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Small Group Beirut Tour: Exploring Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar and Lebanese Cuisine
4.8
6 Ratings
Beirut
Join our small group Beirut tour and explore the beautiful Beiteddine Palace, historic Deir El Qamar, and indulge in delicious Lebanese cuisine. Limited to 15 people, this full-day tour includes entrance fees and a tasty lunch.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Pigeon Rocks in Raouche - The pigeon rock is a stunning set of rocks and a Popular tourist destination known for its iconic rock formations in picturesque seaside surrounds, welcome you to the city of Beirut. Pigeons’ Rock (also known as the Rock of Raouché) is located at Beirut’s western-most tip, the two huge rock formations stand like gigantic sentinels to the city. - Corniche Beirut - Stretching from the Ramlet al Bayda area to the Saint George marina, Al Manara Corniche is the most renowned seaside promenade in Beirut. Lined with palm trees, it offers a great view of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some of the country’s best assets, namely the famous Pigeon Rock, and the summits of Mount Lebanon on the eastern side. - Zaitunay Bay - “Beirut’s finest leisure destination” as described in its official website, Zaitunay Bay is a new waterfront promenade with shops and restaurants. - Old Holiday Inn - This abandoned Holiday Inn Hotel is one of Beirut’s war landmarks. It was basically built Between 1971 and 1974 when Beirut’s economy was booming and when Beirut was one of the most visited touristic city of the Middle East. The Holiday Inn was functioning until the Lebanese civil war begun in 1975. The hotel soon became considered a “war zone” in a lengthy time of conflict known as “the Battle of the Hotels” where more than 25,000 combatants were fighting for control over different luxury hotels, including the Holiday Inn as well as the famous Phoenicia hotel. This hotel remains untouched, abandoned, empty, decades after the war, and remains a reminder to the Lebanese population about the horrors of war. - Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque - The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also referred to as the Blue Mosque, is is the biggest mosque in Lebanon located in downtown Beirut. This huge amber colored mosque near Martyrs square was opened in 2008 and has four minarets standing 65m high. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque contains multiple domes. All of the domes of the mosque are made from light blue tiles. The mosque also has multiple arches, which are couple stories high. - Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George - The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan bishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and its dependencies. It is the oldest church in the city of Beirut and one of the oldest in the region and It is located in the heart of Beirut’s city center. The first Christian temple ever built in the very location goes back to the mid sixth century AD and it’s closely associated with Beirut’s famous Law School. - Martyr’s Square - Martyrs’ Square is a square in the heart of downtown Beirut historically known as “Al Burj” or “Place des Cannons”. It is named after the 6 May 1916 executions by the Ottomans of some Lebanese nationalists ordered by Jamal Pasha during World War I. - Place de l’Etoile - Nejme Square, or Place de l’Étoile, is the central square in the Downtown area. It is home to the Lebanese Parliament and its complementary buildings, two cathedrals, a museum, and several cafes and restaurants. Most notable for it’s 1930 four four-faced Rolex clock and for its architecture, the square has become a recognizable icon of Beirut City worldwide. - Beirut Souks - Beirut Souks is a commercial district in Beirut City Center. With over 200 shops, 25 restaurants and cafes, an entertainment center, and a cinema complex. Beirut Souks is the largest and most diverse shopping and leisure area in Beirut. - Roman Baths - The Roman Berytus baths are The largest outdoor sight located in downtown Beirut. They were discovered in 1968-1969 and underwent a major renovation in the mid 1990. Roman Berytus had four major bath complexes and the first was created in the early first century under Augustus. The terrible Berytus earthquake that happed in 551 AD destroyed all the baths. Today, the Roman Berytus Baths reflects the ancient traditions of the site. One of the Baths is used as an artistic performance and concert space. - Beiteddine Palace - Beiteddine Palace or ‘House of Faith’ is a 19th-century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It hosts the annual Beiteddine Festival and the Beiteddine Palace Museum. Emir Bashir Chehab II, who later became the ruler of the Mount Lebanon Emirate, built the palace between 1788 and 1818. After 1840, the palace was used by the Ottomans as a government building. During the French Mandate it served as a local administrative office. In 1943, the palace was declared the president’s official summer residence. During the Lebanese Civil War it was heavily damaged. Parts of the palace are today open to the public while the rest is still the president’s summer residence. - Deir Al Kamar Municipality - Deir al-Qamar, meaning “Monastery of the Moon” is a village located south-east of Beirut and five kilometres outside of Beiteddine palace in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon. Deir El Qamar was the first village in Lebanon to have a municipality in 1864, and it is the birthplace of many well known personalities, such as artists, writers, and politicians. People from all religious backgrounds lived there and the town had a mosque, synagogue and Christian churches. In the year 1860, Deir al-Qamar was destroyed during the civil war between Druze and Christians during which the town was set ablaze. Napoleon III sent a French contingent to rebuild it, recalling France ancient role as protector of the Christians in the Ottoman Empire as established by a treaty in 1523. In 1864, Deir el-Qamar elected the first municipality in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire. The village retains a remarkable picturesque appearance with typical stone houses with red tile roofs. - Fakhreddine’s Mosque - Fakhreddine Mosque with its octagonal minaret is a mosque in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon. Built in 1493 and restored in the sixteenth century by Fakhreddine 1st, it is the oldest mosque in Mount Lebanon. - Saydet El Talle Church - The Church of Saidet et Tallé and translated as Our Lady of the Hill is one of the most important historical and religious sites in Deir el Qamar and dates to the 15th century. Monk Nicolas Smisaati built a church on the site over the ruins of an old Phoenician temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte that was later destroyed by an earthquake in 859. According to the Maronite Heritage web site, “the legend says that there was a Druze Emir in Baakline looking at the hill of Dar El Kamar. He saw a light coming out of the hill so he gathered his soldiers and ordered them to go in the morning and dig in the land. He said to them: ‘If you find an Islamic symbol, build a mosque. If you find a Christian symbol, build a church.” In the morning, the soldiers went and found a rock with a cross on it and under the cross there was the moon and venus. That was the sign that in the distant past there was a temple dedicated to the moon and venus and later it became a church.
What's Included
- All entrance fees included
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch provided
- English-speaking guide/driver
- Transport in an air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Make the most of your time in Lebanon on this small-group tour limited to just 15 people. Spending a full day exploring offers the opportunity to not only see the Beirut’s top sights, including the National Museum, but also to go outside and discover some of Lebanon countryside and explore the city of Deir Elkamar and the Beitddine Palace. This Lebanon full day tour includes all entrance fees and a good Lebanese Lunch.
Location
Pigeon Rocks in Raouche
Raouché
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(6 Ratings)
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Roam287105
Dec 29, 2023
Small-Group Tour to Beiteddine and Deir El Qamar - Awesome tour with just the best local guide named Hassane ! I enjoyed every second of it and would repeat it any time. What a pleasure to get so much insights into the history, culture, food and life here and around this beautiful country of Lebanon ❤️🇱🇧
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suspekan
Dec 26, 2023
A very complete day. - The driver, Albert, was waiting for us on time. After a very pleasant chat to get to know the three of us, we arrived at the Beiteddine hall.
The great weather helped us on the tour of the palace. We learned a lot of interesting facts and Albert was able to answer all the questions we had.
In Deir el Qamar, after a good meal, we visited several sites with stunning views.
The return trip went very well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gaby85
Jun 10, 2023
Visit to Deir El Qamar - With red tiled roofs, winding streets, and traditional stone houses, the village of Deir El Qamar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) epitomizes idyllic mountain charm. It also highlights the religious diversity in Lebanon, with a mosque, a church and a synagogue all taking residence in its main square. Enjoy a stroll around the village, starting in the historic main square, where jousting tournaments took place during the Crusades.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eirini_c
Feb 25, 2023
Recommended - Highly recommended! Natasha the tour guide was very informative and professional! Explained everything in detail and showed us all the major attractions!
Review provided by Viator
R8220irelainel
Oct 6, 2021
Amazing time with Beirut Daily Tours - We had a lovely day with Beirut Daily tours visiting 3 historical cities, Beirut, Beiteddine and Deir el Qamar. We where pickup from our hotel and we were the only ones on the Tour. Nice scenery and delicious lunch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alohagisele
Oct 24, 2019
More than an adventure - So happy to have seen Pidgeon rocks, especially in soft morning light for beautiful pictures. Deir El Qamar and Beiteddine palace were so very beautiful and I felt I was transported back in time. Had some amazing photos at the palace. And one of the best lunches ever which I haven't haven't experienced in other countries. This was my 2nd tour with this company and so pleased both times. A BIG thanks to our guide & driver Rabiye who got us back to our hotels safely during the protests. We couldn't finish the city tour bc of protests but so thankful to make it back into city!
Review provided by Viator
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