Jeita Grotto & Harissa: Private Tour with Pickup & Guide

Summary

Explore Jeita caves then soar to Harissa’s iconic statue

You’ll explore Jeita Grotto’s cool limestone caves by foot and boat with a local guide before riding the cable car up pine-covered slopes to Harissa’s iconic statue. Expect hotel pickup in Beirut, time for lunch with a view (on your own), and stories that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice at Jeita Grotto to be the cool, earthy smell—like wet stone and something ancient. Our guide, Rami, grinned when he saw me hesitate at the entrance. “It’s colder inside,” he said, and handed me a jacket I almost forgot I’d need in Lebanon. The cave was quiet except for our footsteps echoing off the limestone. Stalactites hung like frozen chandeliers overhead; some looked sharp enough to prick your finger if you dared. We took a little boat through the lower gallery—honestly, it felt surreal gliding over that dark water, just listening to the drip-drip from above. I kept thinking how close we were to Beirut but it felt like another world.

After Jeita, we drove up winding roads toward Harissa. The air changed again—pine trees and something sweet from a roadside bakery (I regret not grabbing a manousheh). The cable car ride up was… well, I’m not great with heights, but Rami cracked jokes about Lebanese drivers being scarier than any telepherique. He wasn’t wrong. When we reached the top, there she was: Our Lady of Lebanon, arms open wide over Jounieh Bay. People were lighting candles or just sitting quietly on benches. There’s this moment where you catch the sunlight bouncing off her bronze face and it sort of hushes everything around you.

I wandered into the little chapel under the statue—didn’t realize it was tucked inside until someone pointed out the door. It smelled faintly of incense and old wood. Outside again, families were taking photos and a group of teenagers tried to teach me how to say “Harissa” properly (I failed). There’s also this huge cathedral next door—concrete and glass but somehow peaceful even with all the visitors coming in and out.

We had time for lunch nearby (not included), so I sat on a terrace overlooking the bay with a plate of tabbouleh and mint lemonade. The view is still stuck in my head—blue water, red roofs, that statue watching over everything. On the drive back to Beirut, Rami played Fairuz on the radio and told stories about growing up in these hills. Honestly, if you’re looking for a day trip from Beirut that feels both grand and oddly personal, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Jeita Grotto and Harissa Shrine

• Pickup from Beirut hotel
• Explore Jeita Grotto upper cave
• Boat ride in Jeita lower cave
• Free time for Lebanese lunch
• Ride Telepherique cable car to Harissa
• Visit Our Lady of Lebanon statue
• Explore Harissa pilgrimage site
• Return to Beirut hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Beirut to Jeita Grotto?

The drive from Beirut to Jeita Grotto usually takes about 30-40 minutes by private vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included on this Jeita Grotto & Harissa tour?

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

Can children join this day trip from Beirut?

Yes, children can join; infants seats are available and strollers are allowed.

Is there free time for lunch during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Harissa.

What should I wear inside Jeita Grotto?

The grotto is cool inside; bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Are entry fees included for Jeita Grotto or Harissa?

The tour includes comfortable private transportation; entry fees may vary depending on booking details.

How do you reach Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa?

You’ll travel by cable car (telepherique) up to the hilltop shrine at Harissa.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels; contact ahead for specific accessibility needs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut by private vehicle with air conditioning, plus guidance from a local tour leader throughout both Jeita Grotto and Harissa. You’ll have time set aside for lunch at your own pace before returning comfortably in the afternoon.