect laughter, good food, and moments of real quiet — this day trip will linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost chickened out on the Jeita Grotto cable car. My palms were sweaty before we even left Beirut — our driver was already cracking jokes about my “bravery” at 8:30 in the morning. But stepping into that tiny cabin, watching the trees blur below as we glided toward those limestone caves… it’s still stuck in my head. Inside Jeita Grotto, everything felt hushed and cool, echoing with drips and distant voices. The boat ride through the lower cave was short but surreal — water so clear it looked fake, and the air smelled faintly of stone and moss.

After that, we zigzagged up to Harissa. The Virgin Mary statue is huge up close (I didn’t expect her to tower like that), but honestly what got me was the view over Jounieh Bay. Our guide pointed out fishing boats way below — tiny white dots moving slow across blue water. We took the cable car down to Jounieh (Li laughed when I tried to say “teleferique” in Arabic — I definitely butchered it), then hopped back in the car for Byblos.

Byblos is older than I can really grasp — you walk past Crusader stones and Phoenician ruins like it’s nothing. The souk smells like coffee and old wood; shopkeepers wave you in but don’t push too hard. I bought a little carved cedar box (probably paid too much). Lunch was mezze at some place our driver liked — smoky eggplant dip, warm bread, olives sharp with lemon. After all that, riding back to Beirut felt strange; my shoes were dusty and my brain was kind of full. I keep thinking about that first moment inside Jeita Grotto, how quiet it was compared to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeita Grotto, Harissa and Byblos tour

• Pickup from Beirut hotel at 08:30am
• Explore Jeita Grottos by cable car, boat, and train
• Drive to Harissa and visit Virgin Mary Statue
• Ride cable car or drive from Harissa to Jounieh
• Walk around Byblos Marina, castle, and souk
• Visit Crusader castle and archaeological site
• Shop in Byblos old souk
• Lunch at traditional Lebanese restaurant
• Return drive to Beirut and drop off

Top questions

How long does this Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip starting around 8:30am from Beirut and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is pickup included for hotels in Beirut?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most hotels in Beirut.

Can I visit Jeita Grotto by boat during this tour?

Yes, the tour includes a short boat ride inside one of Jeita Grotto’s caves if conditions allow.

Is lunch provided on this private day trip?

A traditional Lebanese lunch at a local restaurant is included during your time in Byblos.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

The tour covers all entry fees for scheduled attractions along the route.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility needs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families; infant seats are available upon request.

How do we travel between sites on this tour?

You’ll travel by private car with an experienced English-speaking driver; cable cars are used at certain points if open.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Beirut, private transportation between Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos with an English-speaking local guide who shares stories at each site. You’ll get entry tickets for all main attractions plus a traditional Lebanese lunch before heading back to your hotel in comfort.