Discover the scenic and historical city of Tripoli on a private day trip from Beirut. Explore the crusader castle, old souk, and seaside, with commentary from a driver. Learn about the city’s history and enjoy free time.
Discover the scenic and historical city of Tripoli on a private day trip from Beirut. Explore the crusader castle, old souk, and seaside, with commentary from a driver. Learn about the city’s history and enjoy free time.
- Tripoli - Known in Arabic as Ṭarābulus, Tripoli is a city and port located in northwestern Lebanon. Situated on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Abu Ali River, it is 50 miles (80 km) north-northeast of Beirut. Tripoli is an ancient city dating back to the Phoenician era and is one of Lebanon’s oldest cities, alongside Byblos, Tyre, and…
- Tripoli - Known in Arabic as Ṭarābulus, Tripoli is a city and port located in northwestern Lebanon. Situated on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Abu Ali River, it is 50 miles (80 km) north-northeast of Beirut. Tripoli is an ancient city dating back to the Phoenician era and is one of Lebanon’s oldest cities, alongside Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon. The city boasts 45 buildings, many from the 14th century, registered as historical sites. Twelve mosques from the Mamluke and Ottoman periods have survived. Secular buildings include the “hammam” or bathing-house, the souks, and the “khans,” which form a hub of various trades.
- Citadel Saint Gilles (Qal’at Sinjil) - Overlooking the city of Tripoli is the impressive Citadel of Tripoli, known as Qal’at Sinjil (Saint Gilles), which has undergone numerous renovations and changes throughout its history. Today, the castle features an octagonal Fatimid construction converted into a church by the Crusaders, some 12th-13th century Crusader structures, several 14th century Mamluke additions, and Ottoman additions from the 16th century. The current state of this vast fortress (140 meters long and 70 meters wide) is largely due to extensive restoration work by Mustafa Barbar Agha, the governor of Tripoli in the early 19th century.
- Al Mansouri Mosque - Initiated in 1294 and completed in 1315, the Great Mosque or Al Mansouri Mosque was constructed on the ruins of the 12th century Crusader cathedral of St. Mary of the Tower. Its spacious courtyard is surrounded by a vaulted prayer hall. Inside, elements of Western architecture from the old church are still visible, including the northern entrance and the Lombard-style bell tower, which was transformed into the minaret. The numerous foundation plaques and decrees inscribed in the Great Mosque not only provide information about the building but also offer insights into the daily life of the Mamluke period.
- Taynal Mosque - Taynal Mosque, an important mosque built in 1336 by Saif Ed-Dine Taynâl, stands on the site of a ruined Crusader church. The adjoining domed mausoleum contains the tomb of the founder. Some elements of the original structure were reused in the mosque, such as the two rows of granite columns with late Roman capitals, which stand in the middle of the first prayer hall. The entrance of the second prayer hall is a unique example of architectural decoration in Tripoli during the Mamluke era.
- Souk Al-Harajb - The souks of Tripoli are enchanting. They offer visitors a chance to step into a unique, bustling, and colorful world and gain insight into centuries-old traditions. Wandering through the souks with their lively passageways and small hidden alleys, filled with a variety of smells and a plethora of sounds and colors, is like entering a theater filled with fantastic characters, props, and stories. There are nine souks in total in Tripoli: Attareen, Bazerkan, Haddadin, Haraj, Kameh, Koundarjiyeh, Nahhasin, Samak, Sayyaghin. Besides the food souk, which offers plenty of fresh produce as well as meat, fish, and much more.
- Khan Al-Khayyatin - The Khayyatin Khan is part of the Tripoli Souks. It is a long rectangular building measuring about 40 by 80 meters with a covered central courtyard and shops on either side. As the name Khan al Khayyatin suggests, the khan housed and still houses tailors and other related trades such as needles, thread, sewing machines, etc.
- Tripoli Soap Factory Khan el masriyen - The Khan As Sabon (Soap Khan) was constructed at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Initially, it was intended to serve as a military barracks to garrison Ottoman troops and was purposely built in the center of the city to enable the pasha to control any uprising. It is a large rectangular structure with two-story arcaded corridors running around a fountain courtyard.
- Hammam Al Jadid - Hammam El-Abed is the only functioning hammam in Tripoli, likely built at the end of the 17th century. It features the typical pierced domes of Mamluke and Ottoman era public baths. The interior, with its cushions, central fountain, and traditional fittings, serves as a living museum.
- Hammam al-Jadid - Built around 1740 and known as the “New Bath,” Hammam Al-Jadid is the largest “hammam” in Tripoli. Although it has not been operational since the 1970s, its faded grandeur still captivates the imagination.
- Ezzeddine Hammam - Hammam Izzed-dine is a public bathing-house gifted to the city of Tripoli by its Mamluke governor ‘Izz ed-Dîne Aybak. The governor, who passed away in 1298, is buried in a mausoleum beside the hammam. The Hammam ‘Izz ed-Dîne was in continuous use until recently and is now undergoing restoration.
- Rachid Karami International Fair - Located on the grounds of the Tripoli International Fair (Rashid Karameh International Exhibition Center) in Lebanon, it is one of the five largest exhibition centers in the world. The 15 structures, designed by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1963, remain unfinished due to the project’s abandonment during the country’s civil war in 1975.
- Hallab 1881 - Since 1881, originating from Tripoli, Abdul Rahman Hallab has been a pioneer in the world of Lebanese sweets. Today, “Kasr El Helou” is considered one of Tripoli’s most renowned landmarks, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe.
- El Mina Port - Al-Mina is a coastal town in Tripoli. It occupies the site of the ancient Phoenician city of Tripoli and serves as the harbor city for modern neighboring Tripoli. It features nine islands, four of which have been declared natural reserves to support fish breeding and preserve their natural habitat.

- Tour Leader
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Comfortable Private Transportation
- Tour Leader
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Comfortable Private Transportation
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Experience the charm and history of this historic city without the hassle of renting a car on a day trip from Beirut. With a driver to guide the way, explore the coastal city of Tripoli and discover its attractions, including the crusader castle, the old souk, the seaside, and more, while enjoying informative commentary throughout the journey. Gain…
Experience the charm and history of this historic city without the hassle of renting a car on a day trip from Beirut. With a driver to guide the way, explore the coastal city of Tripoli and discover its attractions, including the crusader castle, the old souk, the seaside, and more, while enjoying informative commentary throughout the journey. Gain insights into the city’s history and enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your leisure.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.