Lebanon Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos tour with lunch & guide

Summary

Exploring Jeita Grotto, Harissa cable car and Byblos ruins

You’ll wander through Jeita Grotto’s echoing limestone caves by boat, ride a cable car up to Harissa for sweeping bay views, and explore Byblos’ ancient ruins with a local guide. With hotel pickup, entry tickets, and a traditional Lebanese lunch included, this day trip from Beirut is full of moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left Lebanon.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember stepping out in Beirut that morning, the air kind of heavy but smelling faintly of coffee from a nearby stand. Our driver waved us over—he introduced himself as Fadi—and off we went toward Jeita Grotto. I’d seen photos before but didn’t expect the quiet inside those caves. The boat ride was almost silent except for water dripping somewhere deep in the dark. Fadi pointed out shapes in the stalactites—one looked like a curtain, or maybe I was just tired. Either way, it felt ancient in there.

After that, we drove up to Harissa. You can see the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon from so far away—it’s almost surreal when you’re suddenly right under it. The cable car up made my stomach flutter (not sure if it was nerves or excitement), but the view over Jounieh Bay is wild. There was this old couple next to us who kept laughing every time the wind rocked the cabin. At the top, people were lighting candles and taking photos; I tried to say “shukran” to a woman selling little crosses and she smiled politely—probably heard worse attempts.

Byblos came after lunch—proper Lebanese food with warm bread and something garlicky I still crave now. Walking through those ruins, you can actually feel how old everything is; stones worn smooth by thousands of years and kids playing soccer just outside the castle walls. Our guide told stories about Crusaders and Phoenicians like he’d lived it himself. We wandered through the souk for a bit—someone handed me a piece of dried fig to try (sticky sweet)—and then we just sat by the port for a while watching boats bob around. It’s not really possible to take it all in at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Tour

• Visit Jeita Grotto and boat ride
• Cable car and views at Our Lady of Lebanon
• Explore Byblos Castle and old souk

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Lebanon tour?

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

Does this day trip include entrance fees?

Yes, all entry fees for Jeita Grotto, Harissa cable car, and Byblos are covered.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a traditional Lebanese lunch is included.

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

The drive from central Beirut to Jeita Grotto usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Are guides fluent in English?

The local guides speak English fluently.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and sites are wheelchair accessible where possible.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; specialized seats are available if needed.

What should I wear inside Jeita Grotto?

The cave is cool and damp; comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut, all entrance fees for Jeita Grotto (including the boat ride), Harissa cable car tickets, Byblos Castle access, luxury transportation throughout with bottled water provided along the way, plus a traditional Lebanese lunch before heading back in the evening with your local guide sharing stories at every stop.