• Beirut - 8:30 AM — Departure from Beirut
  The guide meets the group at the hotel and travels south along the Mediterranean coastal highway towards Sidon.
• Crusaders Sea Castle - Sidon Sea Castle — 13th-century Crusader fortress on the water
  Situated on a small island just off the coast, linked to the shore by a narrow stone causeway with the Mediterranean on both sides. Originally built by the Crusaders, later taken by the Mamluks, and used by the Phoenicians 3,000 years before. The guide brings Sidon’s waterfront history to life from the castle ramparts.
• Sidon Souks - Sidon Old Souks — a living medieval market
  Stone-vaulted alleyways where spice merchants, goldsmiths, and artisan workshops have traded for centuries — authentic, unchanged, and worth exploring. The guide navigates the lanes with local expertise, sharing the stories behind the sights.
• Soap Museum - Saida - Soap Museum — the world’s only
  Sidon has been producing olive oil soap for over a thousand years, and this unique museum tells the complete story from olive grove to finished bar. Located in a beautifully restored khan in the old city, it is a fascinating and unexpected stop.
• Khan al-Franj - Khan el Franj — the Silk Road caravanserai
  Constructed in the 17th century by Emir Fakhreddine II for European merchants trading along the Silk Road — featuring wide arcaded courtyards, vaulted galleries, and carved stone facades. It is one of the finest Ottoman buildings in Lebanon.
• Al-Bass Archaeological Site - Tyre (Sour) — UNESCO World Heritage Site
  Al-Bass Archaeological Complex — Roman Tyre
  Enter through a triumphal arch that has stood for two thousand years. Walk the colonnaded street lined with sarcophagi from the ancient necropolis. Reach the Tyre Hippodrome — one of the largest ever built in the Roman world, accommodating 20,000 spectators on a 480-metre track. The guide provides historical and architectural context, making the scale of Roman Tyre truly comprehensible.
• Tyre - Lunch in Tyre — included
  Enjoy fresh Lebanese mezze and seafood at a local Tyre restaurant, just steps from the Mediterranean, with the ancient city as a backdrop. Fully included.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara - بازيليك سيدة المنطرة - Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara — where she waited
  Mantara means “the one who waits” in Arabic — Christian tradition holds that the Virgin Mary waited in a cave here while Jesus preached in Sidon below. The sanctuary has attracted pilgrims for centuries, revered by both Christians and Muslims. The basilica stands above the ancient cave, offering panoramic views over the southern Lebanese coast. A peaceful and moving conclusion to a day that began at a Crusader sea castle and covered 5,000 years of history.
• Beirut - Return to Beirut — approx. 5:30–6:30 PM
  Drop-off at the Beirut hotel — exploring the Phoenician, Crusader, Roman, and sacred south of Lebanon.

• Entry/Admission to Tyre Hippodrome (if option selected)
• Entry/Admission to Sidon Castle (if option selected)
• Entry/Admission to Sidon Soap Museum (if option selected)
• Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)
• Hotel Pick up & Drop off
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional Guide

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food or drinks unless specified

South Lebanon is home to three of the nation’s most captivating historical sites, all of which are explored in this expertly guided small-group tour, completed in a single, well-organized day trip from Beirut. Sidon, one of the world’s oldest cities, features a Crusader sea castle, a vibrant medieval souk, the unique olive oil soap museum, and a magnificent Silk Road caravanserai. Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the Al-Bass archaeological complex, offering a comprehensive view of Roman urban planning. Maghdouché, a revered hilltop sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims, is traditionally believed to be where the Virgin Mary awaited while Jesus preached in Sidon below. A knowledgeable guide weaves together the 5,000-year history of Phoenician, Roman, Crusader, and Islamic influences across these three cities. The tour includes lunch in Tyre and all entrance fees.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.