• Crusaders Sea Castle - Guests will be warmly greeted at their Beirut hotel at 8:15 am for an exciting day tour.

Travelers will delve into the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon, renowned for its significant religious, political, and commercial influence in the region, with habitation dating back to 4000 B.C. The first stop in Sidon is the Crusaders Sea Castle.

• Sidon Souks - Following this, between the Sea Castle and the Land Castle (“St. Louis” Castle), lie the historic Souks (markets) that have preserved their stunning architecture and commercial significance. Nearby, visitors can observe restoration work and small craft shops. The old Souk features vaulted alleys stretching 14 kilometers, and close to the Sea Castle is the charming vaulted souk of Sidon, where artisans continue their trades. At the souk’s edge is a traditional coffee house where men gather to enjoy narguileh (water pipe) and Turkish coffee. Fishermen sell their fresh catch at the market near the port, not far from the souk’s entrance. Upon entering el-Shakiriyya market, visitors will find Debbaneh Palace, accessible via a covered narrow stairway leading to the internal courtyard of this historic building, constructed in 1721. The building retains its Ottoman Arab architectural style.
• Musee du Savon - Next, travelers will visit a museum that traces the history of soap making in the region, showcasing its evolution and manufacturing techniques. A demonstration of traditional olive oil soap production will be provided, along with insights into the history of “hammam” (bath) traditions. The museum’s historical section displays artifacts discovered during onsite excavations, including clay pipe heads from the 17th to 19th centuries and pottery fragments. The museum is housed in an old soap factory built in the 17th century, with some parts believed to date back to the 13th century.
• The Great al-Omari Mosque - The Great Mosque, once the Church of St. John of the Hospitalers, features four walls of a rectangular building (recently restored to their original splendor) dating to the 13th century. Originally a fortress-like Crusader compound with its own chapel, it remains an impressive structure, especially when viewed from the seaside.
• Khan al-Franj - Khan El Franj is one of the many khans constructed by Fakhredine II for merchants and goods. This typical khan features a large rectangular courtyard and a central fountain surrounded by covered galleries. It was the center of economic activity for the city in the 19th century and also housed the French consulate.
• Our Lady of Mantara - After visiting Khan al Franj, travelers will proceed to the village of Maghdoucheh to visit Our Lady of Awaiting, a Melkite Greek Catholic Marian shrine and cave discovered in 1721. Visitors will explore the shrine, which includes a tower topped with a statue of the Virgin and Child, a cathedral, a cemetery, and a sacred cave believed to be where the Virgin Mary rested while waiting for Jesus.
• Tyre - The tour continues to Tyre, founded around 2750 BC according to Herodotus and the birthplace of Europa and the founder of Carthage, “Dido.” Travelers will explore its ancient north harbor, vibrant streets, and beaches on both sides of the city.
• Roman Hippodrome - The journey proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tyre, dating back to the 2nd century C.E. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman hippodromes of its kind in the Roman world. Travelers will walk through the horseshoe-shaped structure, approximately 480 meters long and 90 meters wide, which seated twenty thousand spectators who gathered to watch the thrilling sport of chariot racing.
• Al-Bass Archaeological Site - The Al-Bass site features a Byzantine road, a second-century triumphal arch, a Roman road with an aqueduct, and the remains of a second-century colossal structure.
• Lebanon Group Tours - Guests will be returned to their hotel.

• Brief Explanation about each Site
• Bottled water
• Experienced English Speaker Local Group Leader
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

• Lunch
• Gratuities

Explore in a full day with the best saving price for this tour ticket, the archaeological site of Sidon, Maghdoucheh & Tyre you will avoid the rush & eliminates the awkwardness of sharing a Big tour bus which give you more time to sight see. Moreover, you are free to create a customized itinerary keeping in mind the tour schedule. You will explore the highlights like the Crusaders sea castle, Sidon old souk, Soap Museum, the great Al-Omari Mosque, Our Lady of Awaiting, Cave, Roman Hippodrome and more.

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