Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos: Small Group Tour with Lunch

Summary

Explore Jeita Grotto caves, Harissa’s shrine & Byblos history with a guide

You’ll walk through Jeita Grotto’s surreal caverns, ride up pine-covered hills to Harissa’s Lady of Lebanon shrine, share lunch with your group, and wander Byblos’ ancient streets with a local guide. Expect moments of quiet awe and small surprises along the way — it’s not just sightseeing; it feels personal.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I was a little nervous about the caves. Our guide, Rami, just grinned when he saw me eyeing the entrance to Jeita Grotto. “Wait till you see inside,” he said. The air changed as soon as we stepped in — cool and damp, with this faint mineral smell that clung to my jacket for hours. The upper cave felt almost silent except for our footsteps echoing off those wild stone shapes. I tried to take photos but honestly, nothing really captured it. Rami pointed out a stalactite that looked like a curtain; I still can’t figure out how nature does that.

After the caves (and a quick stop by the Dog River — blink and you’ll miss it), we headed up to Harissa. There’s this cable car that glides over pine trees and rooftops all the way up to the Lady of Lebanon statue. It was hazy over Jounieh Bay but you could still see the curve of the coast below. A couple of local families were lighting candles in the chapel at the base; one little girl pressed her nose to the stained glass and giggled at her reflection. I tried saying “shukran” to an old man selling cedar wood crosses — he smiled but I’m pretty sure my accent was hopeless.

Lunch came next — nothing fancy, just grilled chicken and mezze at a place where everyone seemed to know our driver by name. The bread was warm enough to steam in my hands. Then Byblos: ancient stones everywhere, cats sunning themselves on castle walls, fishermen mending nets down by the port. Our guide explained how Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world (7,000 years — hard to wrap your head around). I wandered through the old souk after, picking up a tiny brass pomegranate for luck.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to places I’d only ever seen in textbooks before. Something about standing where so many people have stood — it sticks with you longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos

• Pickup from Beirut hotel
• Travel past Dog River
• Explore Jeita Grotto caves
• Ride Telepherique gondola to Harissa
• Visit Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine
• See Harissa pilgrimage site and cathedral
• Travel to Byblos city
• Tour Byblos Castle and museum
• Walk Byblos old souk
• Visit Byblos ancient port

Top questions

How long is the drive from Beirut to Jeita Grotto?

It takes about 30 minutes by minivan from Beirut to Jeita Grotto.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

Are tickets for Jeita Grotto included?

The tour includes entry fees for all main attractions visited.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How much time do we spend at Byblos?

You’ll have time to explore Byblos’ archaeological site, castle, old souk, and port during the afternoon portion of the tour.

Is there hotel pickup in Beirut?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut are included.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English and may also speak Arabic or French depending on your group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut, entry fees for Jeita Grotto and other sites along the route, a traditional Lebanese lunch with your group, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout, plus guidance from a knowledgeable local tour leader before returning in comfort at day’s end.